Larb, the national dish of Laos, is on track to join UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list, with an official decision expected by the end of the year.
The traditional dish, also spelled Laab or Laap, carries profound meaning in Lao culture. Its name translates to “luck” and “wealth” in Lao, and families across the country prepare this dish to invite abundance into their homes.
The dish also plays a central role in weddings, birthdays, community ceremonies, and Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year), where its presence symbolizes hopes for prosperity and good fortune.
Larb typically consists of hand-minced meat, beef, pork, chicken, duck, or fish, either raw or cooked, seasoned with lime juice, fish sauce, and sometimes padauk, a fermented fish sauce.
The dish achieves its signature umami flavor through toasted rice powder (khao khua), shallots, mint, cilantro, and chili flakes. It is traditionally served with sticky rice and fresh vegetables such as green beans, lettuce, cabbage, cucumber, and spring onions.
In rural areas, where livestock may be limited, preparing Larb often marks a significant occasion, bringing families and neighbors together.
In early 2025, the Lao Business Women’s Association spearheaded the initiative, submitting the official proposal for Larb to UNESCO via the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
If approved, Larb would become Laos’ fourth UNESCO-recognized cultural element, joining Fonelamvong Lao (traditional dance, 2024), Naga motif weaving (2023), and Khaen music (2017).
Baci Ceremony
Laos has also submitted a nomination for the Su Khuan ceremony to be considered by UNESCO. However, the formal evaluation process has not yet begun.
Su Khuan, also known as the Baci ceremony, is a traditional Lao ritual held to restore spiritual balance and bring good fortune.
Rooted in animist beliefs and practiced alongside Buddhism, the ceremony centers on the idea that each person has 32 protective spirits, or khuan, that can leave the body during times of illness, travel, or major life changes.
During the ritual, elders chant blessings around a decorative offering arrangement called a pha khuan, and white cotton strings are tied around participants’ wrists to symbolize protection and unity.
Su Khuan is commonly performed at weddings, New Year, births, and other important milestones.


