Chinese Rice Porridge with Condiments

Porridge in the West is a plain yet sustaining dish; in Eastern cookery, porridge is soothing, warm and aromatic. Chinese porridge is usually quite tasty, depending on the flavourings added, and Malaysian porridge is always fiery. This stimulating lunch dish is based upon Malaysian porridge, the seasonings being typical of this cuisine. I like to place the garnish around the porridge before stirring it in because it looks so attractive.