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7 Best Basmati Rice Brands in the UK: Quality, Taste, and History

Chelsea Coleman 1 year ago 0 2.5 K

Basmati rice, a type of long-grained rice, has a long-standing history and special place in culinary culture worldwide. Traditionally grown in the fertile regions of India and Pakistan, it’s characterised by its distinct aroma and unique flavour profile that sets it apart from other types of rice. Over the years, the UK has embraced this type of rice, making it an essential ingredient in several dishes.

Best Basmati Rice Brands in the UK

Today, we aim to review and provide a brief history of Basmati rice and highlight the top Basmati rice brands in the UK.

The History and Journey of Basmati Rice to the UK

Basmati rice has been a staple in South Asian cuisine for centuries, with the earliest mentions dating back to 1766. Its name comes from the Sanskrit word ‘vasmati’, which translates to “fragrant” or “aromatic”. This rice variety is revered for its flavour, delicate texture, and unique aroma that’s akin to that of popcorn or pandan.

The earliest extant work to mention basmati rice is Heer Ranjha (1766)

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British colonial rule in India led to the introduction of Basmati rice in the UK during the 19th century. This fragrant, long-grain rice soon gained popularity due to its delightful pairing with curries, and over the years, Basmati has become a staple of British cuisine, particularly within the ever-popular Indian and South Asian dishes.

Today, a myriad of brands in the UK provide top-quality Basmati rice. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best ones available in the market.

7 Best Basmati Rice Brands in the UK

Here are some best basmati rice rands in the UK:


1. Laila Gold Basmati Rice (10 Kg)

  • A melange of rich flavours.
  • Unparalleled length of rice grains.
  • Versatile thickness for culinary creativity.
  • Perfumes your meals with aroma.

Laila Gold Basmati Rice comes packed with remarkable flavours that complement any dish. Each grain stands out due to its impressive length, opening up an array of culinary possibilities.

With a flexible thickness, it cooks to perfection, catering to different preferences.

The superior aroma it releases while cooking completes the gastronomic experience, making Laila Gold a top choice for any kitchen.

Pros and Cons based on users:

Pros

  • Lovely taste, extremely satisfying purchase.
  • Grains are impressively long and elegant.
  • Compatible with Sistema red plastic rice cooker.

Cons

  • Requires more water for proper cooking.
  • Unpleasant, overwhelming earthy smell post-cooking.
  • Despite thorough washing, smell remains overpowering.


2. Tilda Pure Basmati Rice (10 kg)

  • Legendary rice kissed by the sun.
  • Purity tested for quality assurance.
  • Easy to transport with handle.
  • Health-friendly with low to medium GI.
  • A vegetarian’s delight.

Tilda Pure Basmati Rice provides an exceptional culinary experience – a legendary variety bathed in sunshine for the perfect taste. This rice goes through stringent purity tests to ensure its quality and authenticity. Its packaging includes an easy-carry handle, adding convenience to quality. The low-to-medium GI makes it a healthier choice, and its suitability for vegetarians makes it a universal culinary staple.

Pros and Cons based on users:

Pros

  • Tilda Basmati Rice shines with exceptional taste, each grain absorbing curry flavors seamlessly, elevating the overall culinary experience.
  • The rice bag comes well-packaged and equipped with a self-sealing feature, maintaining freshness over its lengthy shelf-life.
  • Although priced higher than other brands, its consistent quality and the bulk buying option deliver value that surpasses its cost.

Cons

  • Some users reported instances of damaged packaging, raising concerns about the product’s storage and shipment conditions.
  • The packaging’s weight and structural integrity need enhancement, as mishandling can lead to breakage, resulting in loss and mess.


3. Salaam Conserve Basmati Rice (5 kg)

  • Finest Basmati from Punjab’s heartland.
  • Aroma and taste beyond compare.
  • A savoury dish’s perfect companion.

Sourced from the fertile plains of Punjab, Salaam Conserve Basmati Rice is an aromatic delight.

With its intoxicating fragrance and delectable taste, it uplifts any dish it’s a part of. The unique flavour profile makes it an ideal addition to any savoury dish, promising an extraordinary dining experience.

Pros and Cons based on users:

Pros

  • The rice provides impressive taste and quality considering its price, encouraging repeated purchases.
  • This flavorful rice blend represents excellent value for money.
  • The rice, while affordable, doesn’t compromise on taste, making it a popular choice.

Cons

  • For those maintaining a low-carb or keto diet, the product may not be suitable due to its whole grain composition.
  • Despite its great taste and texture, the product could be a more expensive option compared to pure wild rice.


4. Veetee Mega Basmati Extra Long Premium Rice (5 kg)

  • A taste that resonates perfection.
  • Grains chosen for their length.
  • Delicate aroma for sensory appeal.
  • Soft texture that spells quality.

Veetee Mega Basmati Rice is known for its distinct taste that epitomises perfection. The brand selectively offers extra-long grains, providing a unique visual and textural experience.

The rice’s soft texture and delicate aroma make it an ideal choice for dishes like biryani and pilaf, bringing a touch of the extraordinary to the table.

Pros

  • This rice is not only delicious but also easy to cook, adding a touch of color and elegance to meals.
  • The product’s ratio is outstanding; a small amount yields a large volume, as exemplified by the rice water yield.
  • Its separate, ‘shelly’ texture and delightful taste further enhance its appeal.

Cons

  • Expectations of long grains may not be met, as post-cooking length is reportedly lesser than anticipated.
  • Some users have found a discrepancy in taste compared to their usual brands, with negative comparisons to a rubbery flavor.


