What is Lotus leaf rice?

Lo Mai Gai | Traditional Rice Dish From China, East Asia | TasteAtlas

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Rice Dish

Lotus leaf rice (Lo mai gai)

(Lotus leaf rice, 糯米雞, 珍珠雞, 糯米鸡, Nor mai gai, Sticky rice in lotus leaf, Lotus leaf parcels)

Lotus leaf rice (lo mai gai or nor mai gai) is a classic Chinese dish consisting of sticky rice wrapped and steamed in lotus leaves. The rice is usually soaked, seasoned with various condiments and spices, and blended with additional ingredients such as chicken, duck, mushrooms, shrimps, scallions, and salted eggs.

When steamed, the rice is thoroughly infused with seasonings and the subtle fragrance of lotus leaves. Always served hot, this flavorful dish is usually enjoyed as a part of traditional dim sum meals.

China

WHERE TO EAT The best Lotus leaf rice (Lo mai gai) in the world (according to food experts)

Celia Hu and 10 other food critics.

"The lotus leaf-wrapped glutinous rice filled with chicken (HK$24) was a hefty addition to our table. We were pretty stuffed after sharing it between the three of us! The sticky grains really soaked up all the flavourful chicken juices."

Nicole Fung and 5 other food critics.

"This stuff is soooo good! The rice is steaming hot, moist, and flavorful with bits of shitake mushroom and chunks of chicken."

The Beijinger and 2 other food critics.

"Miraculous glutinous rice in lotus leaf."

Sue Lynn Tiong and 2 other food critics.

"We also enjoyed the lotus leaf wrapped rice, filled with minced chicken, lap cheong and dried scallop."

Ale Wilkinson and 2 other food critics.

"Traditional dishes such as sticky rice with chicken wrapped in a pandanus leaf were excellent."

Nicole Fung and 1 other food critic.

"Glutinous Rice Steamed in Lotus Leaf or Lor Mai Gai. OH MY CHOW. This is probably one of the best Lor Mai Gai I’ve ever had. It is moist, sticky, flavorful, jam packed with meat and has a salted duck egg yolk! Soooo friggin good!"