Laos
Laos has a distinctive and growing coffee culture, heavily influenced by its French colonial past and its position as a significant coffee producer, particularly on the Bolaven Plateau. While traditional methods reign supreme, modern cafe culture is also flourishing, especially in urban areas like Vientiane and Luang Prabang.
Here are the different ways to order coffee in Laos and what's in them:
Traditional Lao Coffee (Kafe Lao):
This is the quintessential Lao coffee experience, often found in roadside "coffee bars" (small kiosks) and local eateries. It's typically made with strong Robusta beans, although Arabica is also grown and used.
Kafe Yen (ກາເຟເຢັນ - Iced Coffee): This is by far the most popular way to drink coffee in Laos.
What's in it: Strong, dark-roasted coffee (often brewed using a "sock" filter – a cloth filter bag that steeps the coffee) is mixed generously with sweetened condensed milk and sometimes a small amount of evaporated milk or creamer. This sweet and creamy concoction is then poured over a substantial amount of ice.
How to order: "Kafe Yen." If you want it less sweet, you can try "mai wan" (not sweet) or "wan noy neung" (a little sweet), but be prepared for it to still be quite sweet by Western standards.
Kafe Hon (ກາເຟຮ້ອນ - Hot Coffee): The hot version of the traditional Lao coffee.
What's in it: The same strong, dark-roasted coffee brewed with a "sock" filter, mixed with sweetened condensed milk (and sometimes evaporated milk) and served hot.
How to order: "Kafe Hon."
Kafe Dam (ກາເຟດໍາ - Black Coffee): Less common than the milky versions for traditional Lao coffee, but available.
What's in it: Strong, black coffee brewed traditionally (often with the sock filter) and served without milk. Sugar may or may not be added.
How to order: "Kafe Dam." If you want it black and without sugar, you might specify "Kafe Dam mai sai nam tan" (black coffee, no sugar).
Kafe Nam Nom (ກາເຟນ້ຳນົມ - Coffee with Milk): This refers to coffee with fresh milk, rather than condensed milk. It's becoming more common in places influenced by modern cafe trends.
What's in it: Brewed coffee with added fresh milk.
How to order: "Kafe Nam Nom."
Modern Cafe-Style Coffees (Widely Available in Urban Areas):
In cities, especially in popular tourist areas, you'll find cafes that offer a full range of international coffee preparations, similar to what you'd find in Europe or North America. These are typically made with espresso machines.
Espresso (ກາເຟອີສເປຣສໂຊ - Kafe Espresso): A concentrated shot of coffee, the base for many other drinks.
Americano (ອາເມຣິກາໂນ - Americano): Espresso diluted with hot water.
Cappuccino (ຄາປູຊິໂນ - Cappuccino): Espresso with steamed milk and a thick layer of foam.
Latte (ລັດເຕ - Latte / ກາເຟລັດເຕ - Kafe Latte): Espresso with a larger proportion of steamed milk and a thin layer of foam.
Mocha (ໂມຄາ - Mocha): Espresso, steamed milk, and chocolate (syrup or powder), often topped with whipped cream.
Flat White (ແຟລັດ ໄວທ໌ - Flat White): Espresso with velvety steamed milk, less foam than a cappuccino, offering a stronger coffee taste.
Iced Latte (ລັດເຕເຢັນ - Latte Yen / ກາເຟລັດເຕເຢັນ - Kafe Latte Yen): Espresso poured over ice and topped with cold milk.
Cold Brew (ໂຄລດບຣູ - Cold Brew): Coffee steeped in cold water for an extended period, resulting in a smooth, less acidic concentrate.
Frappe (ຟຣາບເປ - Frappe): Blended iced coffee drinks, often with ice, milk, syrup, and sometimes whipped cream.
Key Features of Lao Coffee:
Beans: Laos primarily grows Robusta beans, known for their strong, bold flavor and high caffeine content. Arabica is also cultivated, particularly on the Bolaven Plateau, and is used for higher-quality and specialty coffees.
Brewing Method: Traditional Lao coffee is often brewed using a "sock" filter – a cloth filter bag that coffee grounds are placed into, and hot water is poured over. This method produces a strong, somewhat thick brew.
Sweetness: Traditional Lao coffee tends to be very sweet due to the generous use of sweetened condensed milk. If you prefer less sweetness, remember to specify "mai wan" (not sweet) or "wan noy neung" (a little sweet).
Roadside Stalls: Don't hesitate to try coffee from the numerous small roadside coffee stalls or "coffee bars." They offer an authentic and delicious experience.
When ordering, knowing a few basic Lao phrases for coffee (as listed above) will enhance your experience, although in tourist-heavy areas, English is often understood.
*The content in this document was generated using artificial intelligence, drawing from various online sources, and subsequently refined for accuracy and conciseness in 2025. Users are advised to consult multiple sources to corroborate information and should not rely solely on this document for comprehensive research.