"Manda de Laos" has been a cherished property in my family for generations. 

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Its three lily ponds have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1995. 

My mother, Phiew, was born in 1930 in Luang Prabang, where she grew up as the eldest of three children. 

 

Her parents owned a small shop and worked at the Royal Palace, where her father was responsible for organizing royal ceremonies while also working as a goldsmith.

 

Growing up in Luang Prabang, my mother learned to cook traditional Lao dishes from her mother, just like all young ladies did at that time. 

 

When she married my father, they had ten children, including five girls, and my mother passed on her love of Lao cooking and knowledge to them.

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She spent her days looking after her family and her small business, always focused on her children's welfare, particularly their meals, which required great attention.

 

In the days before fast food and eating out, traditional dishes like Laap required a full day of preparation with nothing left to chance or guesswork. 

 

Although life has changed in Laos and around the world, at "Manda de Laos," we continue to honor the traditions and spirit of "Maman Phiew" (Manda means "Mother" in Laotian), dedicated to sharing how one cooked and ate in the past when we had  time . . . 

 

These traditions are close to our hearts, and we strive to keep them alive and share them with you. 

 

Toune Sisouphanthavong.