Rice is the staple Thai food and sometimes we seem to take it for granted. To truly appreciate it, you have to think of its versatility. As well as main meals, rice can be the No 1 ingredient for appetisers, even desserts: think sushi, rice puddings, rice salads and rice crackers.

"The Great Chefs Share Their Secret Rice Recipes" book offers almost 60 recipes from nine star chefs. Published by Chaitip, the producer of Panom-rung Rice, the book took one year to complete.

Recipes are presented in nine categories, each of them containing one recipe from each chef. Sofitel Silom's Chinese master chef Jacky Chan reveals his secrets for making rice soup, while Dieter Paul Bender, executive chef at Siam@Siam Design Hotel & Spa, presents his recipes for fusion food.

Beautiful photos display the cooked creations in the kind of gorgeous presentations that nowadays are rarely seen outside of top restaurants. If you are planning a party, these make great guides for presenting an array of dishes you will be proud to serve.

Besides the recipes the book offers short interviews with each chef and tips for choosing the right type of rice for different dishes.

The book is available for Bt395 at B2S and Kinokuniya. Only 3,000 copies have been printed so if you want one, get scooting. The proceeds will go to the Thai Rice Foundation.

For more information, visit www.PanomrungRice.com.

Daily Xpress