Five-coloured sticky rice: A Vibrant Symbol of Thái Culture and Heritage

ĐBP - A standout in the culinary traditions of Điện Biên Province's ethnic groups is xôi ngũ sắc, or five-coloured sticky rice, a signature dish of the Thái people. This vibrant dish is a central feature of their festivals and New Year celebrations, admired not only for its visual appeal and fragrant aroma but also for the deeper cultural meanings it embodies.

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.

The sticky rice is dyed with natural colours from leaves and flowers.

After draining, it is steamed to perfection.

Today, xôi ngũ sắc is not only a family favourite but also sold commercially.

Once cooked, the rice is fluffed and shaped into bite-sized portions.

 

Anh Tuấn
Comment

You have 500/500 characters left

Please enter 5 or more characters!!!

Recent news

  • 'African swine fever developments remain complex in Điện Biên

    African swine fever developments remain complex in Điện Biên

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - Since May 15, African Swine Fever (ASF) has broken out and spread among 26 households across 16 villages in five communes within Điện Biên district, Điện Biên province. Despite aggressive response measures by local authorities and veterinary agencies, the outbreak remains complicated and containment efforts face considerable challenges.
  • 'When the people are the foundation

    When the people are the foundation

    CULTURE - TOURISM -
    ĐBP - Each brick laid is more than just a construction material, it carries the trust and consensus of the people. The journey to complete the network of neighborhood cultural houses in Mường Ảng district, Điện Biên province reflects a close-knit process between state policy and the spirit of communal solidarity, building a strong cultural foundation and shaping a modern, civilized urban image.
  • 'Joining hands to lift people out of poverty

    Joining hands to lift people out of poverty

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - From 2021 to 2025, the emulation movement “For the poor - Leaving no one behind” has become a standout initiative in Điện Biên province’s sustainable poverty reduction efforts. Once one of the most disadvantaged provinces in the country, Điện Biên is gradually turning the tide thanks to the coordinated actions of the political system and the active participation of its people.
  • 'Điện Biên announces resolutions and decisions on administrative unit merger

    Điện Biên announces resolutions and decisions on administrative unit merger

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - On the morning of June 30, the Điện Biên provincial Party Committee, People’s Council, People’s Committee, and Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Điện Biên held a ceremony to announce the National Assembly’s and the Standing Committee of the National Assembly’s resolutions regarding the dissolution of district-level administrative units, the restructuring of commune-level units, the establishment of new grassroots-level Party organizations, and the appointment of commune-level Party and government leadership.
  • 'The historic grand restructuring: A new chapter of the country

    The historic grand restructuring: A new chapter of the country

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - The historic moment has arrived: July 1, 2025 marks the official commencement of the two-tier local government model nationwide. And today, June 30, 2025, the country celebrates the ceremonial announcement of central and local resolutions and decisions on the merger of administrative units, and the appointment of key leaders in provinces, cities, communes, wards, and special zones.
  • 'Điện Biên ready to roll out two-tier local government model

    Điện Biên ready to roll out two-tier local government model

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - From July 1, alongside the rest of the country, Điện Biên province will officially implement a two-tier local government model, comprising provincial and communal levels. Thanks to thorough and comprehensive preparation in organizational structure, technological infrastructure, and staffing, communes and wards across the province are now ready for this important transition.
  • 'Digital economy popular in rural areas in Điện Biên

    Digital economy popular in rural areas in Điện Biên

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - In the wave of digital transformation, Điện Biên, a mountainous and border province, is gradually bringing digital technology to households. From characteristic agricultural products being sold on e-commerce platforms to cashless payments made with just a few steps on smartphones, the digital economy is deeply infiltrating daily life.
  • 'Điện Biên creates favorable conditions for business development

    Điện Biên creates favorable conditions for business development

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - Điện Biên province has identified the private economic sector as one of the key pillars of the local economy, playing an essential role in enhancing labor productivity, promoting innovation, and elevating the province’s competitiveness. In recent years, the province has issued a range of appropriate mechanisms and policies to create a favorable environment for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to operate efficiently and contribute increasingly to local development.
  • 'A safe, smooth, and successful exam

    A safe, smooth, and successful exam

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - After two official exam days (June 26-27), the 2025 National High School Graduation Examination in Điện Biên province concluded on schedule, safely and seriously, with no violations of examination regulations. Over 7,600 candidates across the province completed a crucial milestone that will shape their future. The success of the exam was not only due to the students’ focus and efforts but also thanks to the support and collaboration of the entire political system.
  • 'A peaceful clan by the Nậm Rốm River

    A peaceful clan by the Nậm Rốm River

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Nestled quietly beside the Nậm Rốm River, the stilt houses of the Thái ethnic people in the Lường clan line stand united and prosperous. For many years, this clan has been a shining example in maintaining peace and security at the gateway to Điện Biên Phủ city.
  • 'Family meals strengthen bonds of love

    Family meals strengthen bonds of love

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - In modern life, many people have become accustomed to the fast pace of daily routines, leaving family members with little time for each other. Therefore, family meals hold significant importance, not only as a beautiful traditional cultural practice but also as an opportunity for family members to gather, bond, and share joys and sorrows together.
  • 'Igniting startup spirit of youths

    Igniting startup spirit of youths

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - With youthful energy, passion, and a strong desire to establish themselves, many young people in the province have boldly ventured into production and business, creating wealth through local product-based economic models. Accompanying these determined young entrepreneurs, the Điện Biên provincial Youth Union has implemented various initiatives to “ignite the flame” of ambition among its members.
  • 'Clean water systems transform lives in Điện Biên’s mountainous areas

    Clean water systems transform lives in Điện Biên’s mountainous areas

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Despite being the headwaters of many rivers and streams, numerous villages and communes in the highlands of Điện Biên still face a shortage of clean water for daily use. In response to the urgent need for clean water in these areas, the province has implemented a range of initiatives in recent years to bring safe water closer to residents.
  • 'Small homes, great happiness

    Small homes, great happiness

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - It is no coincidence that the Vietnamese people always speak of the word “family” with utmost reverence. It is the place where each person is sheltered, grows up, learns to love, and matures. In life’s journey, one may pass through many places, face numerous hardships, but the embrace of family, whether large or small, is always the place one wishes to return to.