National Dish Vietnam: Xoi Com (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Xoi Com, a fragrant sticky-rice dish that sits right at the heart of Vietnamese home cooking. It brings together soft, glutinous rice and a colourful mix of sweet and savoury toppings, so every spoonful balances comfort with character. Whether served at a festive gathering or enjoyed as a quick, satisfying lunch, this is a dish that turns simple ingredients into something memorable. Bring a taste of Vietnam straight to your own table.
About Xoi Com
Xoi Com is a traditional Vietnamese dish that is enjoyed far beyond its homeland. The combination of aromatic sticky rice with an array of savoury and sweet accompaniments makes it a wonderful choice for almost any occasion. In Vietnam it is often served at celebrations or eaten as a quick midday meal. Its distinctive texture and full, satisfying flavour are a fine example of the rich culinary tradition of Vietnamese cuisine.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g glutinous (sticky) rice
- 100 ml coconut milk
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt to taste
- Fried chicken or dried shrimp (optional)
- Spicy seasoning sauce (optional)
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for the ingredients for Xoi Com, look for good-quality glutinous rice that turns properly sticky once cooked. The quality of the coconut milk matters too, as it gives the dish a creamy, gently sweet note. Dried shrimp and seasonings are easy to find in Asian grocery shops, and choosing the freshest produce you can will always reward you with the best flavour.
Preparing the dish
Preparing Xoi Com begins with soaking the rice. Leave the glutinous rice to soak in water for at least four hours, or overnight, so it reaches the right consistency. Washing the ingredients thoroughly is just as important for a clean, fresh taste. While the rice soaks, this is also the moment to choose and prep your toppings, so you can tailor the dish to suit your own taste.
Step-by-step instructions
- Drain the soaked glutinous rice thoroughly.
- Steam the rice in a steamer basket for about 30 minutes, until soft and sticky.
- Mix the cooked rice with the coconut milk, sugar and a pinch of salt.
- Top with fried chicken or dried shrimp, as you like.
- Serve with the spicy seasoning sauce and enjoy.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Xoi Com is easy to prepare gluten-free and lactose-free. Use a gluten-free soy sauce or an alternative seasoning, as the main ingredient — sticky rice — is naturally free from gluten. The coconut milk is already a plant-based, lactose-free choice, so the dish stays rich and satisfying with only the smallest of adjustments. For another naturally gluten-free option, try Xoi Dua.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
There are plenty of ways to adapt Xoi Com for vegans and vegetarians. In place of chicken or shrimp, use vegetables such as peppers, carrots or broccoli. The coconut milk is already plant-based, and creative toppings like marinated tofu or roasted nuts make for a varied, nourishing meal. With a few thoughtful swaps you can build a version that suits any plant-based diet.
More tips and tricks
A handful of tips and tricks will help you perfect your Xoi Com. Experiment with different toppings to vary the flavours, and remember to add just the right amount of coconut milk for the creaminess you want. The balance of rice to liquid plays a key role during cooking, too. Finally, fresh herbs and a few extra spices are an easy way to layer in more aroma.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
The beauty of Xoi Com lies in how readily it can be shaped to your own preferences. Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar to taste, and switch the seasoning sauce to whatever you fancy — sweeter, spicier or saltier. These small changes let you bring a personal touch to the dish every time you make it.
Ingredient substitutions
If you are looking for substitutions, that is no trouble at all. In place of glutinous rice you could use ordinary long-grain rice, though this will change the texture slightly. Almond or soya milk can stand in for coconut milk to alter the flavour, much as they do in Xoi Ngo. When it comes to toppings, your imagination is the only limit — from fresh vegetables to plant-based proteins, almost anything works.
Drink pairing ideas
To round off your Xoi Com, give a little thought to the drinks. A refreshing iced tea with lime, or a light Asian lager, pairs beautifully with the dish. Freshly pressed fruit juice such as pineapple or mango also harmonises well with the sweet and savoury notes of the rice. Try a few combinations and find your own favourite match.
Serving and presentation ideas
An attractive presentation can lift the whole eating experience. Serve Xoi Com in traditional Vietnamese bowls or on a handsome plate, garnished with fresh herbs such as coriander or mint. Different-coloured toppings add welcome flecks of colour, while arranging the dish in layers — rice first, then the toppings, and finally the sauce — makes for a striking finish.
A bit of history
Xoi Com has a long history in Vietnam and is often seen as a symbol of festivity and togetherness. Traditionally it was cooked in rural areas, and today it is found in every part of the country. The preparation varies from region to region, which only underlines the cultural richness of this dish. More than a meal, it is a way of celebrating Vietnamese tradition, alongside classics such as Pho Ga.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Xoi Com
In short, Xoi Com is a versatile and delicious dish that captures the variety and flavours of Vietnamese cooking. With the right preparation, a few creative toppings and adjustments to suit your own taste, you can make it easily at home. Savour the aromas and discover just how rewarding and flavourful Vietnamese cuisine can be. Enjoy your meal.
