Khao jee facts for kids
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| Alternative names | Laotian sticky rice pancakes or Lao grilled sticky rice |
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| Place of origin | Laos |
| Main ingredients | Sticky rice, egg, salt, fish sauce, padaek |
Khao jee (Lao: ເຂົ້າຈີ່), also known as Lao grilled sticky rice, is a super old cooking method from Laos. It involves grilling glutinous rice (also called sticky rice) on a stick over an open fire. Imagine toasting marshmallows, but with rice!
One of the most popular ways to enjoy this snack is called Khao jee joom kai (lit. grilled sticky rice dipped in egg). It's like a sticky rice pancake coated in egg. This yummy food is a traditional snack in Laos and for the Lao people living in Isan, which is northeastern Thailand.
Sticky rice is super important to the Lao people. They actually eat more sticky rice than anyone else in the world! Khao jee is often eaten as a quick breakfast or a handy snack when you're on the go. You can find it at street stalls all over Laos.
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How Lao Food Became Popular
After the Vietnam War ended, many Lao people moved to Thailand. This happened between 1975 and 1995. Most of them stayed in special camps, while others went to Bangkok to find jobs.
Later, in the 1980s, Thailand's economy grew a lot, and more workers were needed. Because of this, many ethnic Lao people from Isan moved to central Thailand and Bangkok. This big move helped make Lao food much more popular outside of Laos.
Now, you can find traditional Lao dishes like sticky rice, papaya salad, larb, nam khao, kai yang, and khao jee at street stalls and vendors all over Bangkok and Thailand.
Making Khao Jee
To make khao jee, sticky rice is shaped into a flat patty. Sometimes, it's wrapped around a long stick. The stick helps you hold the rice over the hot fire without burning your hands. It's just like how you might use a stick to toast a marshmallow!
As the sticky rice cooks over the fire, the outside gets nice and crispy. It also develops a slightly nutty flavor. But don't worry, the inside stays hot and wonderfully chewy!
Different Ways to Enjoy Khao Jee
The most common way to eat Lao grilled sticky rice is with an egg coating. This is the "joom kai" part. However, Laotians also enjoy plain grilled sticky rice with just a sprinkle of salt.
Another traditional way to eat it is coated in padaek. Padaek is a special Lao fermented fish sauce. It adds a unique and strong flavor that many people love.
Khao Jee: The Bread!
In Laos, the term "khao jee" can also mean something totally different: a Lao-style French bread or baguette. This is a lasting reminder of when France ruled parts of Southeast Asia.
This "khao jee" bread is often used in Vietnamese bánh mì sandwiches. The Lao version of this sandwich is called Khao jee pâté. It's a delicious mix of French and Lao flavors!
