Less than a year ago, George Awad went to Thailand seeking personal growth and new experiences. While there, he immersed himself in the local culture, attending several cooking schools, learning Muay Thai and yoga, but one of the most magical discoveries, he says, was a street dessert called mango sticky rice. “Initially, I underestimated it, thinking, ‘It's just rice.' However, from the first bite, I was transported to another world by its delightful flavors,” says Awad. “This profound experience inspired me to bring this unique taste back to the Lehigh Valley and share it with others.”
Upon his return home, Awad struggled to find the same authentic taste and vibrant street food atmosphere. “It was either always sold out or lacked the magic of the Asian street food experience,” he explains. “If I couldn't find it then I had to create it myself.” Lehigh Valley LaunchBox referred Awad to Jay's Local's pop-up program, which allowed him to test different products and refine his original mango sticky rice while learning the intricacies of the food industry.
Now, locals can enjoy Awad's vegan and gluten-free mango sticky rice at pop-ups, farmers markets, events and festivals across the Valley. “Our mango sticky rice stands out due to the authentic Thai ingredients and techniques we use,” says Awad, noting that Aroi Mango creates their signature Thai coconut sauce with imported concentrated coconut milk and coconut sugar directly from Thailand. They provide a side of coconut sauce for people to drizzle over the mango and rice, giving customers some control over their treat's sweetness. “The flavors are a perfect harmony of sweet, creamy and earthy. The sticky rice has a rich coconut flavor with a hint of saltiness, which complements the natural sweetness and slight tang of the fresh, ripe mango slices,” says Awad. But it's the toasted mung beans topping that Awad says really transforms the dish and brings a Chinese fusion twist to the dessert: “The toasted mung beans add a delightful crunch, rounding out the dish with a unique texture.” He recommends enjoying your mango sticky rice with a jasmine tea latte.
Find Aroi Mango at the farmers markets in Bethlehem and Saucon Valley this fall season as well as at Lehigh Valley VegStock. Follow @aroi.mango on Instagram to keep up with their pop-up schedule. Locals can also keep Aroi Mango in mind for their catering needs!
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Published as “Eat This” in the October 2024 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
