12 Favorite Thailand Rice
Thailand is renowned worldwide for producing high-quality rice, offering a wide array of varieties that cater to different tastes and preferences. With its rich agricultural heritage, Thailand boasts some of the most fragrant, flavorful, and nutritious rice types. Here are 12 of the most popular rice varieties from Thailand, categorized by their specific characteristics and uses.Thailand Rice
The 4 Classifications of Thai Rice
- Thai Hom Mali Rice
Known for its aromatic scent and smooth texture, Thai Hom Mali rice is considered a premium variety, often regarded as one of the best rice types globally. - Glutinous Rice (Sticky Rice)
A staple in northern and northeastern Thailand, glutinous rice is known for its sticky texture, making it perfect for a variety of traditional Thai dishes. - White Rice
Thailand grows numerous varieties of white rice, widely known for its soft texture and versatility in cooking. - Organic Rice
This type of rice is grown without chemicals and retains a higher nutritional value, including essential vitamins and fiber due to its minimal processing.
1. Thai Hom Mali Rice
Thai Hom Mali 105 (Khao Dawk Mali 105)
Originating from Chachoengsao Province, Thai Hom Mali 105 has a distinct pandan-like aroma that sets it apart from other rice varieties. This fragrant rice is widely recognized and loved around the world for its unparalleled scent when cooked, making it a global export product.
Thung Kula Jasmine Rice
Thung Kula Jasmine rice comes from the northeastern region of Thailand, particularly the “Thung Kula Rong Hai” area, which is known for producing the world’s best jasmine rice. The long, slender grains, combined with its soft texture and fragrant aroma, make it a favorite for both Thai households and international markets. Thailand Rice
2. Glutinous Rice (Sticky Rice)
Glutinous Rice RD6
Glutinous Rice RD6 is a highly fragrant, sticky variety with long, slender seeds. Popular in northern and northeastern Thailand, it is one of the most widely cultivated types of glutinous rice, known for its high yield and exceptional stickiness when steamed.
Khao Wong Kalasin Glutinous Rice
Grown in the Khao Wong district of Kalasin Province, this sticky rice is prized for its softness and fragrance. It has a unique quality that allows it to remain soft for hours after cooking, making it a favorite in traditional Thai dishes like sticky rice with mango.
Khao Niew Kiew Ngoo (Glutinous Rice)
This traditional variety features small, slender grains that are soft, fragrant, and perfect for making Thai desserts such as Mango Sticky Rice or Khao Lam (sticky rice baked in bamboo with coconut milk).
Black Glutinous Thailand Rice
Black glutinous rice is a dark, purple-black variety that is more resistant to chewing than other sticky rice types. It’s often used in Thai sweets and is valued for its health benefits, such as reducing cholesterol and preventing heart disease. Import Thailand rice
3. White Rice
Khao Leuang Patew Chumphon
Hailing from Patew District in Chumphon Province, this traditional rice variety is harvested in December and known for its high yield and resistance to insect diseases. It has long, shiny, yellowish grains and is ideal for growing in acidic soil.
Khao Jek Chuey Sao Hai
Named after a Chinese-Thai merchant, this variety from Saraburi Province is known for its centuries-old history and versatility. It’s commonly used to produce Thai sweets and pasta, making it a staple in local cooking. Thailand Rice Exporters
4. Organic Thailand Rice
Brown Rice
Brown rice is slightly milled, retaining its bran and germ, which makes it higher in fiber and nutrients compared to white rice. Known for its nutty flavor and chewy texture, it is considered a healthier option due to its high fiber content.
Riceberry Rice
A deep purple, fragrant rice variety developed by Kasetsart University, Riceberry is a hybrid of aromatic black rice and Khao Dawk Mali 105. It’s celebrated for its rich, sticky texture and distinct flavor, as well as its health benefits, including improved cardiovascular health.
Khao Mun Poo (Red Rice)
This reddish-brown rice, also called “Red Rice,” is a variety of brown rice with high nutritional value, including vitamin A. When cooked, it has a light pink hue and a sweet fragrance, making it a delightful and healthy option.
Sangyod Rice Phatthalung (Sangyod GI Rice)
Sangyod rice, from Phatthalung Province, is a small-seeded, red-to-dark rice variety known for its soft texture and nutritional benefits. It is high in fiber and antioxidants, helping to slow down aging, improve blood health, and reduce the risk of cancer. Top Thailand Rice Exporters