ลาบวุ้นหมาน้อย
เมนูที่หากินได้ยาก ต้องใช้พืชป่าเฉพาะถิ่น

Laab Ma Noi is a local Isan food menu that is special because it uses a local plant called ‘Kruea Ma Noi’, which is a creeping vine found in open forests and along streams in the northeastern region of Thailand. This plant has different names in different areas, such as Krung Khem, Mon Noi, Kon Pid, ​​Khong Khem, Plao Lueat, or Si Fan, but the most popular name is “Ma Noi” because of its soft leaves, covered with fluffy hair and the underside. When touched, it feels soft like a little puppy, which is the origin of this cute name.

“Ma Noi tree” or “Ma Noi leaves” have many medicinal properties. As it is a cooling plant, it can help relieve fever, reduce internal heat, reduce blood sugar, and reduce blood fat. Isan people like to crush Ma Noi leaves with water, then filter out the pulp and leave it for a while. The pectin in Ma Noi leaves will cause the water to coagulate into a light green jelly with a soft, smooth texture, which the locals call “Ma Noi jelly”. It has a refreshing taste and is naturally sweet and cool. Perfect for quenching thirst in the summer.

The Laab Ma Noi menu was born from local wisdom by mixing the obtained Ma Noi jelly with traditional Laab ingredients such as roasted rice, Laab chili paste, fish sauce, and seasoning with sliced ​​shallots, spring onions, coriander, mint leaves, and may add turmeric or other herbs to enhance the aroma depending on each household. It is usually eaten with fresh vegetables such as lettuce, cilantro, long beans, or cucumbers. The taste of Laab Ma Noi is unique: soft and smooth from the Ma Noi jelly, well-rounded from the Laab ingredients, slightly spicy, and perfectly fragrant with Thai herbs. It is a menu that is both delicious, refreshing, and has medicinal properties.

Currently, Laab Ma Noi is still a menu that is hard to find because it relies on wild plants that are only available in the area. Making Ma Noi jelly requires meticulousness and attention to every step. The new generation who have tried it are fascinated by the charm of this ancient menu that will never be forgotten.