how to make Laos Sandwich (Khao Jee)

How to make Khao Jee (Laos Sandwich) - delicious and easy by the Luang Prabang main road

Hello, I'm mr.hotsia. Today, I'll take you to discover a tasty treat that I tried and learned to make fresh from the morning walking street of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city in Laos. This place is not only amazing for its nature and temples but also for simple breakfast foods likeKhao Jeeor what many call in Thai style the “Laos Sandwich.” I can say the taste and preparation are unique and very charming.

Khao Jee in Luang Prabang is completely different from the Khao Jee we know in Northeastern Thailand because here they use a long French baguette as the base to make a sandwich. I saw the friendly Laotian vendors making it and wanted to share the story.

Starting with bread and Jaew Bong

The highlight of Luang Prabang Khao Jee is the spread ofJaew Bongwhich is a Laotian chili paste with a rich flavor, slightly sweet, a bit salty, and moderately spicy. Unlike the Jaew Bong from Northeastern Thailand, Luang Prabang’s Jaew Bong resembles our chili paste but has a distinctive aroma of spices. If anyone has triedLaotian food from Ban Tha Suangyou might get the idea.

The vendors take the crispy outside, soft inside French baguette and spread it generously with Jaew Bong, which acts as the main sauce to enhance the sandwich’s flavor.

Adding simple but complete side ingredients

After spreading the Jaew Bong, they add plenty of side ingredients starting with thinly sliced cucumber for freshness and crunch, followed by softly boiled shredded egg, and Laotian-style pork sausage strips. When bitten, all these blend perfectly. They also add ketchup to give a sweet and tangy touch to this Khao Jee recipe.

The final step is wrapping it simply in paper. Some vendors cut the bread into two pieces for convenience, but some keep it as a long baguette, which I prefer because you get a full bite and can enjoy the fragrant morning bread aroma all around.

Morning atmosphere with Khao Jee by Luang Prabang walking street

After tasting this Khao Jee recipe, I strolled along the quiet morning walking street, which is lively at night. Right in front of Wat Mai, a popular photo spot for tourists, not far from the Khao Jee stall. Eating this warm, flavorful Khao Jee felt like recharging to continue exploring Luang Prabang.

This city has more than 24 temples gathered in this charming small town. I walked around visiting temples, taking photos of the atmosphere, and experiencing the local Laotian lifestyle closely before heading back to my accommodation at Coffee Joma Alley, a budget-friendly but quality place near the post office, close to the market and walking street.

To truly experience Luang Prabang, you must try this Khao Jee recipe

The pork sausage used in Khao Jee is tender with a unique Laotian aroma. Combined with Jaew Bong, the heart of the flavor, Luang Prabang’s Khao Jee is very different from the ordinary sandwiches we know. If you have a chance to visit Laos, especially Luang Prabang, don’t forget to try this Khao Jee. I guarantee you’ll love it as much as mr.hotsia does.

If you enjoy morning market vibes and street food like this, I have also written about the morning market and Laotian food in the Philippines. Check it out atExploring the Morning Market and Eating Laotian Food in the PhilippinesAnd if you like raw Mekong river cruises in Laos, don’t miss the articleMekong River Cruise in Laos 1: Rafting Adventure into the Deep Forestwhere I share stories about authentic Laotian community life.

Capturing memories and updating trips with mr.hotsia

I, mr.hotsia, film and upload information quickly right after traveling. If you want to follow fresh Laos trips or see detailed Khao Jee making, check out my YouTube video athow to make Laos Sandwich (Khao Jee)where you can see the real steps and atmosphere from Luang Prabang.

I hope mr.hotsia’s story helps everyone get to know Laotian Khao Jee better. And if you visit Laos next time, don’t forget to find Khao Jee on Luang Prabang’s walking street. It’s simply delicious and very satisfying!