Handwoven Sticky Rice Steamer Basket

This conical bamboo basket is the traditional way to steam glutinous rice in Thailand and Laos. Artisans weave it from natural bamboo reeds, and its open weave lets steam circulate so the rice comes out soft and chewy — the texture you want for khao niao.

Naree demonstrates this basket on Uniquely Thai Lao TV, her near-daily show at 5:00 PM PST. She shows how it sits snugly on an aluminum steamer pot and steams rice that pairs with som tum or grilled gai yang, the flavors of Isaan and Lao markets.

In Thai and Lao culture, sticky rice is more than a side dish. Families roll it into balls and dip it in chili sauces at gatherings and festivals like Boun Ok Phansa. The basket's natural materials give the rice a subtle earthy aroma that no metal pot can match.

To use it, soak the basket in water for about six hours before the first use to mellow the bamboo. Line it with cheesecloth so the rice does not stick. Soak your glutinous rice for at least four hours, then steam for fifteen to twenty minutes, flipping halfway. Clean with warm water and a brush, and air-dry thoroughly to prevent mold.

Product Details

• Material: 100% handwoven natural bamboo reeds
• Dimensions: approximately 10 inches wide, 8 inches tall
• Care: soak before first use; warm water and brush; air dry
• : Plain natural bamboo