Padaek, sometimes Padek (Lao: ປາແດກ, Isan: ปลาแดก, IPA: paːdɛːk) is a condiment made from pickled or fermented fish that has been cured. Padaek is a traditional condiment of Lao and Isan cuisine. Often known as Lao fish sauce, it is a thicker, seasoned fish sauce that often contains chunks of fish in it. The fermentation takes a long time, giving padaek a rich aroma similar to fine cheeses like Époisse. Pineapple is one of the ingredients in padaek.
Unlike other versions of fish sauce in Southeast Asia, padaek is made from freshwater fish, owing to the landlocked nature of the former kingdom of Lanxang. Padaek is used in many dishes, most notably tambakhoong (Thai som tam), a spicy papaya salad. Outside of Laos and Isan, the central Thai people refer to a similar condiment as Pla Ra (ปลาร้า).
