Sticky Rice Grain from Vietnam: All about Glutinous Rice

When mentioning white rice, people often think of regular rice (Non-glutinous rice). However, there is another kind of rice: the sticky one. Sticky rice grain (or glutinous rice) is a short-grain rice that is very popular in Asia. Besides Vietnam, Laos is a country that grows a lot of this type of rice with a rice yield of up to 85%. The sticky rice is round, and white, takes a long time to get bored of eating, and has a rich flavor. Especially when cooked, the rice has a sticky nature. Let’s find out more about sticky grain from Vietnam in this post, how it’s different and how people make dishes from this kind of rice!

What is Sticky Rice Grain?

Sticky rice grain, unlike its long-grain kind, has a shorter, rounder grain. It becomes incredibly sticky when cooked. This unique texture is due to a higher amylopectin content. It’s a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy and sustenance. While people often use it to make sweet dishes, sticky rice is equally delicious in savory preparations. In Vietnam, people make many dishes from sticky rice such as chung cake, banh tet, xoi ( or Vietnamese sticky rice), sweet soup, etc. Moreover, sticky rice is also the main ingredient for distilling sticky rice wine, soaking rice wine, and so on.

There are many types of sticky rice in Vietnam. One of these is also a specialty, such as yellow flower sticky rice (gao nep cai hoa vang). This type of sticky rice is mainly grown in the Midlands and the Northern Delta. In addition to yellow flower sticky rice, there is also Tu Le sticky rice, a specialty of Yen Bai province. And another sticky rice specialty is goose sticky rice with long grains and a light aroma, often grown in the Mekong Delta.

How to choose sticky rice

To ensure the quality of dishes made from sticky rice grain, you need to know how to choose standard sticky rice as follows. Good sticky rice grains are large and even. The appearance of sticky rice must be shiny, not broken or crumbly, yellow in color and the rice grains must have a characteristic aroma.

Vietnamese Xoi – Cultural and spiritual dish

Vietnamese sticky rice, or xoi, is an integral part of Vietnamese cuisine and culture. From humble street food to elaborate ceremonial dishes, sticky rice holds a special place in the hearts of the Vietnamese people. Its versatility in the way of combining ingredients makes it a beloved dish.

Some popular xoi in Vietnam include:

• Xoi Ga: Yellow sticky rice topped with shredded chicken, cucumber, and pickled onions.
• Xoi Ngu Sac: Five-colored sticky rice, a visually stunning dish often served on special occasions.
• Xoi Vo: Sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaf, offering a delicate floral aroma.
• Xoi Dua: Sweet sticky rice with coconut milk and shredded coconut.

Beyond these traditional dishes, sticky rice has found its way into modern Vietnamese cuisine. It’s used in desserts, as a base for savory toppings, and even in fusion dishes.

Xoi holds significant cultural and spiritual meaning in Vietnam. People often use xoi in offerings to ancestors and is an essential component of many traditional ceremonies. 

Conclusion

Sticky rice grain is more than just a food; it’s a cultural treasure. Its versatility, deliciousness, and rich history make it a beloved ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine.

Havigo Company Limited operates in the field of agricultural export. We wish to bring high-quality Vietnamese agricultural products such as spices, rice, beans, and fruits… to the world. We supply you with high-quality products at the best price. If you find interested in importing Sticky Rice, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us for better support via WhatsApp: +84 979 58 58 56.