Customers flock in line in front of Khon Kaen Hospital to try the special 5-baht grilled sticky rice, cooked over hot charcoal to warm up against the cold at an affordable price.
In Khon Kaen province, the popular winter comfort food "grilled sticky rice" is selling like hotcakes, especially at the Million Baht Grilled Sticky Rice shop at the morning market in front of Khon Kaen Hospital on Sri Chan Road, where customers eagerly queue to enjoy the warmth of the charcoal grill.
Ms. Juthamas Lophanthon, 36, the owner, said the shop has been open for over 20 years. The secret lies in the freshness and affordability, selling each piece for only 5 baht.
The secret recipe uses freshly steamed sticky rice that is soft and warm, dipped in seasoned duck egg with salt and a special flavor powder, then grilled over fragrant charcoal fire. The result is crispy on the outside and tender inside, tasting like hot egg rice enjoyed in cold weather.
Due to the colder weather, sales have nearly doubled compared to normal periods, with 1,500 to 2,000 pieces grilled daily, generating an average income of 8,000 to 10,000 baht per day—living up to the shop’s name "Million Baht Grilled Sticky Rice."
The Million Baht Grilled Sticky Rice shop is located at the morning market in front of Khon Kaen Hospital on Sri Chan Road (a sidewalk stall opposite the hospital). The shop is open from 06:00 to 10:00.