If you walk on the streets of Thailand and see these banana leaf packets on the grill with their contents inconspicuously concealed and their exteriors burned, charred, and sooty in random spots, I recommend that you overlook the questionable attractiveness of these little things and do what I do: lunge for them with all your might, squeeing while in mid-air.
Those who prefer a less dramatic, more dignified way of obtaining snacks on the streets — not that I understand any of you in the least — can just approach the vendor and politely ask her for a few of these grilled sweet sticky rice packets.
Either way, you end up with warm, delicious sticky rice scented with charred banana leaves, its aromatic and biodegradable wrappers. Khao niao ping comes both plain and with different fillings most common of which include ripe Thai burro bananas (the type commonly batter-fried or ordained) and sweet taro paste. Continue Reading →
