If there’s one dessert that unites nearly all Thais, from north to south, it’s mango sticky rice — a sweet, creamy, and fragrant dish that’s as comforting as it is iconic. It’s one of my personal favorites, and I truly believe it holds a place in the hearts (and bellies) of almost everyone in Thailand.
🌾 What Is Mango Sticky Rice?
Known in Thai as “Khao Niew Mamuang,” this traditional dessert is made from glutinous sticky rice steamed to perfection, then soaked in sweet coconut milk and served with slices of ripe, juicy mango. The rice is often lightly salted, giving it a subtle balance of flavors that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the mango and the creaminess of the coconut.
Sometimes, it’s topped with golden mung beans for a little crunch or a drizzle of thick coconut cream for extra indulgence.
🌍 How Do Foreigners Discover It?
Many tourists first encounter mango sticky rice through:
• Hotel breakfast buffets
• Thai cooking classes
• Upscale restaurants in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, or Krabi
• Viral food blogs and YouTube travel vlogs
In recent years, global food influencers have helped catapult this humble Thai dessert into international fame — even K-pop idols and Hollywood stars have raved about it!
💰 How Much Does It Cost?
Prices can vary depending on where you enjoy it:
• In high-end restaurants, expect to pay around THB 150 or more.
• At street food stalls or local night markets, you might find a portion for THB 80.
• But since I moved to this area — which is largely a Muslim community — I’ve been pleasantly surprised to find it sold at local halal eateries for just THB 40, and sometimes even as low as THB 25 at community open-air markets.
It’s fresh, affordable, and incredibly satisfying — especially when the mangoes are in season (March to June is peak time!).
🛒 Where to Find It?
You can easily enjoy mango sticky rice at:
• Local Thai-Muslim food stalls
• Open-air night markets (Flea markets)
• Street vendors in Krabi, Ao Nang, or even remote neighborhoods
• Tourist restaurants and dessert cafés across Thailand
If you’re visiting Krabi, don’t miss your chance to taste it in a local setting — it’s the kind of authentic experience that connects you to the soul of Thai culture.