Last updated: January 2024
We all love good rice for our main meal on a daily basis to help us keep up with our daily activities.
Perhaps non-rice eaters will not understand the difference of texture, quality, and taste between different rice brands but with the various types of rice and numerous brands out in the market, it might be a challenge to find the perfect rice for your taste.
After all, we want the best rice for our favorite dish.
Rice is a staple food for billions of people around the world, specifically in Asia. Aside from tasting good, it provides a lot of healthy benefits to your body.
It is rich in nutrients and a good source of carbohydrates, fiber, protein, antioxidants, and other minerals and vitamins.
There are also other types of rice that would fit better for your diet, some rice are made for diabetic people, some have more fiber to lower your cholesterol.
The search for the best rice brand could take a lot of research, but we will help you along the way.
Which Type of Rice Should I Get?
Before getting to the best brand, we have to first make sure you know which type of rice you want. First, there are three categories of rice based on its length: short, medium, and long grain.
Short grain is very starchy so it tends to suck more liquid compared to the other two, and clumps together, making it best for sushi or paella.
Medium grain has less starch content so it has a firm texture and tastes creamier, ideal for risotto or fried rice.
Lastly, the Long Grain which has the lowest starch content which results in non-sticky rice when cooked. This includes jasmine and basmati rice which is perfect for nasi lemak and curry.
There is an estimate of 40,000 types of rice around the world and we could not discuss that but we can briefly talk about the most common rice to give you an idea.
Jasmine rice, originating from Thailand, and Basmati rice from India, are both long grained and can be used interchangeably, although Jasmine has a little more aromatic and nutty taste compared to the other.
There are also different colors of rice, the famous White Rice like Japanese rice or Korean rice which is processed by removing the bran and germ, the Brown Rice which contains all parts of the grain which makes it more chewy and provides more nutrients compared to white rice, the Red Rice with its anthocyanin content turning it red and being a great source of fiber, and the Black Rice which has the most antioxidants and protein.
Now that you get the idea of the rice varieties out there, you may be thinking which brand is the best for this type of rice? No need to worry, we have your back.
How Do I Choose the Right Rice for My Family?
When choosing the right rice brand, you have to consider a lot of factors since this is something you serve on the table everyday.
You should check the color of the grain. If you are buying white rice, you want something not too white since it might have whitening content and not too yellow-ish, go for a natural bright color.
Next is to examine the texture by pressing a grain with your finger, it should not be easily broken. Also test the grain for lubricant contents, squeeze it with your fingers and it should not stick since lubricants are not good for your health and may cause issues as digested frequently.
You can also smell the rice to check if it’s new, it should never smell musty, if the rice is already left for too long, it may go bad and not taste good once cooked.
In case you do not have the access nor the time to check every rice brand, we have prepared for this and did the work for you. We have searched the market for the best rice brands for different types of rice to meet your preference!
Top 10 Rice Brands in Malaysia that We Eat Daily
| Top 10 Rice Brands in Malaysia that We Eat Daily | Type of Rice | Best Price (RM) |
|---|---|---|
| JASMINE Fragrant White Rice | Long Grain, Fragrant White Rice | RM9.50 |
| JASMINE Basmathi King Rice | Long Grain, Basmati Rice | RM39.99 for 5kg |
| SUMO Calrose Sushi Rice | Medium Grain, Calrose Rice | RM9.00 |
| EARTH LIVING Red Brown Rice | Long Grain, Red Rice | RM11.30 for 900g |
| JASMINE PusaCream Basmathi Parboiled | Long Grain, Parboiled Rice | RM38.80 for 5kg |
| ORGANIC Pearl Black Rice | Short Grain, Black Rice | RM10.89 |
| ANGSA EMAS Glutinous Rice | Short Grain, Sticky Rice | RM5.90 |
| KAY KAY Pre-Diabetic Low GI Rice | MIxed Grains, Low GI Rice | RM21.90 |
| ECOBROWN Original Brown Rice | Long Grain, Brown Rice | RM18.85 for 2kg |
| SCOTTI Arborio Rice | Short Grain, Arborio Rice | RM25 |
1. JASMINE Fragrant White Rice
You may love white rice more than anything else and are searching for the best fragrant white rice, Jasmine Sunwhite is the one to get. Imported from Thailand, this is Malaysia’s leading fragrant rice brand.
It has captured the consumer’s loyalty with its special fragrance, taste, and texture. It is only harvested once a year, in between the months of October and March.
Get this and enjoy the quality rice with tender and soft texture everyday.
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2. JASMINE Basmathi King Rice
If you are searching for long grained Basmati rice, Jasmine Basmathi King is the best one to purchase.
It is one of the highest quality rice since it is exclusively grown in Punjab, and fed by the clear waters of Himalayan glaciers.
It is popular as well due to its affordable price considering the top quality of its length, taste and aroma inherent in Basmati rice. This rice is suitable for nasi tomato, nasi kandar, and nasi briyani.
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3. SUMO Calrose Sushi Rice
SUMO Calrose Sushi Rice - Rice Brands Malaysia
You may be craving for some good sushi and not sure your rice at home would work. Sumo has the best calrose rice. This type of rice is medium grained and known for its sticky and soft texture.
Due to its characteristics, the SUMO Calrose Sushi Rice has a higher water to rice ratio to make sure it would roll easily for your sushi. It absorbs flavors really well making it ideal for paella too.
Is Sumo Calrose rice for sushi?
Yes, Sumo Calrose rice is a good choice for sushi. This medium grain rice cooks up fluffy and sticky, which makes it perfect for sushi rolls.
It has a subtle sweet flavor that pairs well with seafood and other flavors in sushi.
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4. EARTH LIVING Red Brown Rice - Best to lower blood pressure
EARTH LIVING Red Brown Rice - Rice Brands Malaysia
Perhaps you are considering a healthier diet, then red rice would be perfect for you. White rice is processed by removing the bran and most of the germ which has 60-80% of the nutritional value of rice.
However, with Earth Living’s red rice, only the hull is removed, retaining the nutrients needed. It is a great source of vitamins and minerals especially iron so this would be advisable for people with iron deficiency.
EARTH LIVING Red Brown Rice is also high in fiber which helps ease constipation and improve the regularity of your bowel movement.
Before cooking, we recommend soaking the red rice for two hours before cooking to get a softer texture. This red rice has a nutty beany flavor and some may find it sweeter than regular white rice.
Is brown rice good for high blood pressure?
Answer:
Brown rice has the capacity to reduce high blood pressure. This rich in mineral rice is a whole grain and a good source of magnesium, which can help to lower blood pressure.
Moreover, brown rice has a variety of other health benefits such as being high in fiber and containing antioxidants.
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5. JASMINE PusaCream Basmathi Parboiled
JASMINE PusaCream Basmathi Parboiled - Rice Brands Malaysia
If you prefer a white rice that has fewer calories and carbohydrates, but more fiber and protein, parboiled rice is the one for you. Parboiled rice is processed by partially boiling the grain while still in the husk, boosting its nutritional value making it a healthier substitute to traditional white rice.
Jasmine brand makes sure to give the best parboiled basmati rice by aging it for long periods up to a year, producing a golden cream color with a wonderful aroma and taste once cooked.
You can use this for your nasi minyak or briyani rice.
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6. ORGANIC Pearl Black Rice - Best rice for weight loss
ORGANIC Pearl Black Rice - Rice Brands Malaysia
Black rice used to be forbidden for all except for royalties, that is how unique it was. Organic Pearl Black Rice is rich in antioxidants which protect your cells against oxidative stress.
It is good for natural detoxification, lessens risk of diabetes and obesity, and a healthier heart. It is also a good source of several nutrients such as fiber, protein, and iron. Black rice has a faint sweet taste with a nutty texture, ideal for snacks or desserts.
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7. ANGSA EMAS Glutinous Rice
ANGSA EMAS Glutinous Rice - Rice Brands Malaysia
If you are in search of glutinous rice for your favorite traditional sweets, Cap Angsa Emas originating from Thailand is the best pick.
Glutinous rice, also known as sticky rice for its sticky texture, is used to make a lot of Asian traditional cuisines.
Cooking the sticky rice may vary on what you are planning to make, nevertheless, choosing this brand ensures that you have picked the best quality in the market.
