Top Recommended Menu Items at Sticky Rice Cafe in Knoxville, TN

Discover the best of Laotian and Southeast Asian flavors

Key Takeaways

Authentic Laotian Dishes: Experience traditional flavors through signature dishes like Laab and Lao Sausage.
Diverse Menu Options: From savory appetizers to sweet desserts, the cafe offers a wide range of choices catering to various tastes.
Fresh Ingredients: Emphasis on fresh, handmade ingredients ensures high-quality and flavorful meals.

Appetizers

Spring Rolls

Sticky Rice Cafe offers both fresh and fried spring rolls, filled with a variety of ingredients such as shrimp, grilled BBQ pork, tofu, or vegetables. These appetizers are celebrated for their lightness and refreshing flavors, making them an ideal start to your meal.

Lao Sausage (Sai Gok)

This house-made sausage is infused with traditional Laotian spices and herbs, resulting in a flavorful and aromatic small plate that perfectly complements other dishes.

Fried Egg Rolls

Crispy on the outside and savory on the inside, the fried egg rolls are filled with choices like chicken, pork, or vegetables and are served with a sweet and spicy fish sauce that enhances their deliciousness.

Salads

Laab (Larb)

Considered the national dish of Laos, Laab is a flavorful salad made with minced meat (available in chicken, beef, or pork), fresh herbs, lime juice, and spices. It’s typically served with sticky or steamed rice, providing a balance of textures and tastes that highlight authentic Laotian cuisine.

Papaya Salad (Som Tum)

This spicy and tangy salad features shredded green papaya, tomatoes, green beans, peanuts, and a zesty lime dressing. It’s a staple in Southeast Asian cuisine and provides a refreshing contrast to the richer dishes.

Soups

Pho

A beloved Vietnamese noodle soup, Sticky Rice Cafe offers various versions of Pho, including Pho Ga (chicken), Pho Bo (beef), and seafood options like shrimp and squid. The broth is aromatic and richly flavored, served with rice noodles and an assortment of fresh herbs.

Specialty Soups

For those looking to explore more unique flavors, the cafe offers proprietary soups such as Kow-poon, a spicy coconut curry broth, and Kow-pek, a milder chicken broth. These additions allow patrons to customize their soup experience with diverse flavor profiles.

Main Courses

Pad Thai

The classic Thai stir-fried rice noodles are a mainstay at Sticky Rice Cafe. Prepared with eggs, tofu or your choice of protein, bean sprouts, and peanuts, this dish offers a harmonious blend of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.

Green Curry

This spicy, coconut-based curry is made with vegetables and your choice of chicken, beef, or tofu. Served with jasmine rice, the green curry is both aromatic and rich, providing a satisfying and hearty meal option.

Banh Mi Sandwich

A Vietnamese-style baguette filled with marinated meats, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs, the Banh Mi Sandwich is a perfect blend of textures and flavors, making it a popular choice for a quick and delicious meal.

Crispy Duck

Tender duck served with hoisin sauce, pancakes, and fresh vegetables creates a delightful combination of crunchy and savory elements. This dish is a favorite among patrons seeking a gourmet experience.

Specialties

Massaman Curry

A rich and mildly spiced curry that includes potatoes, peanuts, and your choice of protein. This dish offers a hearty and comforting flavor profile, perfect for those who enjoy a balanced level of spice.

Pho-Rito

A modern twist on the traditional Pho, the Pho-Rito wraps the meat and dry ingredients of Pho in a flour tortilla, served with a side of broth for dipping. This fusion dish combines the best of both worlds, offering a portable and flavorful option.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

Vegetable Pad Thai

A plant-based version of the classic Pad Thai, this dish replaces meat with tofu and a variety of fresh vegetables, ensuring that vegetarians and vegans can enjoy a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Tofu Green Curry

Coconut curry with tofu, vegetables, and aromatic herbs provides a rich and creamy option for those adhering to a vegan diet, without compromising on taste or texture.

Desserts

Mango Sticky Rice

This sweet dessert features coconut sticky rice topped with ripe mango slices and drizzled with coconut syrup. It’s a perfect combination of creamy and fruity flavors, providing a delightful end to any meal.

Fried Banana

Four pieces of banana wrapped in an egg roll wrapper, served with ice cream, caramel, and chocolate syrup. This dessert offers a crispy exterior with a sweet and creamy filling, making it a favorite among dessert lovers.

Beverages

Boba Tea

A selection of sweet and refreshing boba teas complements your meal perfectly. These beverages are available in various flavors and provide a fun and tasty drink option.

Thai Iced Tea

Sweet and creamy, Thai Iced Tea offers a distinct and satisfying flavor that pairs well with the cafe’s savory dishes.

Vietnamese Coffee

Strong coffee served with sweetened condensed milk provides a robust and sweet beverage option, ideal for coffee enthusiasts.

Fresh Juices and Smoothies

A variety of fruit options are available, ensuring that there’s a fresh and healthy drink to suit every preference.

Highlights and Unique Offerings

$1 Soup Add-Ons

Sticky Rice Cafe offers $1 add-ons for soups, allowing patrons to sample different broths such as Kow-poon (spicy coconut curry broth), Kow-pek (mild chicken broth), and traditional Pho broth. This feature provides excellent value and variety, enhancing the overall dining experience.

BBQ Pork Noodle Bowl

This dish includes rice vermicelli noodles, a mix of lettuce, cilantro, bean sprouts, carrots, cucumber, and crushed peanuts with peanut sauce. It’s highly recommended to ask for extra peanut sauce to amplify the flavors, making it a standout option on the menu.

Authentic Ingredients

The cafe prides itself on using fresh, handmade ingredients and traditional family recipes, ensuring that each dish is prepared with authenticity and high quality. This commitment to genuine flavors distinguishes Sticky Rice Cafe from other Southeast Asian restaurants.

Atmosphere and Ambiance

The casual and inviting atmosphere at Sticky Rice Cafe adds to the overall dining experience, making it a great spot for both casual meals and special occasions. The decor reflects the cultural heritage of Laos and Southeast Asia, providing an immersive environment for guests.

Conclusion

Sticky Rice Cafe in Knoxville, TN, offers a rich and diverse menu that encapsulates the authentic flavors of Laotian and Southeast Asian cuisine. From the zesty and flavorful Laab to the comforting bowls of Pho, each dish is crafted with care and high-quality ingredients. The variety of appetizers, salads, main courses, vegetarian options, and desserts ensures that there’s something to satisfy every palate. Additionally, the unique offerings like the $1 soup add-ons and fusion dishes such as the Pho-Rito provide innovative twists that keep the menu exciting and dynamic. Combined with a welcoming atmosphere and commitment to authenticity, Sticky Rice Cafe stands out as a must-visit destination for anyone seeking delicious and genuine Southeast Asian dining in Knoxville.