Producer Notes by Thi Nguyen:
Pronounced [ cham-phun-cham ]
A Vietnamese phrase meaning 100% but also a slang term in Vietnamese meaning bottoms up.
Trăm Phần Trăm, a collection of Asian-inspired syrups that will transform your creations.
Each bottle captures the essence of Asian flavors and culture.
Toasted ‘Sticky’ Rice: A Flavorful Secret in Southeast Asian Cuisine
During my time working as a bartender at a Lao restaurant, I also had the opportunity to explore the diverse culinary landscape of northern Thailand and Laos. To my delight, sticky rice was just as beloved in these regions. Similar to Vietnamese cuisine, sticky rice was prepared in both savory and sweet dishes, offering a range of delectable options. However, what truly fascinated me was the addition of toasted-rice powder as a staple building-block ingredient in Northern Thai and Lao cuisines.
Toasted-rice powder brought a unique texture and a nutty, roasted flavor to dishes like larb, as well as to thickening soups and dipping sauces such as the fiery dried-chile jaew. This magical ingredient was crafted by slowly toasting dry, raw sticky rice in a dry pan until it reached a beautiful golden hue. The toasted rice was then ground into a coarse powder, adding a delightful depth of flavor and creating a truly authentic experience.
Rice in Cocktails
Rice in cocktails? Absolutely! It may sound unusual, but rice plays a significant role in spirits like sake, soju, and baijiu. However, the real excitement lies in bartenders' innovative approach of adding rice syrup to their cocktail. This adds a delightful richness and well-rounded flavor to the cocktail.
I recall a memorable experiment I had with rice syrup in a refreshing cachaca cocktail. Combining it with cucumber and green tea, I was pleasantly surprised by the results. The rice seamlessly blended with the other ingredients, creating a cocktail that was both complex and harmonious on my palate. It was a wonderful example of how rice can enhance the flavors of a drink, taking it to a whole new level of enjoyment.
From that moment on, rice has become my secret ingredient in crafting cocktails. It has become a personal reminder that crafting drink is a dynamic playground, constantly evolving and inspiring me to push the boundaries of what can be achieved.
Trăm Phần Trăm’s Toasted Rice Syrup
Falling in love with toasted rice's nutty and light smoky notes, I found myself drawn to the idea of crafting a toasted rice syrup. It became my personal mission to capture this unique essence and transform it into a versatile product. The result is a creation that not only elevates classic cocktails to new heights but also sparks the flames of creativity within bartenders and cocktail enthusiasts.
With every drop of this toasted rice syrup, a tale of Southeast Asian culture unfolds, immersing you in a world of diverse flavors and cherish traditions that served as its inspiration.
