Khao Niao Mamuang

Khao niao mamuang is Thailand's most iconic dessert, eaten at streetside stalls from Bangkok to Chiang Mai whenever ripe Nam Dok Mai mangoes appear in the hot season. Glutinous rice is cooked in sweetened coconut milk until luxuriously creamy, then paired with thin slices of perfumed ripe mango and a drizzle of salted coconut cream.

Serves: 4

Ingredients

Sticky Rice

• 300g (1.5 cups) glutinous (sticky) rice, soaked in cold water at least 4 hours or overnight
• 400ml (14 oz) can full-fat coconut milk, divided
• 60g (¼ cup) caster (superfine) sugar
• ½ tsp fine salt

Salted Coconut Cream Topping

• 120ml (½ cup) reserved coconut milk (from above)
• 1 tbsp (12g) caster sugar
• ¼ tsp fine salt

To Serve

• 2 ripe mangoes (Ataulfo, Nam Dok Mai, or any sweet variety), peeled and sliced
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds or mung beans (optional)
• Fresh mint or pandanus leaf strips (optional)

Instructions

1. Steam the rice: Drain soaked rice and steam in a bamboo steamer or colander lined with muslin over boiling water for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until translucent and tender.
2. Make coconut sauce: While rice steams, combine 280ml (just over 1 cup) of the coconut milk with the sugar and salt in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Do not boil.
3. Combine: Transfer hot sticky rice to a bowl. Pour the warm coconut milk mixture over the rice, stir gently, and let absorb 15–20 minutes. The rice should be creamy but still hold its shape.
4. Topping: Stir the reserved 120ml coconut milk with the extra sugar and salt. Warm gently until the salt and sugar dissolve.
5. Plate: Mound sticky rice on plates or banana leaf. Arrange mango slices alongside. Drizzle generously with the salted coconut cream topping.
6. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if using. Serve at room temperature.

Cook's Notes: The quality of the mango is everything — use the ripest, most perfumed mangoes you can find. Nam Dok Mai or Ataulfo (champagne) mangoes are closest to the Thai original. Do not refrigerate assembled dessert as the rice will harden.