Three Elephants Cafe, Luang Prabang

Three Elephants Cafe, also locally known as Tamnak Lao, is a distinguished dining venue in Luang Prabang, famed for its traditional Lao cuisine. This two-story restaurant, situated about 650 meters east of the Royal Palace Museum, is renowned for delivering an authentic Laoan culinary experience with its array of dishes crafted from indigenous ingredients like bark, wood, and jungle-collected vegetables.

The ambiance at Three Elephants Cafe is both inviting and culturally enriching, with an option to dine on the outdoor terrace on the upper floor, offering a charming view of Sakkarine Road. This setting, combined with the restaurant's reputation for excellent service, creates a pleasant dining environment that has made it a favorite among both locals and tourists. The staff's accommodating nature and ability to communicate in basic English further enhance the dining experience, making guests feel welcomed and well-served.

For those interested in learning the art of Lao cuisine, Three Elephants Cafe offers a comprehensive cooking class. This immersive experience begins with an hour-long tour of a local market, where participants can engage with the community and source fresh ingredients. Following the market visit, attendees return to the restaurant to prepare traditional dishes such as larp gai (minced chicken salad), panaeng kai (chicken in coconut milk), and fried morning glory. Participants also receive a cookbook, allowing them to recreate these authentic dishes at home and share their new culinary skills with friends and family.