Taking the Scenic Route
Dining Out Lao-Style
Do I like Asian food? Well, yes, in principle, though it does get rather monotonous after a time. Here at the zoo and animal sanctuary we are fed well. At every meal there is rice, and stir-fried veggies, and chicken .... at every meal. Occasionally, we get some leaves fried in tempura batter, which are actually very nice. Even so, it’s boring!! So, last week we went out to a nearby restaurant to sample the local cuisine.
The site was idyllic, overlooking the river and facing west towards the sunset. Shame we got there a bit too late. One then sits on beanbags or cushions at low wooden tables. The main kitchen is across the road, but the hosts ferry beers and food across with great efficiency.
The restaurant, called ‘Hot Pot’, is aptly named for the cuisine and its cooking method. First, a shallow dish of water is brought, then a clay pot containing red hot coals. Next a small cauldron shaped pot of boiling water sits on top to cook the food. This comprises wafer thin slices of beef or pork (whoopee, not chicken!!!) and an assortment of leafy greens and tiny mushrooms. Finally, there’s an egg to break into the boiling water. Leave it all to bubble for a few minutes, then fish out the contents and enjoy!
The meal concludes by drinking the flavoured cooking broth. Sides of spicy pork, or papaya salad, or even shrimps from the river are available too.
My whole dinner, including drinks, came to just 50,000 Lao Kip – that’s a little over five dollars US. The living here is certainly cheap. Hot Pot is popular with locals too.
20 Nov 2019
