Vietnamese sticky rice (Xoi): A must-try for your upcoming food tour

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There are many variations of Vietnamese sticky rice in different regions of Vietnam (Source: Collected)

On your Vietnam travel from the North to South, you will surely come across many different Vietnamese sticky rice dishes with diverse tastes, which shows the uniqueness of each location. Let’s take a look at these famous sticky rice dishes in Vietnam to see why they are so popular and attractive.

1. What is Vietnamese sticky rice made of?

The main ingredient of Vietnamese sticky rice (Xoi) is usually glutinous rice. Except for white sticky rice, most other variations of sticky rice use other ingredients, such as pandan leaves, turmeric, or vegetable broth, which results in colorful sticky rice.

The ingredients that bring colors for some Vietnamese sticky rice variations (Source: Collected)

Many variations of sticky rice use other ingredients such as green beans, corn, meat, fish, fruits, etc. Side dishes such as fried rice, pate, roasted meat, and sausages also complement the flavor of the sticky rice.

Similar to other famous Vietnamese food, sticky rice is the representation of the cultural, traditional, and social characteristics of each region in Vietnam. On many special occasions in Vietnam, such as New Year’s Eve, Tet holiday, and weddings, sticky rice is a must-have dish on the table.

Five-color sticky rice, a specialty in mountainous areas of Vietnam (Source: Collected)

2. The 7 most popular variations of Vietnamese sticky rice

2.1. Vietnamese sticky rice with beans (Xoi dau)

One of the most well-known sticky rice dishes is Xoi dau, which can be served with many fillings, including meat. It is a popular dish among families thanks to its simple recipe. The beans (green beans, black beans, red beans, or peanuts) are chaffed, soaked in water overnight, hulled and mixed with glutinous rice, and steamed to make this dish.

The appealing appearance of Vietnamese sticky rice with beans (Source: Collected)

2.2. Vietnamese glutinous rice balls (Xoi vo)

The special feature of Xoi vo is that the glutinous rice grains are separate. It is usually served with coconut milk or pepper, depending on the taste of the locals in each region. People often eat Xoi vo with “che hoa cau”, a sweet dessert soup made of tapioca starch, sugar, and water. Together, they provide a pleasing aroma and an exquisitely delicate flavor for Vietnamese glutinous rice balls.

A mouth-watering dish called “Xoi che” made from Vietnamese glutinous rice balls (Source: Collected)

2.3. Vietnamese sticky rice with corn (Xoi bap/Xoi ngo)

Xoi ngo is also a famous dish made from sticky rice. It can easily be found at street vendors in the morning. The main ingredient of this dish is glutinous corn kernels. The corn will be mixed with some sticky rice and steamed. There is nothing better than enjoying hot sticky rice with corn served with fried onions, shredded coconut fibers, peanuts, sesame, and salt.

Xoi ngo can easily be found in any street of Vietnam (Source: Collected)

2.4. Vietnamese sticky rice with chicken (Xoi ga)

This dish is made by mixing shredded chicken, additives, sliced onions, and Vietnamese mint together. Scallion oil is then put on top of the dish. Xoi ga is a nutritious dish thanks to the protein of the chicken, the fat of the chicken broth, the carbohydrates of the glutinous rice, and the vitamins of the herbs and salads. This dish is delicious and suitable for take-away, making it a favorite among visitors to Da Nang, Hoi An, and Hue.

Xoi ga will definitely satisfy your taste buds (Source: Collected)

2.5. Vietnamese red sticky rice (Xoi gac)

The red color of Xoi gac (Gac is the Vietnamese term for baby jackfruit) is believed to bring happiness and fortune. Therefore, this dish can be seen in almost every important event of Vietnamese people, such as weddings or Tet holiday. It would be so wonderful to enjoy a dish of red sticky rice, along with the greasy taste of coconut milk and the aroma of gac and sesame.

The eye-catching color of Vietnamese red sticky rice (Source: Collected)

2.6. Vietnamese sticky rice with Chinese sausage (Xoi lap xuong)

Xoi lap xuong is a staple of Vietnamese cuisine. It is made of “lap xuong”, a sweet and sour Chinese sausage, and sticky glutinous rice. Soy sauce, scallion oil, and pork floss are used to season the rice. The Chinese sausage has a mouth-watering combination of sweet, salty, and rich flavors that goes perfectly with the sticky rice, making it an unforgettable dish for diners.

Vietnamese sticky rice with Chinese sausage is an appetizing dish (Source: Collected)

2.7. Vietnamese sticky rice with coconut milk (Xoi nuoc cot dua)

Vietnamese sticky rice with coconut milk is a popular sticky rice dish for breakfast. Each grain of the white and soft sticky rice, blended with the greasy coconut milk, would create an attractive flavor for the dish. This dish can be easily found on the sidewalks of Vietnamese streets. Don’t forget to add some pork floss, which will definitely make the dish much tastier.

Xoi nuoc cot dua is a simple yet memorable dish (Source: Collected)

3. TOP suggested places to enjoy Vietnamese sticky rice

As mentioned above, Vietnamese sticky rice can be found in any region of Vietnam. Still, it is recommended that you come to big cities, such as Hanoi, Hoi An, or Nha Trang, which have almost all variations of sticky rice. In addition to exploring the cuisine, you should also visit well-known tourist attractions in these cities:

• Hanoi:

The capital of Vietnam is famous for several tourist spots, including Hoan Kiem Lake, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium Times City. Vinpearl Aquarium provides the opportunity for children to explore the ocean world. On the other hand, VinKE is a playground with education and job simulation activities for children to have fun with their parents.

>>> Book tickets of VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium to grab the best deals!

Many interesting activities in Vinpearl Aquarium and VinKE are waiting for you to try

• Hoi An:

Hoi An is famous for not only magnificent landscapes and historical destinations but also the top-rated amusement park VinWonders Nam Hoi An. Here, there are a variety of entertaining activities for tourists of all ages, such as taking a boat in the River Safari to explore wildlife, or challenging your limits with many thrilling games in the Adventure Land.

>>> Book tickets of VinWonders Nam Hoi An to experience all sorts of fantastic activities in VinWonders Nam Hoi An!

VinWonders Nam Hoi An is your go-to destination after enjoying a dish of sticky rice

• Nha Trang:

You should not miss out on many once-in-a-lifetime experiences in the entertainment paradise VinWonders Nha Trang. Stepping through the gate of this top-rated amusement park, you will embark on an exciting journey around a world of endless fun and excitement in 6 unique subdivisions, namely King’s Garden, Sea World, Fairy Land, Water World, World Garden, and Adventure Land.

>>> Book tickets for VinWonders Nha Trang to step into a world of entertainment with your family!

VinWonders Nha Trang will definitely prove its worth as a top-rated amusement park in Vietnam

Vietnamese sticky rice, with its own special flavor, will give you a deeper understanding of the local people’s lifestyle and culinary tradition. Make plans for your upcoming trip to any region of Vietnam by noting down the top sticky rice dishes mentioned above!