Basmati rice is an aromatic, long, thin rice traditionally grown in India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Basmati rice is also one of the most popular rice varieties in the world. The basmati grain is notable for expanding more than twice its dry length when cooked. In contrast to other types of rice, the grains only expand lengthwise when cooked, allowing them to retain their characteristic length and slenderness. Everything from its flavour, texture, and scent has contributed significantly to basmati rice’s growing popularity. As a result, Indian basmati rice is near the top of the popularity chart.
There are several types of basmati rice, such as the Pusa Basmati 1121, which is soft to the palate and normally used for cooking Biryani. There is also the Ranbir Basmati, a relatively old rice variety with long grains and an exceptional aroma and taste, which is why it is generally popular with consumers. The newest and most sought-after basmati rice is Basmati 217, which has a longer, finer, richer aroma and an exquisite taste. Read on to learn more about Malaysia’s 10 best basmati rice.
What Are the Benefits of Basmati Rice?
According to Ayurveda, Basmati rice promotes mind-body balance and tissue development owing to its easily-digestible properties. It’s potentially suitable for diabetics due to a lower glycemic index, positioning it as a healthier alternative to low-fibre white carbohydrates. Basmati rice can reduce heart disease risk as it’s low in saturated fats and sodium and assists in cholesterol reduction. It contains fibre and vitamin B, preventing heart vessel fat deposits and promoting cardiac muscle function. This whole grain can also decrease colorectal cancer risk, boost brain power due to vitamins B1 and B6, and support weight management efforts.
What Are Some Recipes You Can Create Using Basmati Rice?
Basmati rice is perfect for a variety of recipes suitable for anyone, whether you’re a home cook, a busy professional, or a health-conscious foodie.
- Basmati Rice Pilaf
Basmati Rice Pilaf can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. Saute onions and garlic in a pan, add your favorite spices (like cumin, turmeric, or saffron), then stir in basmati rice until coated. Add vegetable or chicken broth, then cover and simmer until the rice is tender.
- Chicken Biryani
Chicken Biryani is perfect for a weekend dinner with family. Start by marinating chicken in spices and yoghurt. In a separate pan, fry onions until golden, add the marinated chicken, then layer partially cooked basmati rice. Cover and cook on low heat until the rice is fluffy and the flavors meld together.
- Basmati Rice Pudding
Basmati Rice Pudding is an intriguing twist to the classic dessert, this recipe is great for breakfast or as an after-dinner treat. Cook basmati rice in milk with sugar, cardamom, and a touch of saffron for an exotic flavor. Top it off with nuts and dried fruits for added texture and taste. This warm, creamy, and fragrant pudding is sure to delight your palate and start or end your day on a sweet note.
Read more about diverse rice types for your dietary needs:
10 Best Basmati Rice in Malaysia
1. Cap Keluarga Beras Basmathi Pusa 1121 Steam
Cap Keluarga Beras Basmathi Pusa 1121 Steam makes fragrant rice dishes that are a great source of energy. It is easy to digest and is also a good source of fibre which aids in healthy bowel functions. It is gluten-free, which makes it an essential choice for people with gluten-free dietary requirements. As an added benefit, it also helps to regulate a healthy weight through weight loss.
Specifications:
- Country Of Origin: Malaysia
- Size Available: 5kg
Pros:
✅ Gluten free
✅ Low cholesterol
✅ Helps to regulate a healthy weight
Price: RM40.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
2. Bird Of Paradise Royale Basmathi Rice
Bird of Paradise Royale Basmathi is grown in the foothills of the Himalayas. The fertile soil, ideal climate, and water from the glaciers of the Himalayas contribute to the distinctive flavour and aroma of Punjab (Pakistan) rice. It is harvested with great care and aged to perfection, resulting in delicate, pearly-white, and extra-long grains that have their nutritional benefits retained. Naturally gluten-free with a low to medium glycemic index and a good source of fibre, Bird of Paradise Royale Basmathi helps to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Specifications:
- Country Of Origin: Malaysia
- Size Available: 5kg
Pros:
✅ Gluten-free
✅ Good fibre content
✅ The harvesting process retains nutrients
Price: RM48.90
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
3. Moghul Faiza Basmathi Rice
Moghul Faiza Basmati Rice which sourced from Pakistan is cultivated in Punjab’s prime rice fields known as “Kallar Tract”. This region benefits from the water of rivers enriched by snow. The rice is carefully sealed to keep its authentic Basmati characteristics intact. This top-notch Basmati rice is sure to make your regular meals a feast that everyone will absolutely enjoy!
