Thai Black Sticky Rice Pudding, known locally in Thailand as khao neow dam, is a warm, comforting dessert made from black glutinous rice slowly cooked until tender, sweetened with sugar, and enriched with creamy coconut milk. This beloved dish is not only a staple in Thai cuisine but is also found throughout Southeast Asia with local variations in countries like Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia. What sets this dessert apart is its striking deep-purple hue, chewy texture, and the luxurious contrast between the nutty rice and the rich coconut topping. Despite its modest ingredients, this pudding carries profound cultural value and an unmistakably unique flavor that captures the essence of traditional Thai sweets.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup black sticky rice (Thai black glutinous rice)
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3 cups water
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1/2 cup coconut milk (full-fat)
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1/4 cup sugar
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/2 cup extra coconut milk for serving
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1 tbsp sugar (for serving coconut milk)
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Pinch of salt (for serving coconut milk)
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Optional toppings: mango slices, toasted sesame seeds, coconut flakes
Directions:
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Rinse the black sticky rice under cold running water several times until the water runs mostly clear.
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Combine the rinsed rice and 3 cups of water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over high heat.
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Once boiling, reduce to low heat and simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
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Stir in the 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 tsp salt. Simmer for another 5–10 minutes until thickened.
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In a separate small saucepan, heat the additional 1/2 cup coconut milk with 1 tbsp sugar and a pinch of salt until warm this will be your serving sauce.
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Spoon the sticky rice into serving bowls. Drizzle with warm coconut sauce and top with mango slices, toasted sesame seeds, or coconut flakes if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 60 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Kcal: 290 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Cultural Significance of Black Sticky Rice in Thai Cuisine
Rice is the cornerstone of Thai culinary culture, and sticky rice plays a significant role, especially in northern and northeastern regions. While white sticky rice (khao neow) is more commonly used in savory dishes, black sticky rice is prized for its beautiful color, unique texture, and nutritional value. It is often served as a dessert, frequently paired with coconut milk and sometimes fresh tropical fruits like mango or durian.
Thai Black Sticky Rice Pudding is more than just a treat it’s a dish that’s tied to family, gatherings, street food culture, and traditional celebrations. You’ll find it sold in night markets, offered at temple festivals, and lovingly prepared in Thai households, especially during holidays and special occasions.
What Makes Black Sticky Rice Unique?
Black sticky rice is not the same as wild rice or black rice. It’s a type of glutinous rice that turns a deep purple color when cooked and becomes sticky and chewy in texture. Despite being called “glutinous,” it contains no gluten. The term refers to its glue-like texture when cooked, which is perfect for desserts and sweet puddings.
The grains themselves are more robust than white sticky rice and take longer to cook, but the effort pays off with their naturally sweet, nutty flavor and pleasantly chewy texture. In a dessert like this, the rice provides not only substance but also a delightful earthiness that balances well with sweet, creamy toppings.
The Role of Coconut Milk: Creamy Contrast and Richness
Coconut milk is the heart of many Thai desserts, and in black sticky rice pudding, it serves two crucial roles. First, it is stirred into the cooked rice to infuse it with creamy richness and tropical aroma. Second, it is lightly sweetened and salted to make a sauce that’s drizzled on top before serving.
The contrast between the deep, dark rice and the bright white coconut cream is visually stunning and gastronomically satisfying. The sweet-and-salty note of the coconut sauce also enhances the dish’s complexity, balancing the natural sweetness of the rice without overwhelming it.
Serving Suggestions and Toppings
Traditionally, Thai Black Sticky Rice Pudding is served warm or at room temperature. However, it can also be enjoyed chilled, especially on hot days.
The pudding itself is often topped with:
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Ripe Mango Slices: Adds a fruity freshness and a pop of color. The tangy sweetness pairs beautifully with the rich rice.
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Toasted Sesame Seeds: Offers a nutty aroma and a gentle crunch.
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Coconut Flakes or Crisped Coconut Chips: For texture and additional coconut flavor.
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Sliced Bananas or Jackfruit: These tropical fruits complement the coconut rice beautifully.
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Durian: A traditional but polarizing addition loved by many in Southeast Asia for its bold, creamy flavor.
Serving this dessert in small bowls or banana leaves for a more authentic experience adds charm and makes it suitable for entertaining or cultural celebrations.
Variations Across Southeast Asia
While Thailand offers a classic version of this dessert, similar dishes appear across Southeast Asia with small but notable variations:
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In Laos, black sticky rice is sometimes fermented slightly before being sweetened, adding a complex tang.
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In Vietnam, it appears as xôi nếp than, often topped with sweetened mung bean paste or ground peanuts.
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In Indonesia, a version called bubur ketan hitam includes pandan leaves for aroma and is typically served warm with palm sugar syrup.
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In the Philippines, champorado uses a similar sticky rice but is flavored with cocoa and sugar, creating a unique chocolate rice porridge often eaten for breakfast.
These variations showcase how versatile black sticky rice can be, adapting easily to local ingredients and culinary customs.
Health Benefits of Black Sticky Rice
Compared to white rice, black sticky rice offers several health advantages:
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High in Antioxidants: Its deep color comes from anthocyanins the same compounds found in blueberries and blackberries that act as powerful antioxidants.
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Rich in Fiber: Helps with digestion and maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
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Nutrient Dense: Contains iron, protein, and essential minerals that make it more nutritious than refined white rice.
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Naturally Gluten-Free: Ideal for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
Of course, the addition of sugar and coconut milk adds calories, but the overall dish remains a healthier alternative to many processed desserts and sugary confections.
Tips for Perfecting Your Thai Black Sticky Rice Pudding
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Soak the rice: Soaking the rice overnight can reduce cooking time and improve texture.
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Use full-fat coconut milk: It delivers the richest flavor and creamiest consistency.
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Stir gently but frequently: Prevents sticking and helps achieve an even texture.
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Don’t skip the salted coconut sauce: That little pinch of salt enhances all the sweet notes and brings the dessert into perfect balance.
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Store leftovers properly: This pudding keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of coconut milk or water.
A Comforting, Cultural, and Culinary Treasure
Thai Black Sticky Rice Pudding is more than just a dessert it’s a comforting dish that bridges generations and geographies. From its origins in the rice fields of Thailand to the streets of Bangkok and kitchens around the world, this dessert continues to win hearts with its depth of flavor, visual appeal, and cultural richness.
Its simple ingredients are elevated through technique and tradition, showcasing the beauty of Thai cuisine’s approach to balance between sweet and salty, chewy and creamy, warm and cool.
Whether you’re new to Thai cuisine or a seasoned lover of Southeast Asian flavors, this dish offers a delicious glimpse into the culinary heritage of the region. Served solo or adorned with tropical fruits and crunchy toppings, Thai Black Sticky Rice Pudding is an unforgettable experience, perfect for any occasion or season.
Conclusion:
Thai Black Sticky Rice Pudding is a culinary gem that’s simple to make yet rich in flavor, texture, and meaning. It combines wholesome ingredients like black sticky rice and coconut milk to create a dessert that’s both indulgent and nutritious. It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and can easily be adjusted to suit vegan or plant-based diets.
Perfect for cozy nights in, festive dinners, or as a unique treat to share with loved ones, this pudding offers comfort, nostalgia, and a taste of Thai tradition in every spoonful. Once you’ve tried it, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation.