Where to Eat in Luang Prabang, Laos: 27 of the Best Restaurants (2024)

Foodies visiting Luang Prabang need look no further for a comprehensive list of the best places to eat in town for every palette. Here are the 27 best places to eat in Luang Prabang, Laos!

Luang Prabang is an unexpected foodie adventure waiting to reveal itself to any and every willing participant. Trust me! After living in the UNESCO Heritage town for three years, I became all too familiar with its many delicious eateries. There is a multitude of riverside cafés, hidden noodle shops, and surprise pizzerias throughout the town. Whenever I’m planning out an itinerary of exciting things to see and do, no matter where I am, I always include devouring delicious food somewhere throughout my sightseeing!

At first glance, Luang Prabang (often referred to as LPB) dining looks a little limited in comparison to other Asian destinations, particularly big cities across the continent. Look a little closer though and you’ll discover local cuisine staples like sticky rice, jeow bong, and pho are flavourful, as well as affordable. Beyond that, Luang Prabang has a wealth of non-Lao dining alternatives, from burgers and pizzas to Indian curries and Mexican-inspired plates.

I’ve compiled an ultimate list of my recommendations for where to eat, grab a cocktail, or find an iced coffee in Luang Prabang, Laos!

about food in laos ↴

Food in Laos, like most other places, varies from region to region. Traditionally, Lao food is eaten alongside sticky rice with your fingers and is usually eaten “family style”, meaning everyone sits together on the floor or on low stools and shares different dishes. Traditional food in Laos is dry, spicy, and some of my favourite in Southeast Asia.

Meat hasn’t always been widely available in Laos, so eating as a vegetarian is relatively easy; it’s vegans who may struggle. Meat is secondary to large portions of rice and veggies. Lao food is also very low in fat since any meat that is served is often grilled or steamed. People in Laos eat a lot of fish and chicken, which are more affordable to raise.

It’s also important to mention the impact of French colonization when we talk about food in Laos. The influence on the cuisine is all around. You’ll notice fresh baguettes, strong coffee, and gorgeous cakes and pastries on most café menus.

coffee, breakfast + brunch in luang prabang ↴

Saffron Coffee

It’s the story of Saffron Coffee, however, that makes me a happy café regular. The ethnic tribes living in the highlands of Laos were unable to grow typical farm crops. In order to generate some form of income, they grew copious amounts of opium until the government banned its production. Eventually, an agricultural researcher realized that the hill tribes were in the perfect location to grow coffee, and so Saffron was born. Saffron buys the entire coffee crop from these ethnic minorities in order to provide them with income and reinvest their profits to continue supporting the people of Laos. Saffron Coffee has more than just ethically-sourced espresso on the menu. Falafel wraps, gingerbread pancakes, paninis, and salads all await you in the Mekong Riverside café. I can personally attest to every vegetarian-friendly option on their menu being served fresh and tasting absolutely delicious {particularly the falafel}. Saffron has created quirky spins on classic café fare that honors its base in Laos while effortlessly infusing a Western kick— like, for instance, in the case of its coconut mango waffles.

Indigo House

While Indigo has a beautiful interior and serves its food like art…its prices are silly. Indigo’s prices are fairly steep, even by cafe standards. For instance, a bagel costs 10,000 LAK but, if you want butter, jam, or cream cheese, you have to pay an additional 10,000 LAK for each spread. Regardless, the quality of the product is high and everything I’ve ever had at Indigo is delicious. Indigo offers a bevy of vegan and gluten-free options, which I highly enjoy, however, it is still not quite on the plastic-free bandwagon that so many of Luang Prabang’s cafes have jumped on. Indigo is located right across the road from the sandwich stalls near the Library end of the main street.

