Sticky Rice's Pad Thai arrives lively and fresh, laced with lime juice and topped with crushed peanuts and a lime wedge. Multiple reviewers across TripAdvisor and food blogs rate this as one of their must-order dishes, with the sauce-to-noodle ratio and vibrant flavours consistently praised. One food critic placed it among Dubai's best despite initially underrating it.
Tips from diners
Order this as your first dish to understand the restaurant's approach to noodles — the balance and freshness set the tone for everything else.
Ask if they can make a spicy version not on the menu — the kitchen is open to customization for regulars.
The green curry arrives in a luxuriant pistachio-green colour, with tender sliced chicken, firm cubes of green aubergine, whole lime leaves and fistfuls of fragrant Thai basil swimming in silky coconut milk. Multiple reviews note the spice level is punchy and only comes in one setting, so ask if you prefer mild. The coconut balances the heat without dulling the curry paste's complexity.
Tips from diners
This arrives quite spicy by default — if you prefer mild, mention it when ordering. The kitchen will adjust without complaint.
Order jasmine rice on the side to temper the heat and stretch the curry sauce across multiple bites.
This is the dish spoken about in hushed tones among Dubai's food community — a gnarly, crusted fried chicken piece arrives lacquered in a sticky tamarind glaze that's both tart and sweet, scattered with whole lime leaves and fresh spring onions. One prominent food critic called it one of Dubai's best fried chicken offerings. The outer crust stays crispy despite the sauce. Order at least two pieces per person as they disappear quickly.
Tips from diners
Order two pieces minimum per person — one isn't enough once you get a taste of the glaze and crispy exterior.
This is the dish that makes Sticky Rice famous among locals. Prioritize ordering this over less distinctive menu items.
Sticky Rice's Tom Yum brings the citrus and heat balance that defines the dish — tart from lime and tamarind, spicy from chilies, aromatic from lemongrass and galangal. The prawns are cooked just past raw so they stay tender in the hot broth. Multiple reviews call out the depth of flavour and note this tastes authentically prepared rather than overly sweetened. The soup arrives in a clay pot to keep it hot throughout the meal.
Tips from diners
Order as a shared starter — the hot broth and aromatic spices wake up the table and set expectations for what's to come.
The soup is quite spicy — it's excellent but not for heat-averse diners. Start with something milder if you're unsure about chilli tolerance.
The ginger fried rice stands out for its restraint — Sticky Rice lets the ginger aromatics shine without overwhelming the dish with soy. Reviews consistently call this out as a standout, with the fragrant ginger infused throughout the grains rather than sitting on top. The rice grains stay separate and the ginger provides warmth without heat. Choose your protein and ask for extra ginger if you want it pronounced.
Tips from diners
This is a house favourite that doesn't always make the top of the menu but appears on TripAdvisor's most-praised list. Ask staff to recommend it if you're unsure what to order.
Order this alongside a curry dish — the warm ginger complements spice and the rice is perfect for soaking up sauce.
The classic Thai dessert arrives with generous slices of fresh mango and warm sticky rice infused with coconut milk and brown sugar. Sticky Rice finishes theirs with a toasted coconut and pandan garnish that adds nuttiness and aromatic depth. Reviews note this is best eaten immediately while the rice is still warm and the mango at room temperature. The mango quality varies seasonally, so check the season before ordering.
Tips from diners
Eat this immediately when it arrives — the sticky rice is best warm and the temperature contrast with cool mango is what makes it work.
Quality depends on mango season — ask staff which months they source the best fruit before ordering.
Founded in 2019 by Emirati entrepreneur Mo Abedin in honour of his late Thai mother Amena Rakkuson (known as 'Mama'), a Bangkok-born cook. The restaurant expanded to Abu Dhabi in 2023. Despite seating only 6-7 tables, Sticky Rice has built a devoted following with its authentic Thai flavours, minimalist rubber-duck-decorated space, and one of Dubai's most comprehensive vegan menus.
This place seats only 6-7 tables and takes no reservations. Expect 30-60 minute waits during peak lunch (noon-2pm) and dinner (6-9pm). Arrive before noon or after 9pm for a faster turnaround, or order via Deliveroo if you want to avoid queuing.
The restaurant's philosophy is family-style dining — come with a group and order several dishes to share. The 27-page menu is designed for exploration. One reviewer noted a single main per person undersells the experience.
Mama and her team are welcoming despite the chaos of a full house. They've been known to include complimentary desserts and handwritten notes with takeaway orders. Don't hesitate to ask for recommendations or customization requests.
Sticky Rice has one of Dubai's most comprehensive vegan menus. Mark requests clearly when ordering — the kitchen takes dietary preferences seriously and will prepare dishes to your specifications.
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