Yanang leaves

In the Lao Isan culture of northeastern Thailand, the leaves are used in the preparation of kaeng no mai (Thai: แกงหน่อไม้, sometimes called kaeng Lao (Thai: แกงลาว)), after the ethnic Lao majority of northeastern Thailand, is a chili-hot tasting soup contained bamboo shoots, chilis, salt, and sometimes also oyster mushrooms, straw mushrooms, cha-om, or other ingredients. Generally the leaves are not used whole, but rather a juice (or extract) made from the leaves is used to make the broth, primarily as a thickening agent rather than for its flavor. This juice may be prepared from scratch, from fresh leaves, or purchased in canned form.