There are so many ways to start the day, but rice for breakfast might be the best one. It’s easily available and simple, especially when you already have a handy rice cooker at home. Plus, it’s relatively easy to digest and provides plenty of energy due to its carbohydrate content. You can also cook it in many ways. 

Which Rice is Best for Breakfast?

Whole-grain rice, like brown rice, is an ideal breakfast option. It contains bran and germ to provide a more nutrient-dense meal, leaving you full and nourished throughout the day. However, you can also explore other options like white rice if that’s what’s available to you. 

There was also some evidence that brown rice helped reduce body weight, though it did not significantly affect blood sugar control in pre-diabetic or type-2 diabetic people. Further research is necessary to confirm its effectiveness. That said, it’s worth including in your weight loss journey. 

Who Even Eats Rice for Breakfast?

There are many people who eat rice for breakfast, but it’s typically recognized as a staple in Asian cuisine. In fact, China consumes more rice than any other country, eating 145 million metric tons of it from 2024 to 2025.

In terms of lifestyle, athletes and bodybuilders are big fans of white rice. The food group is rich in carbohydrates and fulfills the macronutrient count needed to fulfill extreme training without exhaustion. If you want to work on your physical health, it’s certainly worth looking up.  

Best Asian Recipes with Rice

There are many Asian breakfast cuisines that love incorporating rice, so you have plenty of options when you want to start having rice for breakfast. Here are the 10 tastiest ones:

1. Bibimbap

Bibimbap is a popular dish that people often get when introduced to Korean cuisine. The direct translation is mixed rice with meat and assorted vegetables. Spinach, bean sprouts, mushrooms and carrots are the typical vegetables added into the recipe, but you can explore more additions like seaweed and onions. 

2. Oyakadon

Japanese chicken and egg rice bowl or oyakodon is another breakfast staple to try out. It has quite a flavorful broth that starts with dashi and soy sauce before incorporating sake and sugar. From there, you can slice and simmer chicken breast or thighs into the mix. Top it onto a bed of freshly cooked rice with an egg. 

3. Tapsilog

Tapsilog is made of meat, fried rice and egg. Filipino tapa is traditionally beef that’s cured with different spices and dried or smoked, but you can explore other options like corned beef or fish. One of the most unique ingredients in its marinade is calamansi juice, which adds a tanginess and tenderizes the meat. You can substitute with other citrus fruit juices. 

4. Roast Eggplant

If you want a simple introduction to having rice for breakfast, roasted eggplant is pretty easy to whip up. When grilled, these vegetables are rich in fiber and water while being low in starch. Pair this with a tahini and turmeric sauce that is nutty, earthy, and aromatic all at once. Some also garnish it with fresh cilantro and mint leaves. 

5. Khao Pad Krapow

Khao Pad Krapow is a popular must-try dish from Thai cuisine. What sets it apart from other dishes is the addition of basil leaves and the extra kick from chilies. Plus, unlike pad kra pao that’s just stir-fried meat and basil, this dish tosses the meat with leftover rice together, making it easier to make in just one pot. 

6. Miso Salmon

Create a delicious Japanese miso salmon rice bowl to start your morning off right. Marinate the fish first in soy sauce and miso, along with sesame oil and ginger, before frying. Run some cucumbers on a mandolin to get perfectly sliced circles, which will add a crunchy addition to the savory breakfast meal. 

7. Tuna Onigiri

Want an easy breakfast to take with you on the way out the door? Onigiri is a great travel food because it is handheld. These tuna mayo onigiri, especially, are so enjoyable because they are so simple to make. You can use an onigiri mold to get the iconic triangular shape right, or try your hand at a plastic wrap. 

8. Edamame Fried Rice

Edamame is a delicious soybean that can add a nice texture to your fried rice. Plus, it can account for 20% of your daily protein intake without a single ounce of meat. For the best results, get some leftover brown rice and add some julienned carrots into the mix. Pair with a protein of your choice, like egg or meat. 

9. Congee

Chinese congee or rice porridge is versatile— you can top it with sausage, bacon, and other kinds of protein. It mainly utilizes long-grain white rice, but you can use whatever’s available. Either way, it goes into this flavorful broth filled with chicken or vegetable stock. Sliced ginger makes it even more flavorful. 

10. Poha

Poha is a traditional Indian breakfast that’s absolutely flavorful. The word translates to flattened rice and it can also be topped with just about anything. Some do eat it as is, though, as the onion, spices, herbs, lemon juice and peanuts already give it a distinctive taste. However, you can also do yogurt and vegetable salad on the side.  

How to Make Rice Breakfasts Healthier

Rice for breakfast can already be quite healthy. However, there are a few key steps that you can take to ensure that it’s even more nutritious and geared for weight loss. Try these out:

• Portion right: One cup of rice per meal is enough to help you feel full during breakfast time. You can still cook multiple portions so that you have leftovers to experiment with for the next few mornings. 

• Sprinkle in extras: To lessen the carb count and increase the nutrition, add a variety of grains and other foods to your rice. For instance, you can add quinoa, corn, lentils, and mushrooms along with your seasonings of choice. 

• Add a healthy side dish: Similar to some of the recipes on this list, you can add a healthy side dish to balance out the rice’s heaviness. Think coleslaw, cucumber salad or slices of avocado. 

Enjoy Rice Breakfast Meals

Rice for breakfast is an underrated way to kick-start your morning and fill up your stomach. Make sure you try out your favorite recipes and add them to your rotation. Share photos with us on our social media accounts and happy cooking!