Mango sticky rice...an authentic Thai street food.

A delicious traditional Thai dessert ‘Mango sticky rice’ is fancied by locals and travellers alike. For a photographer it is fascinating, while walking on the street and getting a glimpse for a unique shoot . An energy booster with the sourness of mango mixed with the sweetness of coconut milk is every palate’s delight. Although originated in Thailand, you can find this on the streets of Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam too.

The sticky rice dish is locally called Khao Niaow Ma Muang. It is made with just three ingredients i.e. steamed glutinous rice, fresh mango and coconut milk. Preparing the dish requires little skills and a lot of passion. The summer months of April and May is a peak season for mangos in Thailand.

Traditionally the dish is made with white glutinous rice. However because of different preference and considering the health factor, brown or coloured rice is also used. It is as easily available as its white counterpart.

The other variation to the dish is replacing coconut milk with sweetened condensed milk (loved by kids).

The best type of rice is the long grain jasmine rice, named after the sweet-smelling jasmine flower.

The rice is cultivated in a large amount in Thailand.

According to the Thai government ‘Growing rice is a way of life for Thai farmers’.

An interesting point is ‘Rice is steamed not boiled’ to maintain its unique texture. Mostly eaten fresh, this dish when once refrigerated looses its texture and aroma. The preferred eating option is ‘warm & fresh’ rather than cold, sticky and lumpy. It is traditionally eaten by hands.

For a traveller, when roaming around the streets of Bangkok, Phuket, Samui, Chang Mai, or staying in a luxurious beach resort on the southern side of Thailand, mango sticky rice gives a much-needed boost of energy and joyous feel. Each serving of the dish is around 200 calories, making it famous for weight-conscious people. Easily digestible, perfect quick food for travellers and photographers whose daily routine is walking, carrying heavy equipment with bag filled with books, cameras, lenses, and even laptops.

A must-try Thai dessert, available mainly from February to May on the street and even in a gourmet restaurant across Thailand. No one can go wrong while ordering it, a favorite amongst locals.