Khao tom

Khao tom

Khao tom can be either savory or sweet. This one from Laos, with a pork fat and mung bean filling, is savory.
Alternative names	Khao tom mat
Course	Dessert
Place of origin	Laos and Thai
Main ingredients	sticky rice, banana leaves

Khao tom (Lao: ເຂົ້າຕົ້ມ; Thai: ข้าวต้ม, pronounced [kʰâ(ː)w tôm]; also spelled kao tom), or khao tom mat (Thai: ข้าวต้มมัด, pronounced [kʰâ(ː)w tôm mát]) is a Laotian and Thai dessert of seasoned steamed sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves. Other names include khao tom mad, khao tom kluai, khao tom phat, and khao tom luk yon. Dishes that are similar to khao tom mat can also be found in other countries such as the Philippines.

This dessert can be either savory (filled with pork fat and mung bean) or sweet (filled with coconut milk and banana). In Thailand, khao tom is sometimes colored blue with Clitoria ternatea flowers.

The khao tom variety with black beans is known as khao tom mat (ข้าวต้มมัด).

The Sai Krachat tradition (ประเพณีใส่กระจาด), also known as Suea Krachat or Soe Krachat in Phuan language is a merit-making Buddhist tradition of the Thai Phuan people of in Ban Mi District, Lopburi Province. It takes place on the eve of the Great Birth Sermon celebration. One day prior to the Sai Krachat Day, people wrap khao tom and grind rice for khao pun rice noodles. The next day is the Sai Krachat Day when people bring things such as bananas, sugar cane, oranges, candles, and joss sticks or other items to put into the bamboo baskets at the houses of the people they know, while the hosts bring the prepared food to welcome their guests. When the visitors wish to go home, the host gives khao tom mat as a souvenir in return called Khuen Krachat.