The time has come to unbutton the pants. Although full, the temptation of dessert it too compelling to ignore. The extensive dishes included in the starters and main courses is enough to feel full for a couple days after. Yet no matter how much the tasting menu satiates, one can’t help but dig into every plate, amazed at the flavor dimensions, textures and innovative results. In the heart of Luang Prabang, Manda de Laos intertwines fine dining opulence with traditionally prepared and fresh ingredients. 

A ten minute walk from Luang Prabang’s lively night market lies three UNESCO classified lily ponds. Surrounding its tranquility is Manda de Laos, a Laotian family cuisine inspired restaurant, recognized as one of the top fine dining experiences in Luang Prabang. It holds homage to all of Laos’ diverse regions. From the specialty cocktails to the dishes which take day-long preparations, it can not get more traditional than that. If dining under the stars is not enough, guests can enjoy a picturesque display of lotus blossoms and lilies in the lit up ponds. The tropical ambience paired with the cultural experience creates a journey into the past which enriches the authenticity of the restaurant.

Founder, Toune Sisouphanthavong, cherishes her mother’s cooking, an aspect which flourishes at Manda de Laos. Born in 1930 in Luang Prabang, her mother, Phiew, grew up learning traditional Laotian dishes, as did all the young girls at the time. From growing her small business to raising her ten children, food was a focal point amidst all the chaos. Phiew passed on her knowledge of culinary delights to her children. This was the influential starting point for Toune and something which she wants to mirror at Manda de Laos. So much so that even the name of the restaurant embellishes the importance of generational cooking, holding true to ‘Maman Phiew’; Manda means ‘mother’ in Laotian. The culinary delights at Manda da Laos would not disappoint Toune’s mother. 

When traveling South East Asia, travelers will want to experience the culture by keeping their dining choices focused on traditional foods. After all, it is one of the best ways to get to know a culture. This may mean finding tiny open-air ‘restaurants’ where communication calls for hand gestures and pointing at the menu rather than using words. Alas, after all is said and done, a selection of flavorful plates come out which results in an exquisite meal. The secret is kept within the generational cuisine and traditional techniques within the country’s cultural gastronomy. The preparation is almost more important than assembling the cooked ingredients. From sourcing to marinating and letting the dish simmer for hours on end, Manda de Laos takes pride in following the steps exactly how they should be. 

Guests who choose to dine at Manda de Laos should opt for the tasting menu with a hearty appetite. The starters come out all at once in small portions which include Luang Prabang sausage, banana blossom with shredded chicken and a Lao style fish salad. In an unexpected turn of events, the hero was an eggplant-based sauce which can’t be helped but paired with everything. 

A ten-minute wait between the starters and main courses is a welcomed intermission. What follows is a parade of colorful plates as the aroma of the food enhances the appetite.  It is unclear where to start with. There is Laotian herb-marinated steamed fishes wrapped in banana leaves, chicken stew cooked with vegetables and Sakan wood, wok-fried Buffalo, sticky red rice and stir-fried seasonal vegetables. It is understandable that guests may need to take another break before the sweet ending of the coconut créme brûlée. Not to worry however, as there are wooden paths that go through the restaurant’s characteristic lily ponds to allow anyone to take a digestive stroll between dishes. 

There are numerous walkways which weave in and out of the main part of the restaurant. Lit up by small lights, the ponds create a serene backdrop during meal time. The authenticity is made even more prevalent by the flamboyant motifs and tropical-inspired decor. There are tables under the terrace and cushioned benches closer to the ponds for guests to choose from. Whilst the main part of the restaurant is under the stars, greenery is dotted around everywhere. The trees, lily ponds and blossoms would make anyone else think they are fine dining in an oasis in the middle of a tropical rainforest. 

Manda de Laos is a perfect location to watch the sunset in Luang Prabang. From the glistening light bouncing off the still water of the ponds to the soft swaying of the trees as a breeze comes by, only one thing is missing: a signature cocktail. The two-page menu consists of known cocktail ingredients as well as surprising blends. The Makphet Martini is made with gin, pineapple juice, syrup, lime juice, basil, and the star of the show, red chili. The end result is a tropical drink with just the right kick to accompany a traditionally Laos-spiced meal. For more subtle yet all-together flavorful drinks, their Honey Jungle cocktail is made with 12-year-old Chivas Regal, honey and kaffir lime. It is not a bad start to an intensely gourmet fine dining experience. 

Tradition is a priority at Manda de Laos. Seen first by the opening page of the menu which showcases the restaurant’s story and seen after by the delicate and cultural flavors which come out of the kitchen. A culinary experience does not come more complete than this one. The history, authenticity, innovative blends and serene atmosphere make Manda de Laos a tropical haven in the built-up town of Luang Prabang.