STREET TREATS

Mango mania

VANNIYA SRIANGURA

Putting all concern about cholesterol intake aside, I'm pretty sure that we all love khao niew mamuang or sweet sticky rice with ripened mango, whether it be summer, winter or rainy season.

Because it is so irresistibly delicious, sweet sticky rice with ripened mango and coconut cream topping is a favourite of locals and foreigners alike. It is even one of the country's most successful exports.

Good khao niew mamuang should, of course, present two parts: delicious khao niew moon (sweet sticky rice) and of course proper mamuang (mango). The rice, cooked with coconut milk, salt and sugar, is supposed to be soft but not mushy and well retains its slim and sleek figure.

There are two types of mango to be eaten with khao niew moon. If it's naam dok mai, it should be completely sweet without a hint of tartness, and if it's ok rong, should be very aromatic and offer pungently sweet and sour taste as well as firm texture. Most khao niew mamuang connoisseurs usually prefer ok rong over naam dok mai.

While getting perfect mango may be a matter of good scanning sense and/or luck, coming up with perfect sticky rice is another story as it requires great culinary skill. Very often I have experienced hard, oily or waaaay too sweet sticky rice. Sometimes the rice didn't seem to absorb the subtle flavour of the coconut milk and sometimes it was almost like khao niew moo ping but with creamy top- ping.

Kor Panich

- We can't forget Kor Panich when mentioning sweet sticky rice. The 80-year-old brand has become a household name among khao niew mamuang buffs. Here, the sweet sticky rice is prepared following an age-old, palace-style recipe. Price is 110 baht per kilogramme. Other than the well-selected mangoes, there are also other toppings available, including pla hang (sweet and crispy dried fish) and sungkhaya (coconut custard).

The shop is located on Tanao Road, opposite Prang Puthorn. It opens 7:30am-7:30pm. Tel 02-221-3554.

Boon Sup Bang Rak

- This seven-decade-old sweet shop near Bang Rak market is well known for various kinds of authentic Thai delicacies which include khao tom pud (sticky rice with banana filling), khanom chan (multi-layered soft sweet), khao niew moon to be enjoyed with mango, pla hang and also sungkhaya.

The price for the sticky rice is 100 baht per kilogramme. To guarantee the availability of khao niew moon, be there before 3pm. The shop is located on Charoen Krung Road. It opens daily from 7am-5pm. Tel 02-234-4086.

Khao Niew Moon Khun Gig

- Khao Niew Moon Khun Gig is another good reason why this column should exist: to spread knowledge of new (as well as more secretive) gastronomic discoveries.

The first time I tried Khun Gig's sweet sticky rice I thought right there and then that I should let others sample it and get their comments. My friends said that it was super delicious, a colleague said it was one of the best and, most importantly, my grandma approved.

Prices are 80-90 baht per kilogramme. The sweet sticky rice comes in four variations: classic white, green pandan, black sticky rice and the yellow turmeric version. Pla hang and sungkhaya toppings are also on offer.

Khun Gig's stall is located at Piboonwit market on Soi Ekachai 36, Chom Thong district. It opens daily from 7am-8pm. Tel 084-654-8587.

Pa Jua Hua Hin

- Like most local foodies, whenever I go to Hua Hin, I always stop by Pa Jua for at least one serving of khao niew mamuang. More often than not, the orders are for friends and family who are waiting in Bangkok with watering mouths.

Is it that good? For most people, yes. People even specifically drive to Hua Hin for Pa Jua's sweet sticky rice. For me, however, it's enjoyable though not particularly thrilling.

A box of ready-to-eat sticky rice and mango, enough for one, is priced at 50 baht. The sticky rice alone is 140 baht per kilogramme. Pa Jua's shop is situated opposite the Hilton Hua Hin Hotel on Nares Damri Road. It opens everyday from 9:30am-5pm. Tel 032-511-704.

Bangkok Post

Last Updated : Sunday April 08, 2007