Specifications:
- Country Of Origin: Pakistan
- Size Available: 1kg
Pros:
✅ Low glycemic index (GI)
✅ Retains its texture when cooked, steamed, or fried
✅ Has vitamin B1.
Price: RM10.95
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
4. Jasmine Basmathi King Rice
Jasmine Basmathi King Rice is a long-grain variety of rice that is another top-quality specialty rice and is popular with the masses due to its affordable pricing. It has the same extra-long length, aroma, and taste inherent in basmati rice. It also contains about 3 times more fiber and significantly more protein than regular white rice, thereby making it a more filling food option. Additionally, it has also been linked to several health benefits such as boosting brain and heart health.
Specifications:
- Country Of Origin: Malaysia
- Size Available: 5kg
Pros:
✅ Affordable
✅ Improves brain health
✅ Improves heart health
Price: RM38.80
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
5. Lohas Natural Basmati Rice
Lohas Natural Basmati Rice is 100% natural with no herbicides and no pesticides. It is rich in protein and has a low glycemic index. In the case of basmati rice, its fragrant smell is due to the presence of a chemical called 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, which is found in basmati rice at about 90 parts per billion. That is about 12 times more than in other types of rice, giving basmati rice its special aroma.
Specifications:
- Country Of Origin: India
- Size Available: 900g
Pros:
✅ Fragrant
✅ Rich in protein
✅ No herbicides or pesticides
Price: RM9.99
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
6. MH Food Premium Basmati Rice
MH Food Premium Basmati Rice is good for individuals with high blood pressure and diabetes as it is gluten-free and low in fat. It contains all 8 essential amino acids, folic acid, is very low in sodium, and has no cholesterol. Basmati rice has a low to medium glycaemic index, meaning that energy is released at a slower, steadier rate leading to a more balanced level of energy.
Specifications:
- Country Of Origin: India
- Size Available: 1kg
Pros:
✅ Gluten-free
✅ Cholesterol free
✅ Contains 8 essential amino acids
Price: RM13.50
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
7. Green Bio Tech Brown Basmati Rice
Green Bio Tech Brown Basmati rice is lighter, fluffier, and does not stick together. Basmati rice is generally low in fat and fairly high in protein which can also help in weight loss. According to the Canadian Diabetes Association, Basmati rice has a low to medium glycemic index of between 56 and 69, thus making it more suitable for individuals with diabetes as compared to certain other grains and products made from white flour.
Specifications:
- Country Of Origin: India
- Size Available: 1kg
Pros:
✅ Low in fat
✅ Helps weight loss
✅ Lighter, fluffier, and does not stick together
Price: RM11.90
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
8. ecoBrown Sella Cream Premium Basmathi Rice
ecoBrown Sella Cream Premium Basmathi Rice is a special and premium quality Pusa basmati range. It is widely popular due to its premium taste and aromatic fragrance and is naturally harvested in the fertile foothills of the Himalayas. The harvested grains undergo a parboiling process that retains essential nutrients and produces long slender grains. Its golden-colored grains elongate to double their length after cooking while giving a fluffy and non-sticky texture when cooked.
Specifications:
- Country Of Origin: India
- Size Available: 5kg
Pros:
✅ Aromatic fragrance
✅ Fluffy and non-sticky texture
✅ The parboiling process retains nutrients
Price: RM37.99
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
9. Maharaja Basmathi Rice
Maharaja Basmathi Rice is a variety of long, slender grain aromatic rice that has a pandan-like flavour. The texture is aromatic, dry, and fluffy. Basmati rice is used extensively in Persian, Arab, and other Middle Eastern cuisines. Choosing basmati rice over normal types of rice is linked to a lower risk of heart disease as it can reduce blood cholesterol levels and minimizes the risk of high blood pressure.
Specifications:
- Country Of Origin: Malaysia
- Size Available: 1kg, 5kg
Pros:
✅ Aromatic
✅ Lower risk of heart disease
✅ Minimize the risk of high blood pressure
Price: RM34.49
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
10. Mewah Basmati Rice
Mewah Basmati Rice is produced and packed in state-of-the-art, food safety management systems (ISO 22000) certified rice milling, sorting, grading, and packing facilities at par with International Standards of rice processing. Additionally, stringent and exhaustive quality tests are carried out from procurement to the dispatch of the finished product. These tests are conducted by a team of highly qualified and experienced in-house technical experts.
Specifications:
- Country Of Origin: India
- Size Available: 1kg
Pros:
✅ State-of-the-art food safety management systems
✅ Stringent and exhaustive tests are carried out on rice quality
✅ Produced and packed with International Standards of rice processing
Price: RM13.78
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us support@myweekendplan.com.my. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.
