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Tuesday, November 4, 2025
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Leaf-Wrapped Lao Snack Mieng Goes Viral in Vientiane

This Week

A traditional Lao snack has gone viral. Mieng, a leaf-wrapped delicacy, is experiencing a surge in popularity after a TikTok video showing crowds lining up to buy it captured the nation’s attention.

With the cluster fig season now underway, more people are discovering the snack’s unique flavors and fresh, local ingredients.

The latest craze, Mieng Mark Duea, features fillings wrapped in tender cluster fig leaves. Each portion combines cluster fig, winged bean, rice paddy herb, and wild betel leaf, all tied together with a fragrant lemongrass sauce that highlights the dish’s fresh taste.

Ouvanda Xayavong, known locally as Pun, runs a small fruit stall in Vientiane and is among those promoting this snack. Originally from Thakhek district in Khammouane, Pun shared her special sauce recipe, which she says is the key to the dish’s success.

Her sauce includes lemongrass, garlic, chilies, salt, sugar, and fermented fish, the more fish, the better the taste.

All the ingredients to mix together.
The sauce after mixing it all.

Pun explained, “We use fermented fish from my district. It gives a smooth, rich aroma. People love it not just for the taste but because we put our heart into it.”

Mieng is still a rare find in Vientiane, but word is spreading fast. Once people try it, they tell their friends, and soon everyone wants a taste. 

Customers say they can’t get enough of it, describing the flavor as deeply Lao, thanks especially to the savory note of fermented fish.

“This snack brings back memories of home,” said a 35-year-old customer. “The ingredients are simple, but the taste is very Lao. It’s a real Lao snack.”

A set of Mieng costs only LAK 20,000, and comes with cluster fig, winged bean, wild betel leaf, and a flavorful lemongrass sauce. Some customers like to add pork crackling for an extra layer of crunch and flavor.

The snack has won fans of all ages. High school students Taytay and Dumex said they enjoy the mix of salty, spicy, and slightly bitter tastes that make Mieng so addictive. 

With its fresh ingredients, distinctive flavors, and deep roots in Lao tradition, Mieng is quickly becoming a must-try snack in Vientiane.

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