Rice is the staple dish for over half of the world’s population and is an essential crop in the regions of Africa, Asia, and Central America. Given the historic importance of this grain and its widespread appeal, it is no surprise that there are thousands of different preparations of these rice dishes from around the world.
As you will see below, each country imparts their take on rice. From saffron-infused preparations to those with soy sauce and even a range of sweet offerings, there is something for every taste.
1. Nasi Goreng
Although fried rice first originated in China, other countries within Asia have developed dishes that share similarities in the preparation including the use of stir-frying and using rice prepared the day before. In saying that, the essential ingredients differ greatly. Nasi Goreng mixes the rice with Kecap Manis (a thick sweet soy sauce), garlic, shrimp paste, chilli, vegetables and often meat. It is often served with a fried egg and typically comes with a wedge of lime for the option of some acidity. It can sometimes be served with other additions such as fresh tomato, cucumber, and cassava or prawn crackers on the side.
The first ingredient that sets this fried rice apart from others is the sweet soy sauce that gives both sweetness and saltiness to the dish. It also allows for the caramelisation of the rice. The other unique ingredient is shrimp paste which provides an Unami taste and increases the depth of flavour.
In Indonesia, Nasi Goreng is a popular dish for breakfast for the locals but is eaten by tourists commonly for lunch or dinner. It can be found as street food, served at restaurants as a main or served as part of a collection of dishes. Try our own recipe here!
2.Risalamande (Danish rice pudding with cherry sauce)
You’ve likely eaten rice as a side with the main meal or as an ingredient in a savoury dish. However, not everyone would have tried it in a dessert! If you are looking to try one of the best sweet dishes from around the world, then Risalamande is an excellent place to start.
Risalamande is the Danish form of rice pudding and they do it very well. The rice pudding is fairly similar to other rice puddings around the world, but the toppings elevate this dish to the next level. A vanilla bean rice pudding is topped with whipped cream, chopped almonds and a Lucious cherry sauce.
Risalamande is the most popular dessert in Denmark to have for Christmas dinner and like Christmas pudding in England, is often reserved for this special occasion. It is also traditional for all of the almonds to be chopped except one. This one almond is hidden within the pudding and the person that is lucky enough to find it wins a prize!
Create this one at home with this traditional recipe.
3.Kabuli Palao (Afghan rice pilaf)
Kabuli Palao shows the interplay between and savoury perfectly. There is a reason that this is Afghanistan’s national dish! You will love the mildly spiced rice with sweet raisins, slivers of almonds and carrots. Combine this with some tender lamb or beef and you’ve got a winning plate.
Kabuli Palao is typically served as a celebratory meal at events such as weddings. You’ll typically find this dish piled up in the middle of the table with other dishes surrounding it. It is truly one of the best rice dishes from around the world.
Enjoy this spiced rice at home.
4.Risotto Alla Milanese
There are many types of risotto from throughout Italy, each bringing its regional differences to every creamy bowl. One of the most famous of these specialties is Risotto Alla Milanese, known also as Saffron risotto.
It’s no surprise that the star ingredient of this dish is Saffron, infiltrating the dish with amazing flavour and colour. You’ll also find the usual suspects of stock, butter, onions, rice and Parmigiano Reggiano. Many variations will also include bone marrow, bringing more buttery, umami notes.This dish is tasty enough to eat on its own but it is also served traditionally as a bed of risotto that is covered by slow-cooked Osso Bucco.
Make this one to impress someone special here.
5.Rice and peas (the Caribbean )
Rice and peas are a traditional dish from the West Indies in the Caribbean. The peas in the rice and peas are pigeon peas (a type of legume) or as a substitution, red kidney beans.
Cooked peas are added with scotch bonnet peppers, herbs, onions, coconut milk and rice. Often you’ll find this served with curry goat. However, you’ll also often find it as a side with various types of meat or seafood.
Traditionally it is eaten on a Sunday but you’ll find it all over Jamacia and the west indies on restaurant menus. It’s great to try if you’re there but why not make it at home!
6.Mango sticky rice (Thailand and south East Asia)
If you’ve been to Thailand or some of the nearby countries, there is a good chance you’ve seen or tried Mango sticky rice. You will then you know how delicious it can be. If not, well then, you’re in for a treat!
Mango sticky rice is made with glutinous rice, which gives it a sticky quality. It is mixed with coconut and is often sweetened with palm sugar or white sugar. Fresh mango is then piled on top. It’s both creamy, sticky and fresh at the same time!
Interestingly, a banana leaf can be used to steam the rice, along with also being the vessel to eat from directly. Although this depends on where you get it from!
Transport yourself to the streets on Bangkok in the comfort of your own home.
7. Kousa Mahshi
Stuffed vegetables are popular throughout the middle east, parts of the med and Egypt. The preparations and ingredients vary between the countries but one of the best rice dishes from around the world is Kousa Mahshi (Stuffed zucchini).
The Zucchinis are stuffed with rice, minced meat (lamb or beef), spices and herbs such as parsley and mint. Vegetables are added as well and it is usually served with tomato sauce.
Enjoy this Lebanese dish with this recipe. To make it vegetarian omit the meat and add a handful of toasted pine nuts.
8.Paella Valencia (Rice main from Spain)
Paella is perhaps the best-known Spanish dish outside of Spain. It’s a popular choice in restaurants in Spain and abroad and one of the must-try rice dishes from around the world. While many people will know Paella versions with seafood or chorizo, the original Paella Valencia uses a combination of chicken and rabbit as the meats. These are combined with spiced rice with saffron and sweet paprika. In addition, you’ll normally find green beans, butter beans and tomatoes.
