Discover the unique delicacy of the southwestern border region

Xoi xiem is an uncommon dish, no one knows exactly when it appeared in Chau Doc, An Giang . Many women in their 80s said they saw this dish in their childhood. Locals are not sure about the meaning of the name xoi xiem, but based on the word "xiem", people explain that this dish originated from Siam, which is present-day Thailand, possibly the result of trade between Vietnamese and Thai people.

Sticky rice shop in Chau Doc

Nguyen Huy

Later, when tourism in Thailand became popular, many people commented that Chau Doc sticky rice and Thai sticky rice are very similar. Chau Doc sticky rice is cooked with delicious sticky rice, cooked with coconut milk and durian, so it is sweet, fatty and fragrant. In addition, the sticky rice dish also comes with a topping made from beaten duck eggs, palm sugar and some special ingredients. The sweet and sticky mixture is a unique topping of this delicious dish. Those who love sticky rice and have a sweet tooth will definitely love this dish.

Xoi Xiem Box in Chau Doc

Nguyen Huy

Chau Doc sticky rice is as attractive as milk tea today. Even though you are afraid of gaining weight, if you are addicted, you cannot stop. However, unlike milk tea which is widely sold, Chau Doc sticky rice is not... easy to find. From ancient times until now, in this border city, there have only been one or two shops selling sticky rice. Now, there is only one place left selling it at the end of Chau Doc market. That is the Suu Phuong sweet soup shop.

Xoi xiem is a memorable flavor for many Chau Doc people living far from home. In the 1980s, when the economy was still difficult, only those who could afford to buy xoi xiem. Therefore, this dish was considered a "reward" dish by many parents. For example, at the end of the year, any student who studied well or was promoted in the month would be given a package of xoi xiem by their parents. It was so little, but that flavor stuck in the memories of many people. There are children of Chau Doc living abroad, every time they call home to chat with friends, when talking about the old flavor, they still can't forget... xoi xiem. When visiting their hometown, many people insist on eating it at all costs.

This is a topping made from duck eggs, palm sugar and some special ingredients.

Nguyen Huy

The children of the homeland who are living in Saigon also miss their childhood dishes. Because even in this big city, there is everything, but sticky rice is not easy to find. Perhaps diners can find it in Thai dessert shops, but it is not certain that they will find the old taste again.

So those who have accidentally tasted the taste of sticky rice, when they have the opportunity to return to their hometown for a memorial service, must definitely come here to buy some to ease the nostalgia. At the Sua Phuong dessert shop, sticky rice is sold from early morning until noon, late afternoon. But sometimes it runs out earlier because of the large number of customers. For tourists who like to explore local cuisine, when coming to Chau Doc, try sticky rice once because of the unique flavor of this delicious dish.

Nguyen Huy (According to Thanh Nien)

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