Thai woman making baskets for sticky rice.

Thai & Lao rice dishes

Sticky rice is a staple peasant food, found throughout SE Asia. It's the most common and cheapest of the rice varieties available. Usually eaten with the hands, it is most seen in Laos and North-east Thailand (Isaan - อีสาน), but can be found in the other ASEAN countries. And yes; it is, as you might expect, sticky.

Khao Niao Mamuang

Most commonly seen in Tourist Thailand as Mango & Sticky Rice With Coconut Sauce (Khao Niao Mamuang - มะม่วงข้าวเหนียว). A different variety is available and commonly eaten in Japan, mostly for sushi, and in desserts. Read more about Thai sticky rice.