What is the difference between Nam Tok Moo and Laab Moo?

Both are Isaan pork salads with similar dressings. Nam Tok uses grilled sliced pork; Laab uses raw or cooked minced pork. Nam Tok has more texture from the meat slices; Laab has a finer, more herb-forward character.

Is it served hot or cold?

It is served at room temperature — the pork is grilled hot, then rested and sliced before tossing with the dressing. This is intentional, not a food safety issue.

salad

Nam Tok Moo

น้ำตกหมู

Medium

Nam Tok Moo is a waterfall pork salad — grilled pork sliced and tossed with toasted rice powder, shallots, spring onion, mint, lime juice, fish sauce, and chilli. Named for the dripping juices of grilled meat. A key Isaan dish.

Key Ingredients

pork neck
toasted rice powder
shallots
spring onion
mint leaves
fish sauce
lime juice
dried chilli flakes

Where to Try It

Isaan restaurants throughout Thailand — particularly excellent in the northeast and at Thai-Isaan restaurants in Bangkok.

Tips

Toasted rice powder (khao khua) is not optional — it provides the distinctive nutty texture that defines the dish.
Eat with sticky rice and larb or other Isaan dishes for a traditional northeastern Thai meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

salad

Nam Tok Moo

น้ำตกหมู

Medium

Key Ingredients

pork neck
toasted rice powder
shallots
spring onion
mint leaves
fish sauce
lime juice
dried chilli flakes

Where to Try It

Isaan restaurants throughout Thailand — particularly excellent in the northeast and at Thai-Isaan restaurants in Bangkok.

Tips

Toasted rice powder (khao khua) is not optional — it provides the distinctive nutty texture that defines the dish.
Eat with sticky rice and larb or other Isaan dishes for a traditional northeastern Thai meal.