Xôi (sticky rice) is a very familiar morning dish.

I have been eating this woman’s sticky rice since I was in kindergarten. No matter the rain or sun, she still sits on the street corner, selling steadily for over ten years. Recently, for reasons related to politics, many street vendors were "herded" away, but she and the other women still press themselves close to the curb so they won’t be chased off and can sell breakfast to low-income workers and students like us.

Sticky rice is usually wrapped in dong leaves or banana leaves, then an outer layer of newspaper or an old student’s notebook, and tied tightly with a rubber band. If I say, "Auntie, I don’t need a plastic bag or a plastic spoon," she won’t give them, and I’m reassured that the sticky rice will never fall out because she wraps it very tightly and skillfully. I like her stall because she usually wraps it in dong leaf instead of food plastic like some other vendors. Some people are worried that the outer layer of newspaper, with its printed ink, isn’t good for health and criticize that eating like this is "not food-hygiene safe." I don’t really know what to say. It’s everyone’s choice. For me, there is already a lining of banana leaf. That’s fine. I usually eat it right after buying it too.

- This packet of sticky rice is only 10,000 VND (~ about 551.4 KRW), so when work gets difficult I can still get by on sticky rice because it’s hot, tasty, and that’s good enough. I think because ĐCT knew in advance there would be times I’d struggle, she provided me with such a sticky rice vendor (there’s also a rib porridge seller who charges only 10,000 VND; I’ll tell that story another time).

I find it truly very delicious. Not only is the food tasty, but this is also the sticky rice seller that ĐCT gave me, tied to my childhood. I can also say no to "plastic" and feel a bit reassured that this household waste will decompose more quickly in nature.

Add a cup of coffee and it’s a fully satisfying breakfast!

I feel truly fortunate to be given such pleasant food.

I am truly grateful and thankful to ĐCT for helping me feel full and alert this morning!

[F62] Sticky rice 10,000 VND