Rice is an essential grain in many countries and is used to prepare many sweet and savory dishes and desserts such as rice pudding. According to the World Book Encyclopedia 2011 Edition 16, rice is produced in more than 110 countries including China and India. The two countries have been “ranked as the two largest rice producers, producing more than half of the world's rice population” (324). Rice pudding is a dessert that is consumed by many people from different parts of the world; the main ingredient is rice. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay There are many different types of rice including jasmine rice, brown rice, and basmati rice. Sticky rice is the dominant rice used in many desserts around the world. Sticky rice, otherwise known as glutinous rice, has its origins in Southeast Asia. Studies reveal that rice was found in Asia 2000 years ago. Rice subsequently managed to reach countries such as Cambodia, Thailand and Laos. There are many variations of sticky rice, including “black sticky rice which is mainly consumed in sweetened form” in the country of Thailand (Kasma Loha-unchit 2011), however, when sticky rice is not used, jasmine rice is substituted. Mango sticky rice pudding and coconut sticky rice cakes also originate from Thailand. The concept of coconut added to rice pudding is a constant in many countries, including Vietnam. In Vietnamese cuisine, "Che dau" is made with coconut milk and black-eyed peas in addition to sticky rice. Sticky rice has made its way into Southwest Asia and into Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine. Having made its way to the southern part of Asia, spices native to India, such as cardamom and cinnamon sticks, are used to garnish the dish. First came “Payesh,” the rice pudding originally from Bangladesh, followed shortly after by the Indian adaptation. “Kheer” is found in India and “is flavored with cardamom and coconut and garnished with raisins and almonds, it comes from Bengal, famous for its milk sweets” (Sahni 201). Asian countries aren't the only ones to include spices in their variation of rice pudding. In the country of Peru, “arroz con leche is made with cloves which give the dessert a special aroma and flavor” (Spanish Food 2011). In Colombia, arroz con leche is served with shredded coconut on top, unlike in other countries where it is combined with pudding. Arroz con Leche is sometimes served with a sprinkling of cinnamon or sugar which then creates a caramelized crust at the top of the dessert. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Sticky rice pudding has changed in numerous different countries including Bangladesh, Vietnam, Peru, Colombia, and Thailand. Different toppings, spices, fruits, and even beans were added to the dessert as it traveled from place to place. The pudding underwent several changes as it spread to different lands; yet the same concept of rice, milk and sugar remains common in all countries.