Best Rice Dish

Khao niaow mamuang is a traditional Thai dessert consisting of sweetened glutinous rice paired with freshly sliced, ripe mango. The dish is typically prepared by steaming the sticky rice and infusing it with a mixture of sweetened, salted coconut milk. It is commonly garnished with toasted yellow mu...

Nasi ayam is a chicken-and-rice dish associated with Malaysia and Singapore, where it is commonly served in hawker centers, restaurants, and home cooking. Its Hainanese chicken rice form reflects the influence of migrants from Hainan, China, and the Wenchang chicken tradition; the chicken may be poa...

Uzbek plov, also called palov, is a Central Asian rice dish prepared by cooking rice with meat, onions, and carrots in a seasoned base. Uzbek versions commonly use lamb or beef and are associated with family gatherings, holidays, and communal cooking; large batches are traditionally made in a kazan,...

Uzbek plov, also called palov or osh, is a Central Asian rice dish in which rice is cooked with a seasoned mixture of meat, onions, and carrots. In a common preparation, the meat and vegetables are first cooked as a base known as zirvak, after which rice is added and cooked in the same pot, often a...

Chelo kabab is a traditional Iranian dish consisting of steamed, buttered basmati rice served alongside grilled meat. The rice, known as chelow, is often prepared with a crispy golden crust at the bottom called tahdig and seasoned with saffron. The accompanying kebabs vary, with popular types includ...

Spanish paella is a traditional Valencian rice dish renowned for its complex flavors. It features saffron-infused rice cooked with seafood like mussels and shrimp alongside ingredients such as chicken or rabbit and vegetables. This family-style meal is commonly enjoyed at gatherings and is particula...

Yangzhou Fried Rice is a classic Jiangsu province rice dish known for its vibrant presentation and balanced flavors. The recipe traditionally incorporates shrimp, roast pork, scrambled egg, peas, carrots, and onions, creating a savory and textural experience. It’s a popular choice for those seeking...

Claypot chicken rice is a Cantonese rice dish popular in southern China, Hong Kong, and parts of Southeast Asia, particularly Singapore and Malaysia. It consists of chicken marinated in soy sauce cooked with rice in a heat-retaining clay pot, often alongside Chinese sausage, shiitake mushrooms, and...

Iranian zereshk polo is a Persian rice dish made with steamed rice and dried zereshk, or barberries. The berries contribute a tart flavor and are commonly combined with saffron, which adds color and aroma to the rice and its garnish. Zereshk polo is often served at festive meals with chicken or anot...

Socarrat is the browned, crisp layer of rice that forms at the bottom of a paella when the grains cook against the hot pan. In Valencian and other Spanish paella traditions, it is valued for its toasted flavor and firm texture, but it must develop without burning the rice or making the base bitter....

Phat kaphrao khao is a Thai rice meal built around phat kaphrao, a stir-fry of minced meat or another protein with holy basil, garlic, and fresh chilies. The seasoned mixture is served over steamed rice, and a fried egg is a common accompaniment, although exact ingredients and heat levels vary by co...

Samarkand Plov is a regional variation of the traditional Central Asian rice dish known as pilaf, specifically associated with the city of Samarkand in Uzbekistan. Unlike other regional preparations where the ingredients are thoroughly mixed before serving, Samarkand Plov is distinguished by its str...

Malabar biryani, also known as Thalassery biryani, is a rice dish originating from the Malabar region of Kerala, India. It is distinguished by its use of a specific fragrant, short-grain rice called Khyma or Jeerakasala, rather than the basmati rice used in other regional biryanis. The dish is cooke...

Zereshk Polow is a traditional Persian rice dish combining steamed basmati rice flavored with saffron with zereshk, which are tart, dried red barberries. The barberries are typically sautéed with butter, sugar, and sometimes pistachios to balance their acidity and enhance the dish's visual contrast....

