A simple grain with many voices—rice reminds us that food, above all, is a shared language of belonging.
In a world of walls and borders, food remains one of the few things that truly brings us together.
Rice, eaten daily by over three billion people, crosses continents and cultures. From Asia to Africa, Europe to the Americas, each place gives it a new form, a new voice. The single grain becomes risotto, jollof, congee, paella—a shared ingredient, endlessly reimagined.
When Chef Andoni Luis Aduriz arrived at Refettorio Ambrosiano, he prepared a simple ‘rice pudding with cinnamon and chocolate’. He chose rice because it belongs to everyone. It’s a staple, a comfort, a bridge. “Rice pudding is originally a Jewish recipe,” he explained. “We want to celebrate coexistence, so a menu with multicultural origins feels perfect for the occasion.”
That day, Massimo Bottura also reflected on the symbolism of rice: “It means many things to many people. It is universal and self-explanatory.”
For Andoni, food is a way to connect stories, people, and places. His dish wasn’t just about flavor—it was about reminding us that even the simplest ingredients can carry powerful messages. As he later said, “If we give these people a moment of peace, well, that’s what food is about.”
What language do you speak?
We speak the language of food. And in a world often divided, that language is one of connection, of understanding, of unity.
Warm regards,
Food for Soul
