Xôi ngũ sắc (five-coloured sticky rice) is composed of five distinct colours: white, purple, blue, yellow, and red, showcasing the remarkable skill of Thái women. Each hue is naturally derived from various roots, plants, leaves, and flowers, either foraged from the forests or grown in their gardens. More than just a feast for the eyes, these colours symbolise the five elements—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth—as well as various hopes and human emotions.

White, the natural colour of glutinous rice, represents pure and enduring love, respect, and filial piety.

Red, produced from gấc (sweet gourd) fruit or red cẩm leaves, symbolises a zest for life and hope for a bright future.

Yellow, extracted from the bó phón flower, stands for prosperity and abundance.

Purple, made from purple cẩm leaves, symbolises the fertility and richness of the land.

Blue, derived from the butterfly pea flower, evokes the lush vitality of the forests and fields.

To ensure the perfect texture, the glutinous rice—grown on upland fields—is soaked overnight, drained, and then steamed in a traditional wooden steamer. The heat must be carefully controlled, neither too high nor too low, to cook the rice evenly without turning it mushy. To keep the colours distinct, a wooden frame with dividers is often used, with each batch steamed for about 45 minutes.

In traditional Thái gatherings, a tray of xôi ngũ sắc takes pride of place at the centre of the feast, its bright colours enhancing the setting. More than just food, it is a symbol of respect, embodying the Thái people's reverence for their ancestors and elders.