With a history that dates back to 6,000 BC in the Southern lands of China, and the spectacular diversity in the way it is grown and used, this is our ode to rice. Aside from the fact that is is quite possibly the most valuable ingredient in the world (feeding at least half of the world’s population!), it is also immensely satisfying. From having it fried in a pan, steamed in an instant pot or gently baked in a terracotta pot, these rice recipes will keep you coming back for more.

1. Chicken Katsudon

The Katsudon is one of the most well-known Japanese rice bowls in the world, and it is easy to see why –it is the perfect balance between sweet and salty, filled with delightful textures, thanks to the crunchy fried chicken and fat grains of rice swimming in a creamy sea of egg. To fully enjoy this Chicken Katsudon, eat it hot off the stove!

2. Claypot Chicken Rice with Mushroom

Claypot Chicken Rice with Mushroom is a Cantonese dish that is popular in both Singapore and Malaysia. It is relatively simple and easy to make as it only requires four steps, and you can always switch up the ingredients based on your likings. Many would say that Claypot Chicken Rice with Mushroom is a very flavourful dish as the rice absorbs the essence of the mushroom and chicken grease. Coupled with the tinge of sweetness from the Chinese sausage and oyster sauce, how can this combination get any better!

• Related recipes: Delicious Chinese Recipes 

3. Garlic Chicken Fried Rice 

Not sure what to cook at home? We got the perfect recipe for you, not only is it easy, it can be cooked under 30 mins. Try our Garlic Chicken Fried Rice recipe, which is better than any takeout! Add in ingredients such as mushrooms can be added for that extra taste. You can also substitute chicken with beef, pork, or lamb or just go vegetarian!

4. Kimchi Fried Rice

Craving for that Kimchi Fried Rice that you had in Korea previously? Wait no more! You can now recreate this Kimchi Fried Rice dish under 30 minutes at home. Adjust the seasoning to your liking - add more gochujang (Korean chili paste) if you can take spice. Lastly, top it off some spam, cheese, or just anything that you like for that extra flavour!

• Related recipes: All the Best Korean Recipes 

5. Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup 

Jam-packed with nutritious goodness, the Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup (Samgyetang) is said to be the perfect summer dish fight the heat. The chicken is lovingly stuffed with soaked glutinous rice and gently simmered with garlic, ginger, and the super-herb of Asian cuisine, ginseng, said to aid in boosting energy and the immune system. Serve piping hot with rice, chopped scallions, salt and pepper on the side!

6. Lontong

Ah, Lontong, a dish as exotic and poetic as it sounds. Native to Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore, this comforting and rich coconut vegetable stew is named after its key ingredient - bite-sized chewy rice rolls aka lontong. Other ingredients include an assortment of aromatic spices, vegetables, eggs and of course, the coconut!

7. Mango Sticky Rice 

When life gives you mangoes... you know the rest. Slice it up and make one of Thailand's most instagrammed desserts, Mango Sticky Rice. The classic Thai dessert is warm glutinous rice and cold juicy mangoes in a delightful double act. For a more coconutty taste, let the steamed rice sit and soak thoroughly in creamy coconut milk. Yum! 

• Related recipes: Easy Thai Recipes 

8. Nasi Kerubu 

The Nasi Kerubu, a less popular (but no less delicious) cousin of the Nasi Lemak, is a dish where the superstar is… the rice! Dressed in a flamboyant blue by blue pea flower water, and drenched with flavor by Southeast Asian herbs, the rice is paired with torch ginger salad, salted egg, flaked fish and crackling shrimp crackers! Here’s a fun fact – did you know that Nasi Kerabu comes in a few colours? If blue is not your favorite colour, you could try yellow (from turmeric and cekur) or grey (from Mengkudu leaves).

• Related recipes: The Best Malaysian Recipes 

9. Pumpkin Seafood Fried Rice 

A dish as picturesque as sunrise by the beach, the Pumpkin Seafood Fried Rice is both a treat for the eyes and the mouth. The sweetness of the pumpkin, the saltiness of the dried scallops and the subtle fishy flavor of the dried shrimp, bound together by traditional Chinese sauces, coalesce into a delicious plate of rice that can be eaten on its own or paired with other dishes.

10. Yang Zhou Fried Rice 

Yang Zhou Fried Rice is definitely a dish that everyone knows. Almost everyone would have eaten this dish before, and hence it is no stranger to us. Having tasted this dish multiple times, why not try recreating this dish at home? We have the perfect Yang Zhou Fried Rice for you, simple and easy for you to recreate. With just five steps, you can prepare this dish in 35 minutes. Pro-tip, you can also make use of your leftover rice to recreate this dish.

• Related recipes: Delicious Chinese Recipes