Urenu Nakhon Liquor (2014)

Urenu Nakhon Liquor: Local Flavor from the Heart of the Phu Thai People

My latest journey, Mr.Hotsia, to the Mekong riverside land in the province ofNakhon PhanomEspecially in Renu Nakhon district, where I experienced the authentic local liquor culture known as “Lao U” or commonly called “Dud U” by locals. It is the traditional liquor of the original Phu Thai people who have long inhabited this area.

Lao U is not just a drink but part of the tradition and lifestyle of the Renu Nakhon people. Mr. Surin Paksiri composed the song “Cold Wind at Renu” in 1970, which includes the line:"A hundred embroidered cloths don’t feel joyful like having you near, Drinking Dud U from a hundred jars won’t ease the cold."The word “Dud U” refers to drinking this Lao U. The song also expresses the feelings of someone far from their loved one but still relying on Lao U to warm their heart.

Personal Experience with Lao U in 2014

When I arrived in Renu Nakhon in 2014, I saw the transformation of Lao U from a homemade drink served at village festivals or to guests helping with the harvest, into a properly marketed product. It was bottled and fermented in hundreds of jars, clean and very tempting because many visitors want to try authentic local liquor at least once.

The way locals drink Lao U that I saw and tried is to open the jar, add clean water to fill it, and let it sit for a while. Some places recommend adding beer to mellow the flavor, along with bamboo straws to sip the Lao U directly from the jar. It was a unique experience deeply connected to the Phu Thai way of life here.

I had never drunk Lao U before but tried Dud U for the first time with the locals here. I can say the taste and feeling from Lao U is not a wild drunkenness like ordinary liquor but a warm, comforting drink that eases the cold in the body, just as the song “Cold Wind at Renu” describes.

Lao U: The Wisdom of the Phu Thai People Across Countries and Cultures

Lao U is a traditional wisdom passed down by the Phu Thai ethnic group, originally from southern China, passing through Laos and Vietnam, and settling in northeastern Thailand, especially in Renu Nakhon district, Nakhon Phanom province, known as a famous Lao U production area.

I have seen Lao U in several provinces of Thailand and neighboring countries like Laos. The custom of adding water and drinking through bamboo straws is common, though flavors vary according to local recipes and ingredients.

Today’s Lao U sold in Nakhon Phanom is packaged for tourists to take home, allowing them to add water and wait before drinking. This differs from traditional Lao U made for celebrations, which usually requires no water added.

Ingredients and Fermentation Process of Lao U

Traditional Lao U ingredients used by the Phu Thai include rice, garlic, galangal, coconut root, dried betel nut, pepper, old yeast starter, dried rattan shoots, and pandan leaves. These natural ingredients give the liquor its unique aroma and flavor.

I was surprised and curious that sometimes the Lao U sold contains unhusked rice mixed in. I’m not sure if this is for scientific reasons or a modern local recipe. One thing is certain: Lao U here is not just a drink but a culture and story of the Phu Thai people in Renu Nakhon.

Nakhon Phanom: A Mekong Riverside City Full of Local Charm

Nakhon Phanom is not only famous for Phra That Phanom, the spiritual center of Buddhists, but also a city embracing diverse cultures from Laos and Vietnam through trade and historical ties. For example, the Third Thai-Lao Mekong River Bridge connecting Mueang Nakhon Phanom district with Tha Khaek in Laos, which I have written about in an article.Third Thai-Lao Mekong River Bridge, Nakhon Phanom - Tha KhaekThis bridge makes travel between the two countries more convenient and opens opportunities to experience diverse lifestyles.

I also enjoyed walking along the Mekong River, viewing the beautiful limestone mountains on the Laos side, and tasting Vietnamese-influenced dishes in Nakhon Phanom such as Khao Kriab Pak Mor and Nakhon Phanom-style Pad Thai, easily found around the city, especially along the riverside road near the clock tower in the walking street area.Nakhon Phanom Walking StreetHere you’ll find restaurants and a chill atmosphere, perfect for relaxing after visiting temples and important sites such asPhra That Phanomitself.

Tips for Tourists Wanting to Try Lao U

If you want to experience the authentic taste of Lao U, I recommend visiting Renu Nakhon during festivals or annual village events to see traditional Lao U making and enjoy tasting with locals. If you can’t visit during those times, bottled Lao U in the market is a good option for general tourists.

However, remember that drinking Lao U is not about heavy intoxication but about learning the culture and lifestyle of the local community. Drinking Lao U with locals will help you understand the warmth and simplicity of daily life in Renu Nakhon.

For those planning to visit Nakhon Phanom, don’t forget to trydelicious Vietnamese foodunique to this city, along with exploring the riverside market and experiencing the distinctive lifestyle on both sides of the Mekong River.

Mr.Hotsia has recorded these impressions since the first time tasting “Dud U,” Urenu Nakhon Liquor, which embodies the culture and bonds of the Phu Thai people here. If you have a chance to visit Nakhon Phanom province, don’t miss trying Lao U and experiencing this unique local way of life yourself.