Mango sticky rice, called khao niao mamuang (ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง) in Thai, is one of Thailand's best-known desserts. This article explains what is in it, what it costs in 2026, where to buy it in Bangkok, how to eat it and how to order it in Thai.
What is mango sticky rice?
It is a simple dish: sweet sticky rice mixed with coconut cream, served with slices of ripe mango. A little extra coconut sauce is poured over the top, and many sellers add a sprinkle of crisp toasted beans. The mix of chewy rice, juicy mango and rich, slightly salty coconut sauce is what makes the dish so popular.
You can find it at street stalls, markets, dessert shops and restaurants all over the country.
What goes into it
| Part | What it is | What it adds |
|---|---|---|
| Sticky rice | Glutinous rice, steamed and then mixed with sweetened coconut cream | A soft, chewy, sweet base |
| Mango | A ripe, sweet yellow mango, peeled and sliced | Fresh fruit and juice |
| Coconut sauce | Coconut cream poured over just before serving | Richness and a slightly salty taste |
| Topping | Crisp toasted beans, on many plates | A crunchy contrast |
What it costs in 2026
Prices depend on where you buy it. A famous shop charges more than a night-market stall.
| Where | Approximate price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bangkok night markets | about 60-100 THB | Reported in June 2026 |
| Mae Varee, Thong Lo | about 120-150 THB a box | Takeaway only |
| Kor Panich, old town | about 130 THB | Closed on Sundays |
| Or Tor Kor Market | Higher than at ordinary markets | A premium market |
These prices were checked in September 2026. Prices change, so confirm them at the counter before you order.
Where to eat it in Bangkok
Kor Panich (old town)
Kor Panich, also written K. Panich, is at 431-433 Tanao Road in Phra Nakhon, Bangkok's old town. It is known for its sticky rice, and it has held a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2019. A serving of mango sticky rice costs about 130 THB.
It opens Monday to Saturday from about 07:00 to 17:00 or 18:00 and is closed on Sundays, so do not plan your visit for a Sunday.
Mae Varee (Thong Lo)
Mae Varee is a fruit shop at the start of Thong Lo Road (Sukhumvit Soi 55), next to BTS Thong Lo. It sells mango sticky rice in boxes, for about 120-150 THB a box. It is takeaway only: you cannot eat in, so plan to eat it at your hotel or somewhere nearby. The shop is open from about 06:00 to 22:00.
Or Tor Kor Market
Or Tor Kor is an indoor market of about 6,500 m² with more than 600 vendors, opposite Chatuchak Weekend Market. Its prices are higher than at ordinary markets.
- Getting there: take the MRT to Kamphaeng Phet, use Exit 3, and the market is straight ahead.
- Opening hours: daily from early morning (about 06:00-06:30) to early evening (sources give 18:00 to 20:00). All stalls are open from about 08:30.
- Crowds: it is very crowded on weekends, when Chatuchak is open. For a calmer visit, go on a weekday after 08:30.
Night markets and street stalls
At Bangkok night markets, mango sticky rice costs about 60-100 THB. Most night markets open around 17:00, but not every food stall is open until about 19:00, so arrive after 19:00 for the full choice. These markets are open in 2026:
- Train Night Market Ratchada: reopened on 27 March 2026, open daily from 17:00 to 01:00, near MRT Thailand Cultural Centre Exit 3.
- Jodd Fairs Ratchada: 129 Ratchadaphisek Road, open daily from 17:00 to 01:00, a short walk from MRT Thailand Cultural Centre Exit 4.
- Yaowarat (Chinatown): street food every night from about 18:00 to midnight. The nearest station is MRT Wat Mangkon, Exit 3.
To try several dishes and finish with dessert, allow about 200-400 THB per person. Carry small notes for markets and street stalls.
Beyond Bangkok: Chiang Mai
In Chiang Mai, the walking-street markets are the easiest place to try Thai desserts and street food in one evening.
- Sunday Walking Street starts at Tha Phae Gate and runs west along Ratchadamnoen Road through the Old City. It opens on Sundays from about 16:00-17:00 to 22:00-23:00, with Lanna music and dance from about 19:00. It is busier and has more food than the Saturday market.
- Saturday Walking Street runs along Wualai Road from the Chiang Mai Gate intersection, on Saturdays from about 17:00 to 23:00. It is in the silversmith district and is calmer than the Sunday market.
If you are travelling north from Bangkok, see our guide on how to get from Bangkok to Chiang Mai.
