Somchanh Restaurant

Lonely Planet review

This simple but pleasant outdoor place near the cluster of guesthouses in Ban Wat That serves a large selection of Lao and Luang Prabang dishes, including the best choice of vegetarian Lao food in town. Dining areas are divided between tables on a slight bluff near the kitchen and seating across the road on the riverbank.

Other local Luang Prabang delicacies include phák nâm, a delicious watercress that's rarely found outside the Luang Prabang area, and khái pâen, dried river moss fried in seasoned oil, topped with sesame seeds and served with jąew bąwng . Khào kam, a local red, sweet, slightly fizzy wine made from sticky rice, is abundantly and inexpensively available by the bottle in Luang Prabang. It can be good or bad depending on the brand.