Lao Fried Bamboo Worms

Lao Fried Bamboo Worms — crispy, savory, and one of the most celebrated insects in Lao cuisine.

Bamboo worms are the larvae of grasshoppers that live inside bamboo stalks. They're harvested, cleaned, and deep-fried until golden and crisp. The result is a nutty, earthy bite with a texture somewhere between a cracker and a peanut.

Served on a banana leaf with fresh herbs and chili dipping sauce. The red sauce, the green leaf, the spiral worms — it's a dish that commands attention before you even taste it.