Rice is Life

A love letter to the humble grain and to those who bring it to life in the kitchen.

In many Asian cultures, we don’t break bread. We break rice. Rice symbolizes good health, prosperity, fertility, and life itself. From the terraces of Bali to the paddies of southern China, rice cultivation is an ancient practice interwoven with cultural identity. It has been grown, harvested, and perfected over thousands of years, pivotal in ceremonies, rituals, and daily life. It's no wonder that rice has permeated every celebration, from births to weddings, serving as a symbol of unity and shared abundance. Rice is life. A meal isn’t complete without it, and it’s the glue that binds the meal. It’s a staple ingredient in countless cultures worldwide, eaten so frequently that it becomes the essence and heartbeat. Whether it’s nasi lemak, Hainanese chicken rice, or pulut hitam, rice connects us to our roots, to family dinners, the first taste of comfort when we’re unwell, and sustenance when we need it most. Rice is a daily reminder of the simplicity that binds us all. Every grain tells a story of the land it came from, the tales of our ancestors, the hands that nurtured it, and the tables it graces.

When we talk of rice, we mustn’t forget the well-loved rice cookers that become family heirlooms. Passed down from one generation to the next, they bear peeling marks on the bottom of the bowl and setting labels have worn off from years of use. This ubiquitous household item might not have all the flashy features and timers that come with most modern multi-cookers, but that’s what makes it special. With just a flip of the switch, the kitchen is filled with a sweet fragrance, drifting lazily through the air. Sometimes, the simplest gadgets are truly the best.

Rice is more than just food; it's a testament to human ingenuity, culture, and survival. It’s often one of the first solid foods given to children or boiled down to congee, soft enough for the frail elderly. It’s a gesture of care and nourishment. This cascade of tiny seed pearls speaks to the soul. Whatever time of day, there is always a time for rice. A plain bowl of hot rice served with a tin of black bean dace for a comforting quick-fix dinner or a crispy fried egg with a splash of soy sauce on top for breakfast. This bowl full of love has taught me to understand and be grateful for the rice on the table.