Dao Coffee

I owe my love of Dao to Touk. While working away for the Women’s Empowerment Project, we’d often stop by Dao on our way to the girls’ learning center for a caffeine fix. I had never heard of Dao and this was truly shocking to Touk— we were in Laos after all, and Dao is the crème de la crème of Lao coffee. Interestingly, not many have heard of its beauty, and given its slightly off-site location just outside of the main town, it’s usually very quiet and nice. The coffees here are decent, and their signature iced mocha hits the spot on hot days.

Pasaneyom (ປະຊານິຍົມ) Coffee Shop

My absolute favorite cafe in Luang Prabang doesn’t have WiFi or newspapers to read. It doesn’t have an “Instagram aesthetic” to entice customers, and there isn’t air conditioning or a fan in sight. Pasaneyom Coffee Shop has a “local” feel that just cannot be beaten. It opens in the wee hours of the morning (5:00 AM) and closes by lunchtime (12:00 pm). In true Lao fashion, everyone here is super friendly. Pasaneyom is located right on the corner of Kitsalat Road and Khem Khon. Don’t miss the fried bread in a giant basket! Iced coffees are served with condensed milk (the Lao way) and the menus are entirely in Lao, but ask for a coffee and you’ll be served no problem.

Le Café Ban Vat Sene

Air-conditioning, attentive staff, and a wide selection of coffee and food make Cafe Ban Vat Sene a great place to escape a sticky afternoon in Luang Prabang. The WiFi is fast and fairly reliable, making this French-style café a great place to work. It’s located just off Sisavangvong Road. While the café itself feels incredibly upscale, it’s not terribly overpriced. There are up-to-date newspapers here from Vientiane, Bangkok, and even France (the Le Monde)! I felt like I was in heaven with a nice steaming pot of Lao coffee, a warm baguette, and the newspaper all in front of me.

Le Banneton Café (aka the French Bakery)

Laos’ historical connections to France are reflected in the delicious pastries at Le Banneton, a real French bakery that offers some of the best croissants I’ve had outside of France. I say that with extra confidence knowing that the large French expat population in Luang Prabang frequents Le Banneton and can be overheard catching up with one another in their native tongue just like they would on the streets of Paris. While the pastries are a hit, the traditional breakfast is why most people are regular here. There’s no WiFi, but there is a sparkling clean Western toilet and friendly Lao staff.

Joma Bakery

I try to stay away from sharing chain cafés or restaurants, but I make an exception for Joma thanks to it offering vegetarian dining options and its end-of-the-day discount on baked goods. Joma has two Luang Prabang locations: both on the main street, one near the post office and the other near the primary school and Wat Sene. The Joma near the post office has outdoor seating with fans to help beat the heat or comfortable indoor seating with full air-conditioning and plenty of charging sockets. Joma’s coffee is decent, but it’s their pastries that really make it a place of comfort.

Formula B

Formula B is relatively new on the Luang Prabang coffee scene. The aesthetic interior and funky details will draw you in, but it’s its main street location and air-conditioning that seems to really keep remote workers coming back for more. The staff here is super friendly, but seating is quite limited, so come early to avoid having your seat snatched by the hipster crowd.

Changkham Bakery

Affordable pastries accompany a long list of juices, smoothies, and coffees at this small bakery in Luang Prabang. If you’re looking for a decent breakfast at a reasonable price not far from the city center, Chankham is a great spot to start your day.

Brr

Trendy, minimalistic, and just generally aesthetic; Brr was made for coffee enthusiasts who thoroughly cherish the art of coffee. Here, baristas specialize in “slow coffee”, meaning pour-overs. Its outdoor, courtyard-style seating is an ideal zen setting for relaxing away from the noise of the main town. Design lovers will love the overall vibe of this place, which stands in stark contrast to its Ban Mano location.

lunch + dinner in luang prabang ↴

Joy’s Restaurant

Joy’s is located on the quieter side of Luang Prabang, away from the backpacker noise. Essentially Joy’s serves homemade Lao food from someone’s home. The classics are all there: laap, fried rice, spring rolls, and of course grilled fish from the river.

