Dish Library · 2025-01-15
Steamed Sticky Rice — Two Sisters Lao Thai
The real deal: house sticky rice steamed in banana leaf, served in a bamboo basket. Why it matters in Lao food, how to eat it, and how to order in Canberra.
Available at: Dickson · Woden
Sticky rice (khao niao) is not a side — in Laos it is the cutlery. This is how you eat Lao food properly.
What is sticky rice?
Sticky rice is a glutinous, short-grain rice steamed — never boiled — in a woven bamboo basket (huad) lined with banana leaf. It comes out clumped and chewy, perfect for rolling into a small ball and using to scoop food. It is naturally vegan and gluten-free.
How we serve it at Two Sisters
We steam it in-house and bring it to the table in the bamboo basket so it stays warm and moist. Eat it with larb, som tam, grilled meats and curries — pinch a little rice, roll it with a forkful of food.
How to order sticky rice in Canberra
On the menu at Dickson and Woden. Order pickup or delivery through Square: Dickson and Woden.
FAQ
Q. Is sticky rice gluten-free and vegan? +
Yes — sticky rice is just steamed glutinous rice, so it is naturally vegan and gluten-free. It is the proper vehicle for larb and curries.
Q. How do you eat sticky rice? +
The Lao way: roll a small ball in your fingers and use it to pick up food. It is served in a bamboo basket to keep it warm and moist.