5. Badshah Basmati Rice (5 kg)

  • Prestigious rice with a divine aroma.
  • Nourished by Himalayan snow-fed streams.
  • Hand-harvested long grains for exclusivity.
  • Matured for improved characteristics.

Badshah Basmati Rice is a prestigious variety known for its enchanting aroma. It’s uniquely nourished by crystal clear streams fed by Himalayan snow, adding to its quality. The long grains, carefully harvested by hand, add to its exclusivity. The rice is matured to enhance its flavour, aroma, and grain separation, ensuring an unmatched culinary experience.

Pros

  • This product demonstrates that quality isn’t always tied to price; it stands toe-to-toe with more famous, costly brands in taste and quality.
  • The rice is reliable, offering a consistent texture and taste irrespective of varied soaking times or cooking methods.
  • Its origin in high altitude areas of North India and Pakistan ensures uniform cooking and superior flavor, enhanced by its natural fragrance and ability to pair well with spices.

Cons

  • Despite its enticing aroma, some users found the cooking experience unsatisfactory, with short grains and excessive starch leading to sticky results.
  • While the product offers good value, it may fall short in delivering a robust, flavorsome experience expected from high-quality Basmati rice.


6. Daawat Extra Long Basmati Rice (10 kg)

  • Selected premium grains for the best.
  • Milky and nutrient-rich.
  • Versatile use across cuisines.
  • Low fat, high in value.
  • Vegetarian-friendly rice.

Daawat Extra Long Basmati Rice features selected premium grains from the heartland of Basmati – West Punjab. The milky colour of the grains is a testament to its minimal processing, ensuring the retention of valuable nutrients, flavour, and aroma. Its versatility makes it suitable for English, Chinese, and Indian dishes. Additionally, its low-fat content and suitability for vegetarians make it a wise choice for health-conscious consumers.

Pros

  • This versatile product is suitable for all types of rice dishes, making it a must-have in any kitchen.
  • Dawaat Basmati Rice boasts an impressive taste and maintains its aromatic fragrance and flavor even after an hour of being cooked.

Cons

  • Some customers reported finding insects in the product, raising serious concerns about its storage and quality control.
  • Discrepancies between expected and actual product quality have led to customer dissatisfaction, prompting caution before purchase.

7. White Pearl Basmati Rice (5 kg)

  • A basmati that retains nutrients.
  • Versatile across numerous cuisines.
  • Low in fat, high in taste.
  • Suitable for vegetarian diets.

White Pearl Basmati Rice is a single-variety premium grain sourced from the true home of Basmati – West Punjab. The milky colour signifies minimal polishing, ensuring that the rice retains more nutrients, flavour, and aroma. Its versatility extends its use to English, Chinese, and Indian dishes alike. The low fat content makes it a healthier choice, while its suitability for vegetarians ensures it caters to a broad range of dietary requirements.

Pros

  • This rice distinguishes itself with long, fluffy grains that outperform other supermarket brands, creating a light, airy texture when cooked.
  • Versatile and delightful, the product pairs well with various dishes, with users reporting an excellent experience even when compared to renowned brands like Tilda Basmati.

Cons

  • Some customers found the rice unsatisfactory, describing it as stodgy regardless of the cooking method, leading to regret over the purchase.
  • Customers also expressed dissatisfaction with the seller’s customer service, particularly in responding to inquiries about delivery issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some questions and answers to help you more about this:

What makes Basmati rice special?

Basmati rice is distinguished by its long grain, unique aroma, and distinctive flavour. When cooked, it becomes fluffy and doesn’t stick together, making it ideal for dishes such as biryani and pilaf.

Is Basmati rice healthy?

Yes, Basmati rice is considered a healthy option as it’s low in fat and high in nutrients such as fibre, vitamins, and minerals. It also has a low to medium glycemic index, which means it releases energy slowly and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.

How do I cook Basmati rice?

While instructions can vary, the general rule is to rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Then, add one part rice to two parts water in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for around 15 to 20 minutes or until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.

Can I use Basmati rice for every dish?

Yes, you can use Basmati rice in a variety of dishes due to its versatility. It’s particularly great in dishes that require the rice to remain separate rather than stick together, such as biryani, pilaf, or fried rice.

How should I store Basmati rice?

Basmati rice should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. An airtight container is ideal to prevent moisture and keep the rice fresh.

Why is some Basmati rice labelled as ‘extra long’?

‘Extra long’ refers to the length of the rice grain. Basmati rice is known for its long grains, but ‘extra long’ Basmati rice has been specially selected and processed to ensure the longest grains possible, providing a unique texture and presentation to dishes.

Are all Basmati rice brands suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, as a natural plant product, Basmati rice is suitable for vegetarians. However, it’s always a good idea to check the packaging for any additional ingredients or processing methods that may not align with a vegetarian diet.

Conclusion

Basmati rice’s history, aroma, and unique flavour profile have made it a beloved staple in the UK, adding a distinct touch to every dish it graces. Each of the brands highlighted above offer their own special take on this historical grain. Whether you’re preparing a traditional curry, a spicy biryani, or a simple rice side dish, these top-quality Basmati rice brands ensure your culinary creations will be enriched with the finest grains available.

Remember, the best Basmati rice should not only suit your palate, but also align with your nutritional needs and culinary preferences. Always check the package for information on the rice’s origin, grain length, and processing methods to ensure you’re getting the best of what you want. Now, all that’s left is to explore these brands, get cooking, and experience the exceptional quality and taste of these Basmati rice varieties for yourself.

Written By

Chelsea Coleman is a food expert who possesses extensive knowledge about various cuisines and their nutritional benefits. She is well-equipped to provide insightful and informative reviews to help individuals make informed choices about the food they consume.

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