It’s Fried Alright. But What’s Inside?
September 16th, 2008
Mixed Fried Bananas, Sweet Potatoes and Taro Root
Luang Prabang, Laos - Ever since sinking my teeth into a log of sweet fried dough and unexpectedly finding a cold hot dog at its center, I’ve been a little apprehensive about fried foods. Not that it’s stopped me much; my first bite is just a bit more tentative. It sometimes helps when something is battered and fried right in front of me, like the mix of fried bananas, sweet potatoes and carrots I had in Vientiane that were dredged in a rice flour and sesame seed batter, slipped into a wok of hot oil and removed when they were crispy and golden brown. I also got away unscathed in Luang Prabang snacking on fried dough rounds filled with a mixture shredded coconut and sugar, as well as little fried balls with jewels of sweet banana at their centers. Soldier on.
Frying a Mix of Bananas, Sweet Potatoes and Taro Root
Fried Dough with Shredded Coconut Center and a Sprinkling of Sesame Seeds
Fried Dough Balls with Banana Centers
For more pictures, click here.
September 17th, 2008 at 10:10 pm
I came across your blog while researching on Laos, which I’ll be going to in Dec this year.
Your information and pics on food will certainly come in handy
Thank you for your entries and keep up the good work!
September 18th, 2008 at 11:53 pm
Hi Julie,
I did a short trip to Laos, only stopping in Vientiane (for a new Thai visa) and Luang Prabang. I never quite got into Vientiane, but Luang Prabang was quite beautiful.
Also, I don’t have an entry on the Laos specialty of fried riverweed with a chili paste dip b/c my pictures were dreadful, but you should seek that out.
I’m going to ask some friends who did more extensive travel in Laos to comment here for you.
Good luck with your planning!
September 19th, 2008 at 12:21 am
Julie –
I traveled in northern Laos, which was lovely. Although it is a relatively small country, the lengthy bus rides make it seem larger, so I enjoyed staying in a smaller area for the two weeks I was there.
I recommend a briefer stay in Vientiane and then getting out into the provinces.
Luang Prabang is beautiful. Nong Khiew and Muang Ngoi Neua, which is one hour up the river from Nong Khiew are recommended.
And, in order to see the village life, a trek is in order. I heard that the treks in Luang Namtha is great. Hope that helps a bit.
Enjoy your travels and feel free to ask any further questions.
Best,
Natalie
September 19th, 2008 at 7:56 am
Hi Julie –
My wife and I just completed the one relatively well-beaten tourist path through Laos this summer… Starting at the Thai-Lao border at Houayxai and making my way down to Vientiane via Louang Prabang and Vang Viang.
We really enjoyed our time in Laos very much. If you have some specific places in mind and are looking for tips on places to stay/eat, feel free to e-mail me at mike [AT] larosa [DOT] com.