Noodle Soup Shop (no official name)

There isn’t an official name for the noodle soup shop that sits caddy corner from Popolo Cantina, but it is my go-to for homemade Lao food in Luang Prabang. You can find all the Lao classics here like noodle soup, fried rice, and laap. You’ll find the noodle soup place marked on the map below. It’s located across the road from Wisdom Mystery Guesthouse on the corner of Kounxoau Road and Phayameungchan Road.

Khaiphaen

Khaiphaen is a training restaurant, meaning the students serving you are studying hospitality in the hopes of working in the industry upon completion of their training and certification programs. The profits of every meal enjoyed at Khaiphaen are reinvested into student training programs and partnering NGOs. Named after a favorite Luang Prabang snack: river weed dried in the sun and sprinkled with sesame seeds.

Bamboo Tree Garden Restaurant

Bamboo Tree Garden is located near the Red Cross massage parlor and feels extra hidden away. It sits down an unpaved alley across from Wat Visoun, where there are a number of guesthouses. A hand-painted sign and Lao music signal that you’ve arrived at the correct location. Tables and chairs sit unevenly near the outdoor kitchen where your food is prepared. Come here for an “off the beaten path” experience and classic Lao favorites at an affordable price.

Taj Mahal

At the Taj Mahal you can expect great Indian food served at a reasonable price. While aesthetically it might be lacking, what the kitchen serves up certainly isn’t. This is now the second Indian food restaurant in Luang Prabang and, while we are typically Nisha’s regulars, Taj has a great reputation for friendly service and great food that makes me happy to recommend it.

Atsalin

Ask any Lao local in Luang Prabang where to find their favorite meal, and they will all say Atsalin. It’s the kind of place that Anthony Bourdain would have eaten. Most tourists wouldn’t be able to find it, and, even if they did, they might be a little weary of the look of the place. The kitchen at Atsalin sits out front of the restaurant and so does the bucket sink where the dishes are washed. A cat is usually roaming between the street and the kitchen, eagerly waiting underneath a bench for the cook to drop some of their famous marinated meat. In truth, it doesn’t get more Lao than Atsalin, and anyone in Luang Prabang who hasn’t eaten here hasn’t had the full experience. Dishes run around 20,000 LAK, and they are served in heaping portions, making Atsalin great value for your money.

Two Little Birds

I’ve mentioned this spot in my café guide to Luang Prabang, but it’s worth listing twice. Two Little Birds is a family-owned eatery near the Amantaka Hotel. Every single item on the menu is outstanding, and I made my way through most of the menu during my month back in Luang Prabang. The Pink smoothie bowl is my favorite lunch on a hot day, though the Green Curry is also fantastic. Try the Red and Black Bean bowl if you’re wanting something savory. Two Little Birds gets very busy, as it’s massively popular with tourists and expat locals alike, so be patient with the family who owns and operates the small restaurant. It’s best to go for an early or late lunch.

Nisha’s Indian Restaurant

Nisha’s Indian Restaurant is the perfect place for delicious curries at decent prices. The fluorescent lighting and metal tables in the restaurant might look a little less than appealing, but don’t be put off by a lack of millennial pink paint and shameless Instagram marketing— the food here speaks for itself. The staff at Nisha’s are super friendly, especially if you visit every once and a while and give them a smile. Their menu is vegetarian friendly and I highly recommend the Aloo Mutter with Garlic Naan and a Big Beer Lao. All up it will cost you 34,000 LAK and you will leave full— you have my word!

The Farm Table

If you’re willing to spend a bit more, and particularly if you are willing to travel outside of the main city, The Farm Table is a great spot for lunch or dinner. The food here is organic, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. Located along the Nam Khan River approximately 20 minutes from the town center, The Farm Table is an oasis. Dining here means eating enveloped in nature, from the farm-grown ingredients in every dish to the bamboo forest surrounding the restaurant. Don’t skip the Spicy Bean Salad— I’m still drooling over it.

