UNESCO's evaluators recommend Lao larb for the intangible heritage list; the decision comes in Xiamen in December
The Laotian Times explains what larb is, who led the two-year campaign and what Laos already has on the list.
UNESCO published a draft decision on Nov. 5 recommending that larb, Laos' chopped meat or fish dish, be inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity as "Larb: a culinary symbol of Lao cultural identity," the Laotian Times reports. The final decision is expected at the Intergovernmental Committee's 21st session in Xiamen, China, from Nov. 30 to Dec. 5.
Larb is usually finely chopped meat or fish, raw or cooked, mixed with lime juice, fish sauce, toasted rice powder (khao khua), shallots, mint, coriander and chilli, and eaten with sticky rice. Families serve it at everyday meals and at weddings, birthdays and Lao New Year. The Lao Business Women's Association led the nomination, submitted through the culture ministry in early 2025. If inscribed, larb would be Laos' fourth element, after khaen music (2017), Naga motif weaving (2023) and the Fonelamvong Lao dance (2024).
The same evaluation round also recommended South Korea's hanji paper-making, Seoul Economic Daily reports.
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Larb
After exploring Lao Larb Gets Green Light for UNESCO Recognition, for the dish itself, read Larb.
Wikipedia on the Lao meat salad that is the national dish of Laos, and why it is thought to bring luck in both Laos and Thailand.
Wikipedia · Wade · 5 min
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What is Intangible Cultural Heritage?
After exploring Lao Larb Gets Green Light for UNESCO Recognition, to understand what the list protects, see What is Intangible Cultural Heritage?.
UNESCO's own explainer: heritage is not only monuments but living traditions passed down, and what matters is the knowledge and skills handed on.
UNESCO · Wade · 5 min
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