Rice is a staple food in many countries around the world. In most Asian countries like India, China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Bangladesh, rice is a main dish. In some Western and African countries it is a side-dish.
In Asian countries, basic steamed rice is served with some curry or dal and some side-dish. It is also used to prepare many variety rice dishes in which cooked rice is seasoned and flavoured with lemon, tomato, tamarind, curd or coconut.