Rinse the rice: Measure the rice into a bowl. Fill with cold water and use your hand to swirl the rice around in the water. The water will become quite cloudy. Drain the water (by tilting the bowl so that the water pours into the sink, no need to remove it entirely) then add more cold water. Repeat this process until the water is mostly clear, about 4-5 times, draining after each time.

Then add more cold water and soak the rice for 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, add the canned coconut milk, water, sugar, (pandan leaves - if using) and salt to a small saucepan. Give it a good stir to remove any lumps from the coconut milk. Then drain the rice well through a sieve and add it to the saucepan as well.

Turn the heat on to medium-high. Once the centre of the saucepan begins to simmer, give the bottom of the pan a single stir, then cover and reduce the heat to low. Cook for another 15 minutes.

Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately and let rest covered for another 10 minutes.

Fluff the rice with a fork and serve. Garnish with toasted dried coconut, if desired.