Cuisine

Isaan

อาหารอีสาน

Sticky rice, lime, dried chilli and grilled meat — Lao-related cooking on the Thai side of the Mekong.

Isaan cooking is closely related to Lao food. National Thai restaurant culture exported som tam and larb without always naming the region.

Less coconut, more toasted rice powder, fish sauce, lime, and heat that should make you reach for sticky rice.

Countries and regions

Northeastern Thailand

Dishes

Source photograph of Som tam

Som tam

ส้มตำ

Isaan green papaya salad pounded in a mortar — lime, fish sauce, chilli, peanuts, and a crunch that should be loud.

20 minEasy🌶️🌶️🌶️

Source photograph of Larb

Larb

ลาบ

Isaan minced-meat salad — lime, fish sauce, toasted rice powder, herbs. Heat that wants sticky rice.

25 minEasy🌶️🌶️🌶️

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