kaipen (fried riverweed)

Kaipen is a traditional Lao snack made from riverweed, which is sun-dried and then fried until crispy. It offers a unique umami flavor with a slightly salty and earthy character, reflecting the resourcefulness of Lao people in utilizing local river plants. This dish is often enjoyed as a light snack or side and is culturally significant as a representation of the Mekong River's bounty.