Nam khao
| Alternative names | Nem Thadeua, Lao crispy rice salad, Lao fried rice ball salad |
|---|---|
| Type | Salad |
| Place of origin | Laos |
| Region or state | Vientiane |
| Main ingredients | Rice balls, som moo, peanuts, grated coconut, scallions or shallots, mint, cilantro, lime juice, fish sauce |
Naem khao (Lao: ແໜມເຂົ້າ), also known as yam naem (Thai: ยำแหนม) is a very popular Lao appetizer salad originating from Tha Deua, a small port village, in Vientiane, Laos.
Nam khao can be found at street stalls, restaurants, or served communal/potluck style on large trays at parties and other celebratory events. The dish has spread to Northeastern Thailand (Isan) and the rest of Thailand when Laotians and ethnic Lao from the Isan region migrated to Bangkok for work. The dish is also gaining popularity in the West where the Laotians have immigrated. It was also named among the best street foods in Asia.