Kor Panich, Bangkok’s Legendary Mango Sticky Rice Shop With a Michelin Nod
Is it any wonder that Thailand is the Mecca of street food?
Is it any wonder that Thailand is the Mecca of street food?
The Land of Smiles boasts 189 restaurants that were honoured with a Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2023, almost half of which are based in the ever-buzzing capital of Bangkok.
There’s only one dessert shop, however, with the coveted award. Unsurprisingly, it’s one that sells the much-loved Thai dessert khaoniao mamuang, better known as mango sticky rice.
Their secret? A recipe originally cooked up for kings and queens.
A royal connection
Kor Panich is located along Tanao Road in Bangkok Old Town. Image: Instagram @bacujeme
Kor Panich, established in 1932, is one of Bangkok’s oldest eateries.
The shop occupies a mid-19th century shop lot in Rattanakosin, a historic enclave dotted with royal landmarks including the Grand Palace, home of the reigning Chakri dynasty, and the City Pillar Shrine - the low-key spiritual heart of Bangkok.
For over nine decades, it has been the go-to place for mango sticky rice in the Thai capital, thanks to its royal connections.
The shop founder's mother-in-law, who used to work the kitchens in the Grand Palace, provided the recipe that would slowly, but surely, build Kor Panich into a street food legend.
All the right ingredients
Juicy mango, sticky rice, creamy coconut milk and fried mung beans. Image: Instagram @inahfernandez
Each serving of mango sticky rice at Kor Panich is priced at 125 baht ($3.60). Not exactly cheap, but take a bite and you’ll understand why they’ve been listed in the Michelin Guide Thailand for five years straight since 2019.
The shop offers both Nam Dok Mai and Ok Rhong Damnoen mangoes, known to be the sweetest varieties in Thailand.
Not only are the mangoes here ripe and incredibly juicy, but throw them onto a bed of warm sticky rice topped with creamy coconut milk that’s lightly tinged with sugar and salt, then add a sprinkle of fried mung beans for crunch? Perfection.
There are also other toppings including sangkaya (coconut jam) and dried fish to go with the sticky rice, which is imported from northern Chiang Rai.
Kerbside pickup is a popular option due to limited seating. Image: Instagram @whatsweeat
Another indulgent pairing option is the seasonal Monthong durian, a local variety from southern Thailand that’s usually available between April and August.
If you have space to spare in your tummy, try some of the traditional puddings made from tapioca flour and coconut milk, or bring home edible souvenirs like tapioca coconut cookies and crispy brown rice rolls.
A slice of nostalgia
Each plate of mango sticky rice is priced at 125 baht. Image: Instagram @vincentchin86
Seating at Kor Panich is limited as there are only a couple of tables, but even when it’s a full house, the wait usually isn’t long. Most Bangkokians opt for kerbside pickup or food delivery.
Nothing, however, beats the experience of eating in - sitting on a wooden stool by the roadside amid blaring tuk-tuks and tourists snapping pics of antiquated shophouses, while noshing on a dish fit for kings.
Kor Panich is open from 7am to 6pm and is closed on Sundays.