What to Eat and Drink

Here are some of the most popular foods to try in Houay Xai:

• Laap: This is a classic Lao dish that's not to be missed. It's made with minced meat (usually chicken, pork, or beef), mixed with spices, herbs, and lime juice. The meat is typically served raw or slightly cooked, and it's packed with flavor. Laap is often served with sticky rice, which is a staple food in Laos.
• Khao Soi: Another must-try dish in Houay Xai is khao soi, which is a type of noodle soup that's popular in Northern Thailand and Laos. The soup is made with chicken or beef broth, egg noodles, and is topped with crispy noodles, herbs, and lime. It's a comforting and filling dish that's perfect for a chilly day.
• Tam Mak Hoong: If you like spicy food, you'll love tam mak hoong. This dish is a spicy papaya salad made with shredded green papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, chili peppers, and lime juice. It's a refreshing and spicy side dish that pairs well with grilled meat or fish.
• Mok Pa: This is a Lao dish that's made with fish fillets mixed with spices, herbs, and vegetables, then wrapped in banana leaves and grilled over charcoal. The result is a flavorful and aromatic dish that's packed with bold flavors.
• Beer Lao: If you're looking for a refreshing drink to pair with your meal, try Beer Lao. It's a popular local beer that's made with rice, and it has a light, crisp taste that's perfect for hot weather.
• Lao Coffee: Laos is known for its delicious coffee, which is often made with locally-grown beans. The coffee in Houay Xai is typically served with condensed milk and ice, and it's a perfect pick-me-up on a hot day.
• Sai Oua: This is a type of Lao sausage that's made with minced pork, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, and chili peppers. It's a flavorful and spicy sausage that's perfect as a snack or as part of a larger meal.
• Fresh Fruit: Laos is known for its delicious tropical fruit, and you can find a variety of fresh fruits in Houay Xai. Try mangosteen, dragon fruit, papaya, and mango for a refreshing and healthy snack.
• Lao Whiskey: If you're looking for something stronger than beer, try Lao whiskey. It's a local spirit that's made from rice, and it has a distinctive flavor that's best enjoyed on the rocks or mixed with soda.
• Fruit Shakes: For a refreshing and healthy drink, try a fruit shake. You can find shakes made with a variety of fruits, including mango, pineapple, and banana. They're perfect for hot days and are a great way to cool down after a spicy meal.

Where to Eat and Drink

Daauw Home Restaurant

Daauw Home Restaurant is a popular dining spot in Houay Xai. It is known for serving delicious Lao and Western dishes in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant is owned and operated by a local family who are passionate about food and hospitality. They use fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create their dishes, which are prepared with care and attention to detail. Some of the popular dishes at Daauw Home Restaurant include laap (a minced meat salad), tam mak hoong (spicy papaya salad), and khao soi (a Northern Thai and Lao coconut curry noodle soup). They also offer a range of vegetarian options.

Dream Bakery

The main-street cafe is a delightful destination for indulging in homemade desserts such as apple pie, pecan pie, and blueberry pie. Additionally, coffee enthusiasts will appreciate the top-notch Gaggia machine, and the cafe also serves a diverse selection of breakfast items, snacks, and sandwiches. It's worth noting that a portion of the profits generated from the cafe is directed towards supporting child education in Bokeo Province.

Terrasse Restaurant

Located near the staircase leading to Wat Jom Khao Manilat, this serene hilltop location provides an opportunity to indulge in delectable Lao cuisine made with locally-sourced ingredients that are cooked to perfection. In addition to some popular international dishes, guests can enjoy a comfortable seating arrangement with plush cushions and a mesmerizing view of the Mekong River as the sun sets in the background. It's an ideal spot for a leisurely and unhurried dinner experience, and the set menu comprises a soup, a main course, and fresh fruit.

Riverview Cafe

Despite its dilapidated rattan ceiling and peeling walls, Riverview Cafe (also known as Muang Ner) is a bustling eatery that attracts a crowd. Take note of the enticing scents emanating from the kitchen as you wait for a table, and soon enough, you'll be savoring delicious wood-fired pizzas, burgers, stir-fries, soup noodles, and the flavorful láhp.

Bar How

Bar How exudes a mysterious and moody ambiance with its display of antique muskets and traditional rice-paddy hats. At night, the establishment is adorned with a line-up of personally brewed lòw-lów, a rice wine infused with various flavors like blueberry and lychee, creating a resemblance to an old-fashioned apothecary from the Victorian era. The menu offers a selection of dishes such as pizza, steak, and spring rolls, with main courses ranging from 30,000K to 60,000K. Unfortunately, the service can be slow, and patrons may have to actively seek out assistance from the staff.

Mingmeaung Restaurant

During the daytime, Mingmeaung Restaurant may not catch your eye, but as the night descends, the sizzling aroma of the barbecue in front lures both locals and tourists. For a taste of Lao-style cuisine, try the mouth-watering grilled sausage packed with herbs and chilies, paired with sticky rice. The stir-fry is another excellent option, as it offers a sizable portion for a mere 30,000 kip. If you're new to Lao food, the steaming bowl of noodle soup can serve as a perfect introduction. Various noodle joints open early in the morning or for lunch, and they serve Northern Lao-style khao soi, which is distinct from the Thai version, as well as pho or khao piak, made with chewy fresh rice noodles.