Welcome to Innoviet

Innoviet, founded by a group of young heart Vietnamese people, seeks to build sustainable tourism projects - projects benefitting local communities and minimising the impacts of tourism on the environment, whilst providing tourists an authentic Vietnam experience. Actions speak louder than words, so Innoviet actively implements policies that directly impact the environment positively, such as using reusable non-plastic water bottles on all tours.

Discover

Sticky rice, or xôi, is a beloved staple of Vietnam, appearing in countless savory and sweet variations. From street stalls to celebrations, this dish is a flavorful part of everyday life and tradition.

If there’s one dish that captures the heart and soul of Vietnamese cuisine, it’s xôi, or sticky rice. This humble yet versatile dish is more than just a meal—it’s a cultural icon deeply woven into everyday life and special occasions alike. On any Vietnam food tour, sticky rice is a must-try, with its countless variations showcasing the creativity and rich culinary traditions of the country. Whether savory or sweet, each version of xôi offers a unique taste of Vietnam’s diverse regions.

What makes xôi so special is its incredible variety. Each region—and often each family—adds its own twist to this beloved dish, making it a perfect lens through which to explore Vietnam food and drink culture. Let’s dive into the two main categories of xôi: savory and sweet.

Savory Sticky Rice: Bold and Flavorful

Savory sticky rice is a delicious, filling meal that varies widely across Vietnam. In the North, xôi xéo is a breakfast staple. This bright yellow sticky rice, flavored with turmeric and topped with mung bean paste and crispy shallots, is simple yet satisfying. Pair it with ruốc (shredded pork floss) for a hearty start to the day. Another Northern specialty, xôi chim, features tender pigeon or quail meat, adding a rich, meaty flavor to the rice.

sticky-rice---xoi-xeo---innoviet-travel — Xôi xéo (Source: suutam)

sticky-rice---xoi-chim---innoviet-travel — Xôi chim (Source: Cẩm Viên Quán)

In Hue, famous for its refined imperial cuisine, xôi thịt hon takes the spotlight. Sticky rice is paired with braised pork belly, slow-cooked until it’s tender and deeply flavorful. Meanwhile, in the coastal city of Nha Trang, xôi cá cơm showcases the region’s seafood heritage, pairing sticky rice with salty, umami-rich anchovies.

sticky-rice---xoi-thit-hon---innoviet-travel — Xôi thịt hon (Source: Eva)

sticky-rice---xoi-ca-com---innoviet-travel — Xôi cá cơm (Source: Crystal Bay)

Heading to the Central Highlands, Kon Tum offers xôi măng, a dish that combines sticky rice with bamboo shoots for a harmonious blend of sour, salty, and spicy flavors. And in Saigon, the country’s largest city, xôi gets a modern twist with a wide array of toppings—pork sausage, pâté, quail eggs, Chinese sausage, scallion oil, and more. Each bite is a flavorful explosion that reflects Saigon’s vibrant food scene.

sticky-rice---xoi-mang---innoviet-travel — Xôi măng

sticky-rice---xoi-man---innoviet-travel — Xôi mặn (Source: Google)

sticky-rice---xoi-ga---innoviet-travel — Xôi gà - Chicken Sticky Rice (Source: @lanwiththi)

sticky-rice---xoi-khau-nhuc---innoviet-travel — Xôi khâu nhục (Source: Google)

Sweet Sticky Rice: A Dessert Worth Savoring

Vietnam’s sweet sticky rice dishes are equally impressive and even more diverse. These treats combine the chewy texture of glutinous rice with sweet and aromatic ingredients, creating unforgettable desserts or snacks.

Classics like xôi đậu xanh (mung bean sticky rice), xôi gấc (sticky rice with gac fruit), and xôi lạc (peanut sticky rice) are simple yet comforting. For something more indulgent, try xôi bắp nhão, a creamy combination of sticky rice, sweet corn, and coconut milk, or xôi vò, where mung beans and sticky rice are cooked together for a crumbly, flavorful texture.

sticky-rice---xoi-bap---innoviet-travel — Xôi bắp nhão - Sweet Corn Sticky Rice (Source: Google)

sticky-rice---xoi-nep-cam---innoviet-travel — Xôi nếp cẩm (Source: Google)

Looking for something eye-catching? Xôi ngũ sắc, or five-colored sticky rice, is as beautiful as it is meaningful, often appearing during festivals as a symbol of harmony. Coconut lovers will adore xôi nếp than nước dừa (black sticky rice with coconut milk) and xôi mít (sticky rice stuffed into jackfruit). Adventurous eaters can’t miss xôi cadé, topped with a custard-like sauce, or xôi sầu riêng, featuring the bold flavor of durian.

sticky-rice---xoi-ngu-sac---innoviet-travel — Xôi ngũ sắc - Color comes from vegetables

sticky-rice---xoi-mit---innoviet-travel — Xôi mít

sticky-rice---xoi-sau-rieng---innoviet-travel — Xôi sầu riêng - Durian Sticky Rice

Sticky Rice Is A Cultural Icon

Sticky rice is more than just a dish in Vietnam—it’s part of the country’s identity. Its convenience and satisfying nature make it a popular breakfast or snack, while its versatility allows it to shine in special ceremonies and celebrations. During Tet, weddings, and festivals, sticky rice is often prepared as an offering to ancestors, symbolizing prosperity and gratitude.

Xôi also holds a prominent place in the broader world of Vietnam food and drink. Loved by people of all ages and backgrounds, it’s a dish that bridges generations and brings communities together.

Experience Xôi on Your Vietnam Food Tour

If you’re planning a Vietnam food tour, don’t miss the chance to savor xôi as part of Innoviet’s 15-day culinary journey. This isn’t just a meal—it’s an exploration of the flavors and traditions that make Vietnam’s cuisine so extraordinary. From the savory richness of xôi xéo in Hanoi to the sweet indulgence of xôi gấc in Hue, sticky rice is a delicious and meaningful way to connect with the country’s heritage. Whether you’re wandering through bustling city markets or visiting serene rural villages, Innoviet’s tour ensures that xôi becomes an unforgettable highlight of your Vietnamese adventure.