1. Royal Thai Hom Mali
This rice comes straight from Thailand’s beautiful fields. As soon as you start cooking it, your whole kitchen will smell delicious.
When you taste it, you’ll notice it’s a little sweet and nutty. That’s what real jasmine rice is supposed to taste like. I’ve tried it with all sorts of dishes – Thai curries, stir fries, you name it – and it makes everything even better.
The grains always turn out perfect, whether using a rice cooker or a stove. They stay fluffy and separate, not all gloppy. I’m telling you, this variation really performs.
I definitely recommend giving it a shot next time you want something special.
2. Lundberg Family Farms (Organic)
Lundberg Family Farms grows awesome organic rice. They don’t use any nasty chemicals and are really committed to quality. Their rice is also super healthy for you and gentle on Mother Nature too. It’s the perfect choice if you care about what’s in your belly and how we treat our planet.
I’ve tasted different variations of jasmine rice, and some really can get mushy. But not Lundberg’s. It has a nice little chew to it while still being soft and sticky. That means it mixes well with all kinds of foods, from Asian dishes to Mediterranean ones.
No matter how you cook it, the grains hold up nicely as well. So you can feel good knowing it’ll work out great in whatever recipe you try.
The thing I noticed is that it might not have as strong a smell as some other brands. Nevertheless, it’s a great pickup for variety of dishes.
3. Kirkland Signature
This stuff is Costco’s own brand, and I really like it. It’s always good quality and is a real bargain for your buck. Cooking rice can be tricky, but not with Kirkland – the instructions are easy to follow, and your rice will turn out perfect every time.
The grains are all the same size, too, so they cook up nice and evenly. You’ll get soft results that stick together just right, just like you want with jasmine rice. Consistency is key, and Kirkland really delivers it.
Now, it might not have the strongest smell compared to other brands, which was something I noticed with Lundberg’s as well. But when it comes to quality/price ratio, Kirkland might be the best choice from this list.
4. Super Lucky Elephant
The texture of Super Lucky Elephant is really fluffy and a little sticky, too. It goes with so many different foods from all over. Thai, Chinese, even Mediterranean dishes – you name it!
Its taste is nice and mild, so it doesn’t mess with the flavors in your recipes.
I think you’ll love how it makes your cooking smell wonderful and how well it pairs with different types of cuisine. Give it a shot next time you need rice to round out your dish. Although it’s not my favorite, I used it a couple of times and was more than happy with the results.
5. Three Ladies
Three Ladies Rice is a well-known brand that has delivered top quality for years. They get their rice straight from the best rice farms in Thailand, which means tons of freshness and lovely flavor.
The bag their rice comes in is super sturdy, too. It seals up tight so your rice stays fresh longer after you open it.
It also smells amazing, and it cooks up perfectly – not too sticky or loose, as the grains have a really nice texture.
6. Golden Phoenix
Golden Phoenix makes some really good rice, and their jasmine variation tastes sweet and nutty, just like it’s supposed to. It always makes my food taste better, and I love to add it to different meals.
The grains are just the right amount – not too sticky and not too loose. They cook up perfectly every time, and Whether I use a rice cooker or the stove, everything cooks quickly and evenly.
What I really love is that it gets all fluffy without getting mushy. It keeps its shape while still being soft.
7. Trader Joe’s Organic Jasmine Rice
Trader Joe’s organic jasmine rice is the real deal. They don’t use any nasty chemicals when growing it. Instead of poison, they use natural stuff that’s better for you and the earth, which is a great bonus and something that should, in my humble opinion, be an industry standard.
They have white and brown rice, so you can choose. The grains always look and taste awesome. They get soft and a little sticky when cooked and the flavor is lightly sweet, so that you can mix it in different dishes.
8. Dynasty
Dynasty rice is super easy to cook. Just follow the simple instructions on the package, and you’re good to go. The grains always turn out soft and fluffy – and my family really loves it when I cook this one.
I’m really happy with the Dynasty’s price, too, especially when you consider the quality you get. While it may not be the most aromatic or cost a fortune, Dynasty definitely gets the job done right every day without breaking the bank.
9. Village Harvest
Village Harvest sources its rice from farmers who follow responsible farming methods and make sure that we’re not only getting a quality product but also supporting ethical and eco-friendly practices.
Its grains are fragrant and cook to a perfect consistency. Their delightful aroma and soft texture add an element of luxury to any dish, and I love to use them in my special recipes.
With Village Harvest, you can savor the deliciousness of jasmine rice while knowing that you’re making a positive impact on the environment.
What to Consider When Choosing the Brand
The rice you pick really matters. You want to think about a few important things. The quality of the grains is the most important. Smell the rice – does it have a nice, fresh smell? That’s what you want. Here are the other factors to keep in mind:
- The origin of the rice is another important factor. Jasmine rice is native to Thailand, and Thai jasmine rice is often considered the best due to its superior aroma and flavor. However, it is also grown in other countries like Vietnam and Cambodia, and these varieties can also be of high quality.
- The cooking method you intend to use can also influence your choice. Some brands may perform better when cooked in a rice cooker, while others may be more suited to stovetop cooking. Consider your cooking preferences and choose a brand that aligns with them.
Conclusion
So, in the end, we learned that jasmine rice comes in all sorts of varieties. Each brand has its own special qualities. Some have really nice smells, like Royal Thai Hom Mali rice, while Trader Joe’s and Village Harvest rice are grown organically and in a way that’s good for the environment, too.
So which one is best for you? Based on how they taste, my top picks are Royal Thai Hom Mali, Lundberg Family Farms, and Super Lucky Elephant rice. But it really depends on what YOU like and how you’ll use it. Your tastes might be different than mine, so you simply have to test it.
The best thing to do is try out a few brands yourself. See which one you think has the best flavor or texture when you cook it. And remember – how it turns out depends on more than just the brand. You also need to experiment with different cooking methods.
When exploring rice varieties, consider experimenting with orzo and risotto too – each offers a unique texture and taste that might surprise you! Take your time finding your perfect match! And most of all, enjoy exploring jasmine rice. Cooking should be fun, so relax and don’t stress about it.
