Bangkok’s Beloved Summer Treat: The Sweet Simplicity of Mango Sticky Rice
Bangkok, CNN —
Thailand is home to more than 200 varieties of mangoes, but when it comes to crafting the country’s most iconic summer dessert—khao nieow mamuang, or mango sticky rice—only a select few make the cut.
This deceptively simple dish pairs slices of perfectly ripe, sweet mango with a mound of glutinous rice, delicately soaked in a rich coconut cream and topped with a sprinkle of crunchy yellow mung beans. When made well, it strikes a sublime balance of flavor and texture—sweet, salty, creamy, and chewy all at once.
Few serve it better than 63-year-old Varee Jeensuwan, widely celebrated as the queen of mango sticky rice in Bangkok. Her shop, Mae Varee, has been a staple in the bustling Thonglor neighborhood since 1981.
“For me, the best dessert during summertime in Thailand is mango and sticky rice,” she tells CNN with a smile.
