How to cook perfectly steamed and fluffy Jasmine rice on the stove, with step-by-step photos. Tips for cooking rice with cast-iron and stainless steel pans.

Have You Eaten Rice Yet?

In the Vietnamese language, we ask “Have you eaten rice yet?” as a way of saying “Hello” or “How are you?” The phrase is intended as a greeting, as a way of asking if you are well and healthy, if everything is going ok in your day.

Given that a lot of Vietnamese culture revolves around food, that one would discuss the next meal whilst sitting down to a meal, the question of whether one has eaten yet comes from a place of care and nurture. “Have you eaten rice yet?” is often a reminder that one should take time for themselves, to nourish oneself before getting back to the daily grind.