Jaew bong

A favorite of both Lao natives and visitors alike, jaew bong is a spicy variety of a traditional dipping sauce (jaew) that accompanies most Lao dishes. This particular variety is the signature relish of the former royal capital of the Kingdom of Laos (pre-1975) - Luang Prabang.

The city itself is also referred to as the culinary capital of the country, as the best native chefs were hired to cook for the king. Jaew bong has an intensely sweet, aromatic, and spicy flavor profile that can be adjusted for heat, depending on the recipe and personal preference.

The traditional ingredients are dried red chili peppers, garlic, shallots, galangal, coriander leaves, and dried water-buffalo skin. Nowadays, the recipes often also include dried shrimp, palm sugar, and fish sauce. It is typically used in small quantities and paired with relatively bland-tasting dishes such as sticky rice and steamed vegetables.