Bamboo shoot, pork and bitter herb soup at Minority Restaurant
Eating options in Luang Namtha are decent, but pretty much all restaurants serve the same menu of Lao, Thai and ersatz Western dishes at the same prices. Be aware that many restaurants in northern Laos find it cheaper (and perhaps easier) to employ Chinese cooks.
The night market is a good choice if you want to try something new after being on Phat Thai and Sticky Rice for a while. Lao market traders are learning that westerners readily buy their prepared meals, and so there is an option to supplement household income (when the rice paddy isn't otherwise consuming their time). The range on offer runs from soups, Laab, BBQ chicken, beer, good Lao coffee, and various fruits. During daytime, the good Lao food is always on offer at the 'normal' daytime market (opp. Sawngthaew bus station).
Alternatives to the western oriented restaurants include:
Coffee House. Open eatery with a comprehensive Thai Menu, lattes and cappuccinos, great fruit shakes, plus friendly atmosphere.
Minority Restaurant. One of the few options that stands out in any way, this little joint is run by a husband and wife from the Black Tai (Tai Dam) tribe and specializes in tribal cuisine, with Tai Dam, Akha and Lisu dishes on offer. Of course the menu also covers banana pancakes, French fries and other dishes for the western palate. Minority restaurant has the only selection of truly vegetarian and vegan selections in town (many dishes can be requested dairy/meat-free), and (as MSG is a standard ingredient in most Laos dishes/restaurants), Vanxian, the owner, boasts "No MSG" in their dishes. Located a short walk from Zuela Guest House.
Papaya Restaurant. Excellent Lao food, MSG free, some of the best milkshakes and very friendly staff.
Aysha Indian Restaurant. (Formerly Yamuna Restaurant)Offers good northern and southern India food as well delicious Indian breakfasts. A good alternative if you want to get a respite from Lao food. Owner is an Indian from Tamil Nadu who married a local Lao. 20 000-40 000 kips per person.
Panda Restaurant. Just a 2 minute walk away from the main area of town, with a nice second floor patio with views over rice paddies. It has a friendly owner and good food that's not overpriced. Make sure to try their fruit shakes as they are the biggest in town.
Rambo Fusion. Just behind Panda Restaurant, next to the pond, but you have to walk around via the main street. Delicious Korean BBQ, popular with locals. A Portion (30000-50000 kip) serves 2 people.
A few steps away from Aysha Indian Restaurant (on the same row) there are two Chinese restaurants which are operated by Chinese who speak little English. There is no menu and you can only order by selecting your dishes in their kitchen. Dishes are a bit oily and the serving style is either plain or spicy. The taste is OK and the pricing is far better than at the restaurants in town.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Luang Namtha
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Luang Namtha - updated May 2024
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