Bamboo rice is typically eaten directly from the bamboo tube in which it's cooked, after some preparation.
Here's how to eat bamboo rice:
- Heat the Tube: If the rice isn't freshly cooked, rotate the bamboo tube over a heat source to warm the rice evenly. The bamboo will char and turn yellow, releasing a fragrant aroma.
- Remove the Outer Bamboo: Once heated, remove the thick outer layer of bamboo.
- Keep the Inner Layer: A thin inner layer of bamboo might remain. This is often kept to cover the rice and retain moisture and flavor.
- Loosen the Rice: Before eating, roll the rice tube between your hands. This crucial step prevents the rice from sticking to the inside of the bamboo shell, making it easier to remove and eat.
- Serve and Eat: Scoop out the rice and enjoy! It can be eaten plain or with accompaniments such as curries, stews, or other dishes. The bamboo imparts a unique, subtle flavor to the rice.
