WHERE TO EAT The best Tam maak hoong in the world (according to food experts)

"At Han Sam Euay Nong or Three Sisters (Rue Chao Anou), opposite Wat Chan's gilded gate, the tam mak hoong (papaya salad) is the real deal."

"The papaya salad is also good because I hate uncooked long beans and Reunion’s version omitted them. There was good use of vegan shrimp paste to replace the fish sauce."

"Charming atmosphere in which to appreciate Laos dishes such as vegetables in fish sauce – all complemented by a decent wine list."

"Order the papaya salad and watch the sun set over Thailand."

"I reckon their tam maak hung (papaya salad), served here with tiny crispy tomatoes and even tinier freshwater shrimp, is the best version of the dish I've encountered yet in Laos."

"Excellent regional dishes like spicy green papaya salad. More so than being a delicious restaurant, however, Khaiphaen is an impressive social enterprise."

"Similar to Thai Papaya Salad, however, not as spicy and sliced pork is added. The pork is tender and juicy and adds a lovely meat addition to the classic vegetarian dish."

"13 D.C. Restaurants Perfect for Spicy Food Lovers: Thip Khao - Just about anything from this restaurant's jungle menu will satisfy heat-seekers, but the tam muk houng phet phet is especially spicy. This Lao papaya salad made with an assortment of Thai chile peppers, shredded green papaya, fish sauce, cherry tomatoes, lime, shrimp paste, crab paste, and dried shrimp packs a whole lot of funky flavor."