Rice is Asian indisputable-and versatile-staple. Served plain, it is the remarkable anchor to show-stealing dishes. Fry it over high fire and you'll get a glorious main event. For an exquisite dessert, steam it with coconut, topped with gula Melaka. Or simply toss it with sliced carrots and light dressing for a refreshing salad. Wild rice (which, incidentally, is not a rice but a seed) tastes great and requires no-fuss preparation. Quick rice variations? Try sprucing up plain rice with butter, tomato or even plain dark soya sauce. The results, be assured, belie their simplicity and will take you through a meal that's both satisfying and economical.