🏠 Home > 🗺️ Recipes > 🍷 Drinks > 🇱🇦 Laos Drinks > 🍷 Lao Iced Coffee (Kafe Lao) , Nam Oy (Sugarcane Juice) , Nam Dok Mai (Chrysanthemum Tea)
🍷 Classic Laos Drinks Recipes Passed Down for Generations
Introduction
When you think about Laos, your mind probably jumps straight to sticky rice, spicy salads, and savory soups. But there’s another side to Lao cuisine that often gets overlooked: the drinks. Lao beverages are more than just thirst-quenchers—they’re a reflection of tradition, family rituals, and even spirituality.
From soothing herbal teas to strong Lao iced coffee, Lao drinks carry stories that have been passed down through generations. They’re not overly complicated to make, but each one holds cultural significance.
In this article, we’ll dive into three beloved Lao drink recipes that you can try at home. They are:
1.Lao Iced Coffee (Kafe Lao) – strong, sweet, and creamy with a Southeast Asian twist.
2.Nam Oy (Sugarcane Juice) – refreshing, hydrating, and perfect for hot days.
3.Nam Dok Mai (Chrysanthemum Tea) – a soothing herbal tea with a subtle, floral sweetness.
Let’s raise a glass and explore the traditional beverages of Laos!
🔹 Recipe 1: Lao Iced Coffee (Kafe Lao)
About this Recipe
Coffee in Laos is a big deal, thanks to the fertile Bolaven Plateau that produces rich, flavorful beans. Lao iced coffee is strong, sweet, and creamy—similar to Vietnamese coffee but with its own twist. It’s usually brewed using a cloth strainer called a phin, then mixed with sweetened condensed milk and poured over ice.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 2 tbsp coarse Lao coffee (dark roast preferred)
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 tbsp sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- Ice cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Brew coffee: Use a coffee sock (or French press) to brew strong coffee with hot water.
2.Sweeten: Stir in condensed milk and sugar while the coffee is hot.
3.Serve: Fill a tall glass with ice, pour coffee over, stir gently, and enjoy.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t skimp on the coffee strength—Laos coffee is meant to be bold.
- Adjust sweetness to taste; some prefer less condensed milk.
- Use good-quality beans from Laos if possible—they have a distinct earthy flavor.
FAQ
Q: Can I make it without condensed milk?
A: Yes, but condensed milk gives the authentic creamy sweetness.
Q: Can I use instant coffee?
A: It works, but freshly brewed Lao beans give a richer taste.
Summary
Lao iced coffee is a delightful pick-me-up—strong, creamy, and refreshing all at once.
🔹 Recipe 2: Nam Oy – Sugarcane Juice
About this Recipe
On a hot day in Laos, few drinks are as satisfying as a tall glass of freshly pressed sugarcane juice. Known locally as Nam Oy, it’s naturally sweet, hydrating, and packed with minerals. Vendors often press sugarcane stalks through a machine right on the street, serving the juice chilled with ice and sometimes a hint of lime.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 2 stalks fresh sugarcane
- ½ lime (optional)
- Ice cubes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Prepare cane: Peel the outer layer of sugarcane.
2.Extract juice: Use a sugarcane juicer or crush with a heavy rolling pin. Strain to remove pulp.
3.Serve: Pour over ice, squeeze in lime juice if desired, and enjoy.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Always use fresh sugarcane; stale cane tastes sour.
- Don’t add too much lime—just a dash enhances flavor.
- Serve immediately; sugarcane juice can oxidize quickly.
FAQ
Q: Can I store sugarcane juice?
A: Best consumed fresh, but can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
Q: Is it healthy?
A: Yes, it’s hydrating and packed with electrolytes—great for hot climates.
Summary
Nam Oy is a refreshing natural energy drink—sweet, cooling, and perfect for tropical heat.
🔹 Recipe 3: Nam Dok Mai – Chrysanthemum Tea
About this Recipe
A common sight at local markets and restaurants, Nam Dok Mai is a light and fragrant tea made from dried chrysanthemum flowers. It’s known for its soothing properties and subtle, floral sweetness. This tea is often served cold with ice on hot days, offering a refreshing and calming experience.
Ingredients & Measurements
- 1 cup dried chrysanthemum flowers
- 4 cups water
- Sugar or honey to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1.Rinse flowers: Gently rinse the dried chrysanthemum flowers with cold water.
2.Brew tea: Bring water to a boil, then add the flowers. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 5–10 minutes.
3.Strain and sweeten: Strain out the flowers, then stir in sugar or honey while the tea is still warm.
4.Serve: Let it cool, then serve over ice for a perfect refreshing drink.
Tips & Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t boil the flowers for too long; it can make the tea bitter.
- Use a high-quality brand of dried chrysanthemum flowers for the best flavor.
- Adjust sweetness according to your preference.
FAQ
Q: What does chrysanthemum tea taste like?
A: It has a light, floral, and slightly sweet flavor with a delicate aroma.
Q: Are there any health benefits?
A: Yes, it's often used in traditional medicine for its cooling properties and to help with relaxation.
Summary
Nam Dok Mai is a simple yet elegant herbal tea that offers a taste of tranquility and tradition.
Final Thoughts
Lao drinks might not be as internationally famous as the country’s sticky rice dishes, but they are every bit as fascinating. Whether it’s the bold kick of Lao Iced Coffee, the refreshing sweetness of Nam Oy, or the soothing floral notes of Nam Dok Mai, these drinks offer a window into daily life and traditions in Laos.
The best part? Most of these recipes are simple enough to try at home, using ingredients you can find in local markets or online. So next time you’re craving something different, why not whip up one of these traditional Lao beverages? Who knows—you might just discover your new favorite drink.
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