Sticky Rice Cafe

Nongkhan Sikarng, Owner of Sticky Rice Café

Sticky Rice Café believes food can be so much more than just a meal. It’s about flavors. It’s about culture. And it's about family. 

Nongkhan ("Khan") and her mother, Phet, are originally from Laos. When Khan was born, the Vietnam war was ending, and the country was in turmoil. In order to join Khan's father, who was from Thailand, they had to escape from their homeland.

​Phet's only choice was to cross the Mekong River with one-year-old Khan on her back. For some time the rest of the family did not know if they made it safely. Once they were reunited, their family was moved through many refugee camps in many countries. They dealt with the very worst conditions but were able to stay together. Finally, after many years, Khan's father found a sponsor and moved their family to the United States. At first, they lived in Louisiana.

 Although the two places seem worlds apart, both Laos and Louisiana have French influences. Both cultures place an emphasis on simple, delicious foods, with the perfect blend of flavor and spice. The women in their family have always taken pride in the meals they serve. They have passed recipes down, from mother to daughter, through many generations. It did not take long for Khan to realize that the foods she grew up with were not known to people here. Since then, Khan has dreamed of opening this restaurant. Her hope has always been to share the foods he loves and the culture that created them, with people who would otherwise never encounter them. 

Everything served at Sticky Rice Café is hand-made by Khan’s family with the very freshest of ingredients. Every dish can be customized with added items - ask for recommendations! 

Sticky Rice Café is located at 120 Jack Dance Street, off Kingston Pike, across from West Town Mall, open Monday - Saturday, 11a.m. - 9 p.m.; (865) 249-6273.

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Calvin Lorrin

(L) to (R) Mikayla McDaniel, Nyoua Moua, Phiangrutai Dougherty, Nongkhan Sikarng, Rongthip Brown