Spoonfuls of comfort: rice pudding recipes from around the world

Simple or fancy, warm or cold, whichever way takes your fancy, there's a rice pudding for you. Here we share bowls of comfort from around the world. Some are breakfast, some are dessert and some can be for any time you like!

Durban kheer (rice pudding) with chilli pineapple

South Africa and South Asia come together in this Durban-style kheer (rice pudding) recipe from Warren Mendes. Scented with cardamom, cinnamon and saffron, the rice simmers in coconut milk and full cream milk until rich and silky. Serve with chilli-spiked pineapple, pistachios and coconut cream for a vibrant bowl that could be served for breakfast, brunch or dessert.

Lebanese spiced rice pudding (meghli)

A traditional Lebanese Christmas feast is not complete without the classic spiced rice pudding, the meghli, but it's the sort of simple comfort food you can make and enjoy at any time of year. It can be served warm or cold, and the broken rice used in this recipe gives this pudding a porridge-like texture.

Baked rice pudding with rhubarb

Coconut milk adds a twist to the pudding in this recipe from Anneka Manning. Topped with vanilla-baked rhubarb, it is a winter pudding you will want to make time and time again.

Chilled rice pudding with shortbread and jam

Irish chef Mark Moriarty says rice pudding is “one of the most comforting desserts you’ll ever make”. We have to agree. His simple but special recipe is absolutely delicious, served with a dollop of jam and crumbled homemade shortbread.

Samoan koko alaisa

"Every Samoan grew up eating Koko alaisa... for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, it's a whenever dish!" says actor Michael Logo, who shared this coconut milk rice pidding recipe on The Cook Up with Adam Liaw. His recipe uses traditional Koko Samoa (a block-style cocoa), but it can also be made with cocoa powder.

Caramel and orange blossom rice cakes

Not what you would normally expect when you think "rice pudding", but this is French baker Jean Michel Raynaud's take on the classic, combining caramel and orange - that means rich and zesty!

Baked rice pudding with plum jam

For this comforting rice pudding from Adam Liaw, arborio rice is gently baked in the oven with vanilla, milk and cream, then served with nutmeg and soft-set plum jam.

Chocolate rice pudding

For when you need a sweet brekkie hit, Phoebe Wood gives us a typically Filipino-style breakfast bowl that uses cocoa AND dark chocolate. Don't forget to drizzle that condensed milk and have your spoons at the ready!

Coconut rice pudding with lemongrass curd

This Asian-style pud is all about texture and spice and is such a refreshing way to top up your rice. Rachel Khoo gives us this dairy-free and gluten-free flavour sensation with lemongrass curd, lychee and a pop of chilli to serve.

Rice pudding with rhubarb, pistachio and marscapone

O Tama Carey got colourful with rhubarb and created this Italian-style rice; with sweet additions of marsala and vanilla bean, this pudding pops.

Rice milk pots with raw cacao chocolate sauce

Belén Vázquez Amaro recreates her grandma's arroz con leche. With maple syrup, cacao powder and coconut oil all thrown into the mix this vegan dream is perfect for those chilly days.

Spiced rice pudding

If you're a fan of mousses and silken puddings, you'll love this aromatic chilled Lebanese dessert made with ground rice, and lifted with the tastes and aromas of cinnamon, nutmeg, caraway, anise and ginger. It can be made ahead of time, which is handy for entertaining.

Cinnamon and rosewater rice pudding with pomegranate syrup

Get a little more romantic with your rice with this cinnamon-spiked version. Vibrant pomegranate, sweet rosewater and of course scattered rose petals - ooh la la!

Black sticky rice creams

Every mouthful of this sticky custard takes you to Vietnam. With flavours of coconut, pandan and palm sugar, this one from Kirsten Jenkins is a rice porridge for those who love to travel through their food.