Our Sweet Adventure…

George Awad, founder of Aroi Mango, smiling in a casual setting while wearing a black Aroi Mango shirt

Aroi Mango didn’t start in a kitchen — it began in a quest

Born in Syria and raised in Abu Dhabi before moving to the Lehigh Valley, our founder George Awad began his journey by studying physics, driven by a desire to understand life’s biggest questions. Over time, that curiosity shifted from how the world works to how people connect, leading him into two years of corporate sales and marketing.

Still searching for something deeper, he left everything behind and set off on a solo backpacking trip through Abu Dhabi, Thailand, and Laos. It was in Bangkok where a delicious street delicacy, Mango Sticky Rice, changed everything. One bite in and his senses lit up. The flavor, the contrast, the chaos of street food—it awakened something. And that feeling kept echoing….

With no culinary background but a clear vision he couldn’t ignore, George returned home and committed himself to the craft. For 26 days straight, he immersed himself in the process, experimenting, refining, and reimagining the dish until he created a version that captured everything he loved about Southeast Asia.

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A long-tail boat floats between towering limestone cliffs on turquoise water in Thailand

Mango Sticky Rice is not just a dish — it is an invitation to slow down, disconnect from the everyday hustle and reconnect with your sense of curiosity, culture and sweet adventure

The Origins of Mango Sticky Rice

Mango Sticky Rice, or Khao Niew Mamuang in Thai, is a beloved dessert with deep roots in Thai history and culture.

Believed to have originated during the Ayutthaya period, it pairs sweet glutinous rice with ripe mango and coconut milk. Once tied to mango season in the summer months, it has become a year-round staple enjoyed across Thailand.

More than a dessert, it’s a celebration of balance, hospitality, and tradition. It is served in homes, by street vendors, and throughout bustling night markets.

At Aroi Mango, we’re excited to share this timeless dish with our own unique twist while honoring the heart of where it all began.

A close-up of fresh green and yellow mangoes in a basket, showing their natural texture and ripening stages.
A serving of Mango Sticky Rice with crunchy mung beans, fresh mango slices, a coconut drizzle cup, and an orchid flower on a banana leaf.
A feature on Aroi Mango’s Mango Sticky Rice in Lehigh Valley Style magazine, surrounded by petals and branded packaging
Aroi Mango founder shakes hands with a customer at a vibrant pop-up booth during a farmers market festival

So, we launched!
A pop-up. One tent. Simple menu.

Aroi Mango made its debut in June 2024. Since then, we’ve experienced:

Over 90 events | Thousands of first bites | One growing community

George, founder of Aroi Mango, and his mother smiling together in the kitchen, holding a drink and a plate of edible orchids
Close-up of gloved hands carefully peeling and slicing a ripe mango on a wooden cutting board for Mango Sticky Rice.
Two takeout boxes with mango sticky rice and a jasmine milk tea, next to a newspaper on a wooden table.
An outdoor display of Aroi Mango mini dessert cups featuring Aroi Baniwi, Aroi Mango, and Aroi Pinacolada flavors, set against a vineyard backdrop at sunset.