Laos is the world's first consumer of sticky rice (“khao niaow”)

Laotians are the world's largest users of sticky rice (khao niaow), consuming more than 345 pounds (156 kgs) per person every year!! That is a lot of sticky rice... They even call themselves luk khao niaow, which translates to "sticky rice children."

Sticky rice has been around in Southeast Asia for at least 4,000 years. Rice farming practices altered a few hundred years ago, with most countries converting to non-glutinous white rice cultivation in the 18th century. But the Laotians stayed true to their heritage and continued to cultivate glutinous sticky rice. As a result, sticky rice is still an important part of every meal in Laos.

Laotians also produce specific sticky rice meals for religious rituals, and following prayers, uncooked sticky rice grains are frequently flung into the air. But the major reason sticky rice is so popular is that it is more full and takes longer to digest than white rice, and it is also delicious!