Unfortunately, there are many establishments in Spain and abroad that will serve disappointing takes on Paella.
One sign of good Paella is that the rice is cooked perfectly. It should be softer on the top and it should also have a socarrat, a caramelised bottom layer of rice that brings texture and a unique taste. It should be well flavoured and coloured by the Saffron (not turmeric or even worse food colouring!)
If you’re looking for some spots to try it check out our guide to the best Spanish food experiences which includes trying Paella in Valencia!
Bring a taste of abroad home with this recipe.
9. Hyderabadi Biryani (From India)
Hyderabad Biryani is a rice and meat-based dish from the Indian city of Hyderabad, which has become well known by the dish. It combines aromatic rice with spiced yoghurt marinated meat (goat, chicken, beef) onions and ghee. The result is beautifully tender meat, flavour-packed rice that is infused with spices such as saffron, along with caramelised onions that give some sweetness.
Like some of the previous dishes, this dish often features at celebrations. It is popular to serve it with sides of Dahi chutney and a peanut chilli curry, Mirchi ka Salan .
If you’ve never tried it, you must! It is truly one of the best rice dishes from around the world. Order it next time you’re at an Indian restaurant or make it yourself.
10. Rijsttaart (Belgian rice tart)
You will find all manners of tarts from abroad. From fruit tarts to custard tarts, to onion tarts and quiches. The Flemish from Belgian have rice tarts!
The Rijsttaart involves pastry for the base and sides and a creamy custard-like rice pudding mixture for the filling. Traditionally, you would make your pastry but store-bought puff pastry or shortcrust pastry can be used. They are normally served cold but you could always try a slice hot if you prefer!
If you love rice pudding then try a different take here.
11. Jollof (West African rice dish)
Jollof is one of the most popular meals in the West Africa region and contains a mix of tomatoes, rice and spices, Countries in this region all claim to have the best Jollof but each has unique features.
Perhaps the most popular (and biggest rivalry) are the Jollof from Nigeria and Ghana. While there are a lot of similarities, there are some differences, especially in the preparation. The Nigerians prefer to use long-grain rice which absorbs the flavours and in Ghana, basmati rice gives off a particular taste and a different mouth feel. The Nigerian version also often contains a crust on the bottom of the rice, somewhat like a socarrat in a paella to give caramelisation and texture.
In most Jollof, you’ll find tomatoes, tomato paste, scotch bonnet peppers, rice and a variety of spices that depend on the cook and area. Make it step by step on your own.
12. Chinese fried rice
A favourite for Chinese takeout and widely eaten in China itself, Chinese fried rice can be eaten as a main or as a side to other Chinese meals. The basic elements of fried rice involve oil, garlic, egg, soy sauce, vegetables, meat and rice. Fried rice uses the stir-fried technique dating back hundreds of years to the Ming dynasty.
The fried rice most in the west know is closest to Yangzhou fried rice but there are several variations from different provinces. Sichuan fried rice is a great one to try if you like things spicy, using a spicy fermented chilli paste to give it some punch!
Skip the takeaway and make it at home.
13. Dolmades – (Stuffed vine leaves from Greece)
Across the middle east and parts of the Mediterranean, you’ll find stuffed vine leaves. These share similarities with other stuffed vegetable recipes from the region but stuffed vine leaves are a unique dish that should be tried. Some versions will include a lemon brine or a tomato-based filling, some with meat and some vegetarian. All are delicious but perhaps one of the best rice dishes from around the world is Greek Dolmades.
Greek dolmades involve rice, Greek olive oil, ground meat, warm spices, and herbs that are wrapped in grapevine leaves. They are then cooked in a lemon flavoured, imparting a fresh and zesty flavour.
You can buy these premade in some supermarkets, but it is no comparison to if you make them yourself.
14. Jambalaya
If you’re thinking of rice dishes from the USA, then Jambalaya would have to be near the top of your list. Hailing from Louisiana, Jambalaya is the ultimate mix of French, Spanish and African influences to create one of the best rice dishes from around the world.
There are two main styles of Jambalaya, Creole and Cajun. The main difference ingredient-wise is that there are no tomatoes in the Cajun version but there are in the Creole version. Both dishes are cooked with a trinity of vegetables including peppers, onions and celery along with Chicken, Andouille (smoked sausage) and seafood such as shrimp. Creole or cajun seasonings are added along with herbs, stock and rice.
Whatever version you try, it is one of the most flavoursome rice dishes from around the world.
Don’t be daunted by the ingredient list as it’s fairly straightforward and well worth it.
15. Makizushi (rolled sushi)
It’s a good chance you’ve had this one as it’s very popular outside of its birthplace, Japan. Makizushi is rolled sushi. Rice is mixed with vinegar, sugar and salt and is placed on a sheet of seaweed (nori) with a choice of fillings and then rolled. It is then cut into bite-sized pieces.
Traditional fillings in Japan include seafood such as tuna or eel, fermented soybean or vegetables like cucumber. Outside of Japan, you’ll also find some westernised sushi, that while not authentic, can still be tasty. These include options such as California rolls, avocado and salmon or teriyaki chicken rolls.
For an authentic recipe and some further details, be sure to check out this recipe.
What dish do you want to try next? Is there something we missed that you think is worthy of the list. Let us know in the comments!
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