How to eat it
- Use a spoon. Thais eat rice dishes with the spoon in the right hand and use the fork only to push food onto the spoon. The spoon goes to your mouth, not the fork.
- Take rice and mango together, with a little sauce, in each spoonful.
- Eat it fresh. The dish is best soon after it is served, while the rice is still soft. If you buy a box to take away, eat it soon after you buy it.
- Mix in the sauce. If the coconut sauce comes in a small bag or cup, pour it over the rice just before you eat.
Useful Thai phrases
| English | Thai | Say it like |
|---|---|---|
| Mango sticky rice | ข้าวเหนียวมะม่วง | khao niao mamuang |
| Coconut cream | กะทิ | kathi |
| How much? | เท่าไหร่ | thao rai |
| Eat here | กินที่นี่ | kin thi ni |
| Take away | กลับบ้าน | klap ban |
| Delicious | อร่อย | aroi |
| Without ... | ไม่ใส่ ... | mai sai ... |
Allergies and dietary needs
Mango sticky rice is made with coconut, so it is not suitable for anyone who must avoid coconut. Toppings vary from seller to seller. If you have an allergy or a strict diet, carry a written note in Thai that names it, show it before you order and use "mai sai ..." ("without ...") for single ingredients.
Making it yourself: cooking classes
Menus differ by school and by day, so ask before you book whether mango sticky rice is one of the dishes.
- Thai Farm Cooking School (Chiang Mai): a full day on an organic farm costs 1,500 THB per person, or 1,300 THB on a low-season promotion until 21 October 2026. The menu includes a dessert, and vegetarian, vegan, halal and gluten-free menus are offered.
- Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School (Chiang Mai): the Old Town course costs 1,000 THB and the organic farm course 1,200 THB, both with a market tour.
- Bangkok schools: Silom Thai Cooking School costs about 1,200 THB per person, Baipai about 2,200 THB and Blue Elephant from about 2,943 THB.
These class prices were checked in September 2026.
Getting there with Smile Taxi Service
If you land at Suvarnabhumi and want to go straight to your hotel in Bangkok, a Smile Taxi Service transfer costs 600 THB by sedan, 800 THB by SUV or 1,100 THB by van. From Don Mueang to Bangkok, the fare is 600 THB by sedan, 800 THB by SUV or 1,000 THB by van. Fares are fixed, per vehicle (not per person), one way, with expressway tolls included. Airport pickups include 60 minutes of free waiting, counted from the actual landing time. Book a sedan from Suvarnabhumi to Bangkok, an SUV from Suvarnabhumi to Bangkok or a van from Suvarnabhumi to Bangkok. From Don Mueang, book a sedan from Don Mueang to Bangkok, an SUV from Don Mueang to Bangkok or a van from Don Mueang to Bangkok.
To visit Kor Panich, Or Tor Kor and Mae Varee in one day with your own driver, the Bangkok Tour lasts up to 10 hours and costs 2,700 THB by sedan, 3,000 THB by SUV, 3,700 THB by van or 4,000 THB by VIP van. See tours and day trips. A weekday works best: Kor Panich is closed on Sundays, and Or Tor Kor is very crowded on weekends.
You pay the driver in cash (THB) at the end of the trip. If you can only pay by card, message the team and they will send a PayPal payment link, with a 5% fee added. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before pickup. After that, a cancellation or change costs 25% (less than 24 h), 35% (less than 12 h) or 50% (less than 2 h) of the price, and a no-show 100%, also when you pay the driver in cash (details).
Tips for the best experience
- Buy from Mae Varee only when you can eat soon after, because you cannot eat in.
- Go to Or Tor Kor on a weekday after about 08:30, when every stall is open.
- Choose busy stalls where each serving is put together when you order.
- Check the price before you order, especially at premium markets.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy good mango sticky rice in Bangkok's old town? Kor Panich on Tanao Road, which has held a Michelin Bib Gourmand since 2019. It costs about 130 THB and the shop is closed on Sundays.
Can I sit down and eat at Mae Varee in Thong Lo? No. It is a takeaway fruit shop next to BTS Thong Lo, and a box costs about 120-150 THB.
How much is mango sticky rice at a night market? About 60-100 THB at Bangkok night markets in 2026.
When is Or Tor Kor Market open? Every day from early morning to early evening, with all stalls open from about 08:30. It is quieter on weekdays than on weekends.
To book a ride from the airport or a full day of food stops with your own driver, message us on WhatsApp or LINE, or see all routes and prices.