What is Sticky Rice?

Sticky rice can be thought of as a 'sweet rice' and it is very popular in Thai cusine. It is immediately recognizable by its sticky, gluelike texture after it has been steamed. (It is the total or near absence of the starch amylose that makes sticky rice so sticky). 

Sticky Rice vs. Other White rice

While reading a menu, a diner new to Asian cuisine may come across the offering of sticky rice. It can be confusing, and one wonders what is the difference between jasmine rice and sticky rice?

Here is a great online explanation for this question.

"Other types of rice contain two types of starch—amylose and amylopectin—and the stickiness of the rice depends on the proportion between the two. While a higher amylose content in long-grain white rice (19 to 23 percent) means it will turn out nice and fluffy, the lower amylose content in short-grain white rice (12 to 19 percent) causes the grains to stick together. Sticky rice, on the other hand, contains a maximum of 1 percent amylose and a very high concentration of amylopectin, making it very sticky when cooked."

Why should I order it and what does it taste like?

Sticky rice does have a slightly sweeter taste when compared to white Jasmine rice. This appeals to many people. Also, if you want rice with a chewy and sticky texture then this would be a good choice. When out dining, one can often see Asian people using their hands to roll their sticky rice into a small ball and then combining it with the other things on their plate. Almost like dipping the sticky rice into your meal.

Sticky rice is traditionaly served in a small basket brought to your table.

Important: If you are ordering Sticky Rice for takeout please read this!

If you order sticky rice for takeout by phone to come in and pick up or via a delivery service it is a very good idea to ask for it to be packaged COLD  ... not warmed up! The reason is that sticky rice when hot will slowly congeal through time to be a hard gluey ball of rice and it just won't be the same when it arrives at your home.  When it does arrive you then put it in your microwave for one minute at level 8. This will start it out in a good way so that it will be that great chewy texture is there to enjoy and not a glued up ball.

Sticky Rice Heaven!

Sticky rice is used in many deserts and below is a photo of our signature Sticky Rice n Mango desert we make here at MTK. Fresh mango is placed around the beautiful blue sticky rice which is then drizzled with sweet coconut sauce and served warm. This is a very yummy desert, and one should save room for it after their meal. Maybe share it with someone at the table? Enjoy!