10 Essential Lao Words to Use in a Restaurant (Easy for Beginners)

Visiting a local restaurant in Laos? These simple Lao phrases will help you order like a local and connect with people more naturally.

1.⁠ ⁠Sabaidee (ສະບາຍດີ) — Hello
Perfect for greeting restaurant staff.

2.⁠ ⁠Khop Jai (ຂອບ​ໃຈ) — Thank you
A polite way to show appreciation after your meal.

3.⁠ ⁠Kep Ngern ? (ເກັບເງິນ) — Bill please
A polite way to ask for the check at a restaurant in Laos.

4.⁠ ⁠Ao Nee (ເອົານີ້) — I want this
Point to a dish and say this to order.

5.⁠ ⁠Sep Lai (ແຊບຫຼາຍ) — Very delicious!
A great way to compliment the cook.

6.⁠ ⁠Thao Dai? (ເທົ່າໃດ?) — How much?
Useful when checking prices or ordering extras.