These are some of my favorite desserts and treats as a little kid in Laos. While the food still looks the same, one thing has changed and that is the packaging itself. Kanom Chun for example is no longer shown in the open tray with just banana leaf covering but now are wrapped in plastic tray and covered with plastic wrap with no flies dancing on it. With all the dirt and dust going around it sure looks more inviting to the customers.
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These are some of my favorite Lao sweets too. But my favorite is the ones wrapped in banana leaves. The ones usually made during holidays. The aroma of the leaves being cooked right into the rice and riped bananas do make a difference.
I actually try to avoid purchasing food wrapped like this. I just feel sad or bad about the plastic and Styrofoam - the world just has way too much trash already. There has to be another more hygienic (and Earth friendly) way of handling them.
Do you know how to make some of the sweet wrapped in banana leaves? I like Khao Thom and that one in triangle shape. It’s nice and sticky but I don’t know the name anymore.
I saw so much trash in Laos and it bothered me a great deal with many people I know just throwing plastic bags and other containers around. I prefer having food wrap in banana leaves or some sort of leaves. At least you can use the leaves in homemade fertilizer.
I’m one of those people that re-use plastic container when I order food. I also wash the ziplock bags so I can reuse them until I can’t anymore. It saves money and also the environment, somewhat.
Your comment inspired me to write a post about trashes in Laos.
This stuff can look really clean in the plastic see thru containers. And it’s human nature to buy what looks great but isn’t environmentally friendly. I believe the ones wrap in banana leaves are cleaner since they’re sealed then heated. This keep the germs out. If only they knew what plastics can do to the environment and our health, they’ll probably want to choose to limit the uses of plastics. Personally, I prefer glass or stainless steel containers… I don’t consider throwing banana leaves in the public ground to be littering, but in the US you get a fine of up to $500.
Hi Darly, I’m not exactly the cook in my family - so I am embarrass to say I don’t know how to make much Lao dishes. So I should really start paying more attention on how they are made (especially during the holidays).
The triangulars one are made of tapioca powder… I don’t remember the name either. They are good! I also love sweet coconut rice stuffed in bamboo stalks too. Yummy!