VIENTIANE, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- The 2026 Lao Food Festival opened its doors on Monday along the scenic banks of the Mekong River in the Lao capital Vientiane, offering visitors a vibrant journey through the flavors, traditions, and craftsmanship of Laos.
The festival, held from Monday to Friday under the theme "Discover Laos Through Its Taste," features 180 stalls offering local dishes, desserts, drinks, handicrafts, and agricultural products. More than a culinary showcase, it is a celebration of Lao culture and a platform for women entrepreneurs to preserve traditional recipes, promote local ingredients, and share their creativity with the world.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chanthachone Vongsay, president of the Business Women's Association, said the festival aims to preserve and promote Lao food traditions, reflecting the lifestyle and spirit of the Lao people. She added that the event also celebrates Lao culture, highlights local ingredients, and introduces Lao cuisine to the wider ASEAN community.
For many people, the festival offers a valuable opportunity for both domestic and international visitors to immerse themselves in Lao culture and traditions through local cuisine.
Saychai, a resident of Vientiane, expressed her pride in the diversity of Lao flavors. "Each dish carries memories of family, festivals, and our way of life. Events like this allow visitors to experience the authentic spirit of Laos," she told Xinhua.
She added that the festival serves as an important platform to showcase unique local dishes and products to a wider audience. "Some traditional dishes are now difficult to find in everyday life, but here people can taste them again. This helps younger generations experience ancient Lao cuisine and preserve the charm of our local food," said Saychai.
Sharing a younger perspective, Keota, a 17-year-old student, described Lao food as exciting and full of character as many dishes have complex flavors, including sour, sweet, spicy, and even bitter.
"Some dishes I have never tried before, and this festival brings many interesting local foods together in one place. It's a great occasion," she added.
Keota encouraged more people, especially young people, to visit the festival to explore both traditional and ancient Lao dishes, describing the event as lively and enjoyable.
Meanwhile, Sonemany, a 51-year-old mother from Vientiane who regularly cooks for her family, highlighted the importance of passing down culinary traditions. She said teaching children how to cook and encouraging them to try various dishes, especially popular Lao favorites such as larb -- a minced meat dish seasoned with lime juice, fermented fish sauce, and herbs -- is one of the most enjoyable ways to preserve traditions across generations.
In addition, some participating businesswomen told the media that Lao cuisine is a valuable cultural heritage that should be preserved and passed on to future generations. They said the Lao Food Festival plays an important role in promoting Lao culture and traditions, especially the distinct cooking methods of different localities. ■
