Khao Lam, or Sticky Rice with Red Beans Grilled in Bamboo in Bangkok, Thailand

Khao Lam, or Grilled Sticky Rice with Red Beans 

in Bangkok, Thailand

Khao lam is a traditional Thai snack made from sticky rice and sweet red beans stuffed inside a hollow bamboo shoot and grilled over charcoal or an open flame.

When I was working as an English teacher at a high school in Bangkok, my students had to participate in the Scouting program. During their camping trips, they were taught survival cooking, which included making this dish over an open fire in the wilderness!

Today, khao lam is seen as a very old-fashioned Thai snack, but one that can still be found in markets and at fairs throughout the kingdom.

khao lam, or sticky rice with red beans grilled in bamboo

Glutenous, or sticky rice is combined with palm sugar, sweet red beans, and coconut cream, then packed into bamboo cylinders and roasted over coals. 

sticky rice grilled inside a bamboo shoot, traditional Thai snack, Bangkok, Thailand

The result is a delightful sticky rice cake. The top part is custardy, rich, and sweet, while the bottom is slightly more "ricey" and less sweet. When you dip your spoon down to the bottom and take a bite of both parts, it creates a harmonious blend of sweetness and creaminess, with an earthy touch from the smoky grilled bamboo.

khao lam in Bangkok, Thailand (sticky rice grilled in bamboo)

This dish, which is usually found at traditional markets and temple fairs, is surprisingly filling! Even a small portion can fill you up.

This was one of the very first traditional Thai desserts that I ever tried in Thailand! On my first week as an English teacher, a parent brought a bag of khao lam to the English office for the new international teachers to try and enjoy. It holds a special place in my memory.

grilled sticky rice with sweet red beans

Price 

It cost 40 baht for one serving of sticky rice grilled in a bamboo shoot. This is an average price, and you can probably find it for 20-50 baht in markets throughout Thailand.

Location

I bought this snack during the annual Kaset Fair at Kasertsart University in Bangkok, Thailand. The food and agriculture fair takes place every year, but the market stalls may change from year to year. However, this dish is a common one, and can often be found at markets and very old-style traditional restaurants throughout Thailand.

Find more information about this year's fair here: KU-ข่าวมหาวิทยาลัย | งานเกษตรแฟร์ 2566 ”80 ปี เกษตรนนทรี นำวิถีใหม่ ไท...

And keep an eye out for the upcoming fairs! They are a great way to try lots of fantastic traditional Thai snacks from all across the country.