Gaeng Om
Lao Herbal Stew (Keto Modified)
Yes, with a tweak: request no sticky rice powder (khao khua) for thickening. About 13g net carbs per serving, on the higher side for Lao food, so watch the portion.
What it is
A deeply aromatic and savory Lao stew packed with various meats (often pork, beef, chicken, or fish), an abundance of fresh herbs (dill, cilantro, basil, mint), eggplants, mushrooms, and sometimes wild vegetables. It's typically a clear, light broth, intensely flavored with fermented fish sauce (padaek), galangal, lemongrass, and chili.
Key ingredients
Choice of meat (pork, beef, chicken, or fish), eggplants, various mushrooms, dill, cilantro, basil, mint, lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, fermented fish sauce (padaek), water/broth.
How to make it keto
Crucially, request no sticky rice powder (khao khua) for thickening. Ensure no added sugar in the broth or seasoning. Omit any high-carb vegetables if present (e.g., specific gourds).
Say this to the waiter (Lao)
ແກງອ່ອມ, ຂໍບໍ່ໃສ່ເຂົ້າຂົ້ວ, ບໍ່ໃສ່ນ້ຳຕານ ແລະ ບໍ່ໃສ່ຜັກທີ່ມີແປ້ງເດີ້.
For Gaeng Om, please omit sticky rice powder and any added sugar. Also, no high-carb vegetables.
Watch out for
Hidden sugar in broth/sauce, sticky rice powder used as thickener, higher carb vegetables (eggplant, mushrooms, gourds).
Macros are estimates for a typical serving and vary by restaurant. Confirm ingredients with staff, especially if you have allergies. Our ingredient lists are generated automatically and describe how a dish is typically made.
More on the Lao menuAll 161 Lao dishes ›
