Some recipes for Lao food may seem to have too much salt and/or salty flavouring. This is partially explained by remembering that many dishes in Laos are eaten with a great deal of rice, the main filler. Salty foods help add interest to that bland staple. The recipes here have been reproduced true to their origins. Western palates may well wish to adjust the saltiness when preparing the dishes. Laos mines its own salt.