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8. KAY KAY Pre-Diabetic Low GI Rice
KAY KAY Pre-Diabetic Low GI Rice - Rice Brands Malaysia
Rice can have high Glycemic Index (GI) and if you have diabetes, you may have to lessen your rice consumption.
However, Kay Kay found the solution for this and formulated a mixture of grains to help maintain an ideal blood-sugar level while still giving you the taste of rice.
This mixed Low GI Rice and grains is packed with fiber keeping you full for longer, gives lower digestion rate resulting in gradual release of energy hence, reduces the risk of spike in your blood sugar levels.
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9. ECOBROWN Original Brown Rice - Best for reducing their body mass index
ECOBROWN Original Brown Rice - Rice Brands Malaysia
If you are looking for the best brown rice brand, we would highly recommend ecoBrown. They have ensured the quality of the grains by being specific from the natural foundation of fertile soil, favorable weather, and knowledge of the farmers.
ECOBROWN Original Brown Rice is the first to adopt an eco-friendly drying process as well, ensuring all grains are free from contamination and you would get the best nutrients their brown rice could offer.
How to Cook Perfect Brown Rice?
If you're looking for perfectly cooked brown rice, there are a few things you'll need to keep in mind.
- First and forthmost, brown rice takes longer to cook than white rice, so be sure to allow enough time.
- Next, brown rice requires more water than white rice, so be sure to use enough water when cooking.
- Lastly, brown rice will become mushy if overcooked, so be careful not to overcook it.
To cook perfect brown rice, start by bringing the required amount of water to a boil. Then, add the rice and stir well.
Allow the mixture to come back up to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for the appropriate amount of time.
Once done cooking, turn off the heat on the stove, let it sit for 10 minutes and you can serve an excellent healthy meal.
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10. SCOTTI Arborio Rice - Best to make risotto
SCOTTI Arborio Rice - Rice Brands Malaysia
If you are looking for the perfect one for your asian-style risotto, Scotti’s arborio rice is highly recommended.
Imported from Italy, the SCOTTI Arborio Rice has been producing quality arborio rice since 1860.
It is a short-grained rice with pearly appearance with a firm texture and creamy taste due to the starch content.
How do you cook Scotti arborio rice?
To cook Scotti arborio rice, start by boiling water in a pot. Then, add the rice and let it cook for 18 minutes.
Stir if necessary. Once the rice is cooked, drain it and rinse it with cold water.
Finally, fluff the rice with a fork and serve. Enjoy!
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Which is the Best Rice Brand in Malaysia?
What rice to buy in Malaysia?
Malaysian cuisine utilizes jasmine rice, which is a fragrant long-grained variety that is similar to Basmati rice. This type of rice is characterized by a slightly sticky texture and sweet taste when cooked.
Other popular choices include white and glutinous rice, which are both versatile enough to be served with a variety of meals.
Furthermore, the country is known for its high-quality organic varieties that are highly sought after by both chefs and home cooks.
No matter what type of rice is chosen, shoppers can be assured that it will be sure to add flavor and energy to any meal.
What is the ratio of water to rice?
For wild and brown rice, the ratio is typically 3 parts water to 1 part rice. When making long-grain basmati rice, the ratio is 2 - 1.5 parts water to 1 part rice.
Ultimately, the ratio of water to rice should be adjusted based on type of rice and individual preference.
Some people may prefer a more fluffy texture to the rice, so more water can be added. Others may prefer a firmer texture, so slightly less water can be used.
How long should you boil rice?
Cook for 15-25 minutes, or until all the water has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
To make sure that the rice is cooked properly, check for small cracks in the surface of the rice and fluff with a fork once done.
For moist, fluffier rice, add an additional tablespoon of water for every cup of rice when boiling.
The best way to tell if your rice is cooked enough is by using a fork to test the texture of the grains. You should expect the grains to be soft and tender, with no crunchy or hard bits.
If the rice appears to be too dry, add a small amount of water and continue cooking until the grains are tender and sufficiently cooked.
Rice Brand Malaysia
You have more options in rice than you think. You can explore every now and then to see which best fits your palate. Aside from the taste, you can also dig deeper on the nutritional value of every rice and every brand since they may have different processes.
Nevertheless, rice is a staple food and you most likely consume it on a daily basis, so invest in your rice like you would in your health. Have you decided which one to get? You can always refer back to their article as your guide.
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