Buoang

A beautiful eatery with vibrant decor and an intimate ambiance, Buoang is the perfect place for date night. In fact, it is one of our favorite places to treat ourselves to Asian and French fusion cuisine when we felt like getting all dolled up and strolling down Main Street. Colorful decorations and vintage posters hang from the exposed brick walls. A mural covers one entire side of the café, and the music is a mix of French jazz and upbeat tunes. Overall, the menu and the environment combine for a fun fusion dining experience. I highly recommend the Gnocchi Green Curry for first-timers.

The Fat Cat

This hidden gem serves up the closest thing to Mexican cuisine you’ll find in Luang Prabang now that Amigo’s has (very sadly) closed. Located over the motorbike bridge near My Dream Boutique Resort, The Fat Cat is ultimate “dive” vibes, with dim lighting, limited seating, and a “regulars only” kind of atmosphere. The vegetarian burrito here was ultra spicy and out-of-this-world delicious.

Popolo Cantina

Popolo is possibly one of the most photo-worthy eateries in Luang Prabang. Serving woodfired pizza, Spanish tapas, and a bevy of cocktails, Popolo has quickly made a name for itself. If you don’t fancy a feed, go for the low-light and industrial-style bar. Outdoor seating in a courtyard lit with twinkly string lights and rattan chairs make this place extra dreamy. I would also personally recommend a mocktail if, like me, you’re avoiding alcohol to fix up your skin. The lime, guava, and soda water concoction I had was AMAZING.

Secret Pizza

Secret Pizza is no real secret. In fact, it’s the most famous place for pizza in Luang Prabang. Tourists have all heard of the Italian-owned-and-operated pizza place hidden away in Luang Prabang’s outskirts. Its popularity makes sense given the perfectly cooked woodfired crust, the imported cheese and sauce, and the blend of spices and toppings. Secret Pizza does deliver, which is good for those who might want to spend a night inside their beautiful Luang Prabang hotel or eco-resort. I prefer the pizza at Pizza Phan Luang, but I do think Secret Pizza is top-notch and well worth the expense for a little slice of Italy on your plate.

Pizza Phan Luang

Pizza Phan Luang is my absolute favourite pizza in the city. Candlelight tables in the back garden of the owners’ home provide seating for a limited amount of people and the crackle of the wood-fire oven is the accompanying soundtrack for a special evening out. A Canadian man and his wife, It is entirely possible that part of my adoration for this place is that it’s a special occasion when I eat here: a fancy date night or a celebration of a project completed.

Opera House

Opera House is owned by Phout and Marco, two friends of mine who run multiple eating establishments around town. Opera House has recently rebranded and now serves up Mediterranean-style food, including chicken kebabs and a falafel board. The falafel comes drizzled in a traditional Lebanese sauce akin to Tahini, made by a Lebanese chef. Luke said the chicken kebabs were the best he’s ever had and we both left Opera House with fuller stomachs and emptier wallets.

Maolin Tavern

Maolin Tavern is a new-ish bar and restaurant in Luang Prabang that’s frequented by expats in need of a unique environment to have a beer {or two} and grub down. The food is sort of a strange combination of some Lao snacks but Western dishes like steak, mussels, and cheese boards. Usually, I avoid places that do too much as it’s usually a sign they don’t specialize in anything, but everyone who goes to Maolin, myself included, enjoys the atmosphere and the food. There’s a special on every day of the week, so be sure to pop your head in and look at the deals on their board near the bar!

Yuni Yupoun

Yuni Yupon is a funky little spot with cuisine from “here and there.” Mezze platters, iced coffees, and vegetarian burgers all sit on the menu alongside classic Lao fare like eggplant dip and laarp. This is another main street eatery that is frequented by expats but don’t let that put you off. The food here is fantastic, as is the atmosphere.