Isan food has elements most in common with Laos and is distinct from the central Thai cuisine. The most obvious characteristics are the use of sticky rice that accompanies almost every meal rather than non-sticky long-grain rice, as well as chili peppers, but French and Vietnamese influences which have affected Lao cuisine are absent in Isan. Popular Lao dishes that are also staples in Isan include tam mak hung, or in central Thai, som tam (green papaya salad),[13] larb (meat salad), and kai yang (grilled chicken).