Plate of the Week: Union Kitchen’s ‘w/Purple Sticky Rice’

Purple Sticky Rice by Union Kitchen at The Bird Rocks // Photo by John Garland, The Growler

First, the colors. A massive mound of purple sticky rice. On either side, cups of red Tiger Bite sauce and green scallion sauce. An orange tangle of carrot and daikon dressed in vinegar. Then, grilled sausage in small patties and meat on a skewer.

Next, ditch your silverware—grab at it, swipe some meat, pinch some rice, drizzle some sauce, lick your fingers.

The first of this summer’s pop-ups from Chris Her and Yia Vang’s Union Kitchen happened at The Bird last Friday. “w/Purple Sticky Rice” is a great example of what they’re hoping to represent of Hmong food—drawing on a diverse set of flavors and influences, making it both interactive and comforting.

Last week, it was yakitori chicken hearts on the skewer. This week, the chicken will be sweet and sour. We’re excited to watch the menu evolve over the full summer series.

This Friday, June 23, you can eat “w/Purple Sticky Rice” and other delicious things (menu, below) at Colossal Cafe on Como Avenue. Next Friday, June 30, they’ll be back at The Bird on Loring Park. Both pop-ups go from 5-9pm, no tickets, no reservations.