Or Lam Jungle Herb Stew

Or Lam is a celebrated traditional stew from Laos, renowned for its aromatic jungle herbs harvested from the dense forests. The dish features succulent pork slowly cooked with bamboo shoots and an exotic herb mixture including long coriander and wild basil, infusing every bite with deep rustic flavors. The addition of roasted sticky rice powder is a unique thickening agent that adds a slight nuttiness and texture to the broth, a distinct Indigenous Laotian technique. Typically served with sticky rice, Or Lam reflects the sustainable forest-utilizing culture of Lao hill tribes and peaceful rural households. The herbal complexity paired with hearty pork offers both nourishment and a vivid local culinary experience. While this stew is rooted strongly in Laotian heritage, its flavors invite exploration by anyone who enjoys intense herb-driven soups and stews. Pro tip: grilled eggplant and local mushrooms often make rich complementary additions. This recipe calls for slow simmering to tenderize the meat while allowing bamboo shoots to meld perfectly with herbs, resulting in a fragrant comfort food loved across Laos. The bird’s eye chili is optional but recommended for those wishing for an authentic spicy kick. Or Lam beautifully marries health benefits and flavor through wild herbs traditionally used in Lao folk medicine. Ideal for intermediate cooks seeking to master Southeast Asian rustic stewing traditions, Or Lam enchants with every aromatic spoonful, a true taste of the jungle’s bounty.