Naem khao, also known as yam naem in Thailand, is a very popular Lao appetizer salad originating from Tha Deua, a small port village, in Vientiane, Laos.
Nam khao can be found at street stalls, restaurants, or served communal/potluck style on large trays at parties and other celebratory events. The dish has spread to Northeastern Thailand (Isan) and the rest of Thailand when Laotians and ethnic Lao from the Isan region migrated to Bangkok for work. The dish is also gaining popularity in the West where the Laotians have immigrated.