Phimai Vendor Sells Traditional 'Forget Husband' Black Sticky Rice
At Jo Jae Market in Phimai, 69-year-old Aunt Chin sells traditional "Forget Husband" black sticky rice for 20 ba
Journalist Prasit Tangprasert explores the trading atmosphere at Jo Jae Market in Phimai district, Nakhon Ratchasima. The cooling weather has made hot food sell exceptionally well, especially the steamed black sticky rice from 69-year-old Aunt Chin. She explains that locals call it 'Khao Niao Dam Hong,' while other Isan provinces call it 'Khao Niao Luem Phua' — a teasing name implying it's so tasty a wife will eat it all and forget to share with her husband. The rice is steamed in woven bamboo baskets over a pot and sold piping hot, pairing perfectly with shredded coconut.
The 'forget husband' sticky rice uses a local black glutinous rice variety with deep black grains. When cooked, the grains are glossy, beautiful, with a chewy exterior and soft, sticky interior, carrying a distinctive aroma. The shredded coconut is rich, sweet, and slightly salty from a pinch of salt and sugar, adding a mellow balance. Some recipes sprinkle sesame seeds on top, and the white coconut covering the black rice resembles white hair, hence the name 'Khao Niao Dam Hong.' It's an ancient snack becoming hard to find, mostly sold during the cool season, and boasts high nutritional value including antioxidants. Customers are invited to taste this local delicacy at 20 baht per pack.
