Asians Love Rice

Here’s why

I’ve always wondered why I, and Asians in general, love rice so much. It doesn’t have any extraordinary or remarkable characteristics. But I’ve come to realize that this is the reason why it’s such an incredible staple food. It’s basic-ness is exactly why we can eat it so frequently and not get tired of it.

When I think of foods that I can eat repetitively and consistently, everything that comes up are side dishes that are plain, fresh, and delicious. Salad is a perfect example of a dish that I can eat on a daily basis. Lasagna, although delicious, is not one of these foods.

First, rice is never the main part of the dish. The rice simply supports the main dish. The plain and neutral-ness of the rice flavor counteracts any intense flavor that the main dish provides. That’s why it goes so well with foods that have strong flavor or foods that are savory. It acts as a neutralizer.

You take a bit of salty or spicy food. Then, right after or before swallowing, you stuff some rice into your mouth. This is the perfect neutralizer and makes everything taste ten times more delicious.