Chelow Kabab represents a cornerstone of Iranian cuisine. It features fragrant basmati rice meticulously steamed with saffron alongside expertly grilled kebabs—typically lamb or beef—creating a traditional and deeply flavorful dish. This combination is recognized as Iran’s national food and is enjoy...

Arroz bogavante is a Spanish rice dish in which rice is cooked with bogavante, the European lobster, and a seafood stock or broth. Depending on the preparation, the finished dish is relatively soupy, known as caldoso, or more concentrated and creamy, known as meloso, rather than dry like some paella...

Makloubeh, also written maqluba or maqlouba, is a Levantine rice dish whose name refers to the way it is turned upside down when served. A pot is layered with rice, meat such as chicken or lamb, and vegetables that may include eggplant, cauliflower, or potatoes, then cooked before being inverted ont...

Chirashizushi is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of a bowl of vinegared sushi rice topped with a variety of scattered ingredients. Common toppings include raw sashimi, cooked seafood, shredded egg, vegetables, and nori. The dish varies by region, such as the Edo-style (Tokyo) version which pr...

Japanese Curry Rice is a beloved rice dish originating from adaptations of British curry recipes introduced to Japan during the late 1800s. The rich, flavorful sauce is characterized by its sweetness and gentle spice level. It’s a popular comfort food enjoyed across Japan and is particularly favored...

Kabuli Pulao is a traditional Afghan rice dish featuring fragrant basmati rice simmered in lamb broth. It’s distinguished by the inclusion of caramelized carrot slices, plump raisins, and tender pieces of lamb. This classic pilaf is a staple of Afghan cuisine and is commonly enjoyed within Afghan fa...

Albaloo polo is a traditional Persian rice dish featuring layers of saffron-infused basmati rice interspersed with tart albaloo (sour cherries) and typically served with meatballs (kofta) or chicken. The sour cherries are often pitted and either fresh, dried, or preserved, lending the dish its chara...

Supplì are a Roman street-food snack consisting of cooked rice—typically arborio or risotto rice cooked in tomato sauce—shaped into elongated croquettes with mozzarella at the center, then breaded and deep-fried. When broken in half, the melted mozzarella stretches between the two halves, which is t...

Japanese curry rice is a yoshoku dish consisting of rice served with a thick curry sauce, commonly prepared with meat and vegetables such as onions, carrots, and potatoes. Its culinary ancestry is linked to curry introduced to Japan through British influence during the Meiji period, including the Br...

Baghali Polow is a traditional Iranian rice dish characterized by its combination of basmati rice, fresh dill, and broad beans. The ingredients are typically steamed together to create a fragrant, fluffy pilaf, often with a layer of crispy caramelized rice at the bottom of the pot known as tahdig. T...

Nasi Ayam Hainan is a classic Malaysian rice dish featuring poached Hainanese chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth and rendered fat. The dish’s distinctive flavor comes from this method of cooking the rice, creating a rich and savory experience. It's particularly popular amongst...

Tahchin is a traditional Persian rice dish renowned for its signature puffed, golden crust. The dish features parboiled rice baked slowly with yogurt, eggs, and frequently includes tender chicken. It’s a staple of Iranian cuisine prized for its complex flavors and textural contrast. Tahchin is typic...

Mejadra is a Levantine rice-and-legume dish made from rice, lentils, and onions cooked until deeply browned or caramelized. Recipes vary in the grain, spices, and texture, but the dish is generally served as a vegetarian main course or side, often with yogurt, salad, or other accompaniments. Its def...

Tai meshi is a traditional Japanese dish consisting of sea bream cooked with white rice. The rice is typically seasoned with soy sauce, sake, and dashi, and is often cooked alongside a piece of kombu to enhance its umami flavor. The sea bream can be prepared either filleted and mixed into the rice o...

Cơm Tấm Bì Chả is a southern Vietnamese rice dish built around cơm tấm, or rice made from fractured grains. Bì consists of finely shredded pork skin, usually combined with seasoned pork, while chả is a steamed mixture commonly made with pork and egg. The dish is associated with Saigon and is typical...