Dim sum dish explainer
Lo Mai Gai (糯米鸡 / 糯米雞)
Savory sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaf, usually with chicken, sausage, mushroom, and sauce. This page explains what it is, how to order it, how to eat it, and what dietary signals to check.
Quick definition
Lo Mai Gai (糯米鸡 / 糯米雞 · nuò mǐ jī) is savory sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaf, usually with chicken, sausage, mushroom, and sauce.
What it is made of
Glutinous rice, chicken, Chinese sausage, mushroom, soy-based sauce, and lotus leaf.
Flavor and texture
| Dimension | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Flavor | Deeply savory, aromatic, and slightly smoky or earthy from the lotus leaf. |
| Texture | Sticky, dense, and satisfying. It is more filling than many dumpling dishes. |
| Category | Rice |
How to order it
Order one to share if the meal needs a starch. It can crowd out lighter dishes if everyone orders their own.
How to eat it
Open the lotus leaf, but do not eat the leaf. Spoon or chopstick portions from the rice packet.
Dietary and allergy signals
Often contains pork sausage, chicken, soy, and cooking wine. It is not usually vegetarian.
For serious allergies or religious dietary requirements, ask the restaurant about fillings, sauces, wrappers, broth, cooking wine, lard, shared steamers, shared fryers, and shared prep surfaces.
Quality signs
The rice should be moist but not mushy. The leaf aroma should be present without tasting stale.