
Jollof: Widely enjoyed in West African countries, jollof is a one-pot rice dish made by cooking rice, onions, tomatoes, meat and spices in a single vessel. Click through the gallery for more delicious rice plates around the world:

Zongzi: Found in various iterations all over China, zongzi refers to sticky glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves before boiling that can be stuffed with savory or sweet fillings.

Milchreis: A stovetop staple at many a German oma's house, milchreis (translation: milk rice), is a creamy rice pudding made from arborio, medium or long grain white rice that's sweetened with cinnamon and sugar and splashed with vanilla extract.

Paella: A gift to global gastronomy, Spain's main rice player is paella, the famous dish from Valencia that originated as a peasant food and is typically made using bomba rice.

Risotto: Making Italy's most famous rice dish is an art form that requires near constant stirring. And any Italian will tell you risotto must be "all'onda" (translation: on the wave) -- with a texture that undulates enough to fall off the spoon.

Arancini: Sicily's most famous street food is the rice ball whose name comes from the orange citrus fruit it resembles in shape and color. Arancini is essentially stuffed rice balls that are breaded and fried.

Biryani: Beloved across the Indian subcontinent and said to have originated in Iran, biryani is almost always on the menu for special occasions in India.

Kabuli pulao: Afghanistan's most famous rice dish, Kabuli pulao is served piled high atop a platter and redolent with slow-cooked lamb and a blend of spices (cardamom pods, cloves, cinnamon and cumin among them).

Onigiri: A staple bento box snack, onigiri is made from steamed Japanese rice shaped into a triangular form and wrapped with the seaweed called nori.

Nasi goreng: Nasi goreng translates to "fried rice" in the Indonesian and Malay languages and is an inexpensive and filling comfort staple served at street stalls and restaurants throughout Indonesia.

Tahdig: Fans of crispy rice will enjoy this Persian specialty typically made with basmati rice, yogurt, saffron and sometimes an egg yolk.

Kedgeree: Said to have been a favorite of Queen Victoria, this Anglo-Indian dish blends smoked haddock filet with basmati rice, hard boiled eggs and spices such as cumin, coriander and turmeric.

Arroz imperial: One of Cuba's classic comfort rice dishes, arroz imperial is typically layered with yellow rice, shredded chicken, mayonnaise (to help bind it and for flavor) and cheese and is sometimes baked.

Louisiana dirty rice: Preferably made from long grain rice from the marshes of southern Louisiana, this classic side dish traditionally gets its "dirty" color from chopped chicken livers or gizzards.

Wali wa kukaanga: This is Kenya's answer to fried rice and translates to just that in Swahili. It may be served alongside a meat dish or all on its own.

Bibimbap: Its name translates to "mixed rice" and bibimbap consists of rice served in a bowl and topped with a colorful array of individually prepared meats and artfully sliced vegetables.

Thai fried rice: Thai fried rice, called khao pad, is a staple at home tables (not to mention from street food vendors) in the southeast Asian country.