#7: From Occasional to Essential: My Journey to Embracing Rice as the Ultimate Staple

Let me take you on a personal journey — a tale of discovery, culture, and culinary transformation of the greatest carbohydrate known to man — rice. I know what you're thinking, "Great, another article about rice, like I haven't read 10 of those already this week." But bear with me. My story begins in America, where my encounters with rice were limited to occasional outings for "Asian" food. It was a side dish, often overlooked, never the centerpiece of my meals. And in my house, we certainly didn’t have a rice cooker. At most, my grandparents would add milk, sugar, and cinnamon to a bowl of warm rice and that was only when they’d run out of ice cream.

But then, life took me on an unexpected path that led me to a deep, unwavering love for this humble grain. Each country I've lived in has introduced me to rice in ways I never imagined, turning it from a mere staple into a canvas of cultural expression.

My adventure started when I moved to Peru, a country where the culinary landscape is beautifully marred by a strong Japanese influence. It was in Peru that rice began to weave its way into the fabric of my daily life. Suddenly, I was eating rice every day. My adventure with rice began with the vibrant flavors of Arroz con Pollo, a dish where rice is simmered in cilantro, beer, and chicken stock, mingling with vegetables and chicken for a green-hued feast. Then there was Arroz Chaufa, a testament to the Chinese influence on Peruvian cuisine. This fusion fried rice, peppered with spring onions, soy sauce, and a mix of Peruvian and Chinese ingredients, was my first taste of how rice could bridge worlds.

Then came China, a place where rice is as essential as the air you breathe. Here, I learned the true meaning of versatility. Rice was everywhere, in every form you could imagine, and it was indispensable. It wasn't just about eating rice daily; it was about the countless ways it presented itself. From the simplest bowl of steamed rice that perfectly captured the essence of the grain to elaborate dishes that showcased its ability to play well with a myriad of flavors and textures. My time in China was a deep dive into the cultural significance of rice, a journey that revealed its role not just as sustenance but as a symbol of prosperity and life. China deepened my appreciation for rice's versatility. Yangzhou Fried Rice, with its harmonious blend of ingredients like shrimp, peas, and eggs, offered a lesson in balance and flavor. But it was Congee, a humble rice porridge, that showed me rice's comforting soul. Often laced with ginger, meat, or preserved eggs, congee became my go-to comfort food, especially on days where Beijing was -15 degrees.

Thailand was where my appreciation for rice blossomed. In Thailand, rice is the heart of every meal, beautifully harmonizing with the country's penchant for balancing spicy, sweet, salty, and savory flavors. Thailand introduced me to the fragrant jasmine rice and dishes that made my heart sing. Mango Sticky Rice, with its sweet coconut milk and fresh mango, was a revelation — a dessert that could double as a meal, showcasing rice's sweeter side. Then there was Khao Pad, Thai fried rice that could contain anything from pineapple to crab, each bite a burst of the country's bold flavors, wrapped in the comforting arms of rice. It's here that I truly embraced rice as the perfect food, capable of transforming a meal into an experience.

Now, I find myself unable to imagine a day without rice. It's become a staple in my diet, a constant reminder of my journeys and the cultures I've had the privilege to experience. Through rice, I've connected with people, traditions, and flavors from across the globe. It's taught me the value of simplicity and the beauty of diversity. Each grain tells a story of the earth, of the hands that cultivated it, and of the countless meals it has graced.

So, as I reflect on my culinary journey, it's clear that rice is more than just food; it's a universal language of love, comfort, and connection. Through my travels and the dishes I've savored, rice has woven itself into the fabric of my daily life, making the ordinary extraordinary and transforming meals into moments of discovery and delight.

To those who may still see rice as just a side dish, I invite you to explore the world plate by plate. You'll find, as I did, that rice is indeed the perfect food — capable of carrying the essence of a culture, of turning a meal into an experience, and, most importantly, of making anywhere feel like home. And yes, I own a rice cooker, as I believe everyone should.