Rice forms the cornerstone of Indian cuisine and has been deeply woven into the country’s history and culture. India boasts over 40,000 rice varieties, each playing a vital role in shaping festive celebrations and everyday meals. From the aromatic basmati rice to the rich flavors of local varieties like Gold Masuria and Ponni, every type offers a unique texture and taste that enhances dishes.
Whether you’re preparing a traditional biryani, comforting khichdi, or fragrant pulao, understanding the popular rice varieties in India helps you choose the best option for your recipe. In this blog, we explore the top 10 rice varieties in India for 2025, highlight their distinct qualities, and explain how factors like cultivation area, quality, and demand influence Indian rice prices.
Basmati rice is a globally recognized premium variety, renowned for its long grains and captivating aroma. It’s perfect for dishes like Biryani, Pulao, and Fried Rice, where the rice’s texture and fragrance are key. Among the most popular Basmati types is 1121 Steam Basmati Rice, which offers fluffier, longer grains and is an excellent choice for both personal and commercial use. At Shah Enterprises, we provide top-quality 1121 Steam Basmati Rice at competitive prices, ensuring you get the best value for your purchase.
Sona Masoori rice is widely used in South India and has a moderate, unpainted texture. It is soft and light, which is ideal for everyday meals such as sambar rice, curd rice, and pulao. This rice is known for its nutritional value and simple digestibility. Sona Masoori is an affordable choice for raw rice families, and Shah Enterprises gives the Sona Masoori raw rice of first-class quality at the perfect price for daily use.
Although Jasmine Rice, originally from Southeast Asia, has become increasingly popular in India because of its unique fragrance and weak sticky texture. It is ideal for dishes such as fried rice, curry, and even desserts. The sweet fragrance pairs give a fragrant touch to your diet with spicy dishes.
Ponni Rice is a head in South Indian kitchens, especially in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. This is perfect for making dishes such as Idli, Dosa, and Pongal. Ponni rice has a soft texture and is often preferred for its subtle taste, making it an ideal choice for traditional South Indian food.
Indrayani Rice, known for its specific taste and small grains, is a favorite in Maharashtra. This diversity is used in Vangi Bhath, Pulao, and Khichdi and is valued for its unique taste. It keeps its shape well after cooking, making it perfect for different types of dishes.
Gobindobhog rice is grown mainly in Bengal and is perfect for making traditional Bengalic foods such as the present (rice pudding) and Khichuri. This short-corner variety has a rich, aromatic aroma and adds depth of taste to both sweet and charming dishes.
Kalijira rice is often called “baby basmati” because of its small grains and aromatic fragrance. This rice variant is largely grown in West Bengal and is a good choice with curry and stir-fries for dishes and pairs in Bengali style.
Sharabati rice is known for its long grains and natural sweet taste. Mainly grown in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, this rice is perfect for making Pulao and Biryani. Long grains and soft textures make it preferred for special occasions.
Mogra Rice is a small and short-grain rice grown in Uttar Pradesh and is often used to make sweet dishes like kheer (rice pudding). The delicate texture and a little sweet taste are perfect for cooking melting desserts in the mouth.
Bhogali rice is grown in Assam and is known for its soft texture and sweet taste. It is traditionally used during festivals and special occasions in Assam. This variety of rice is an excellent choice for making traditional Assamic dishes and is precious for its subtle taste.
Indian rice prices vary significantly depending on the variety, quality, and cultivation area. Premium varieties like 1121 Steam Basmati Rice command higher prices in both national and international markets due to their superior quality, long grains, and strong demand. In contrast, common varieties such as Sona Masoori Raw Rice and Ponni Rice remain affordable and widely accessible.
At Shah Enterprises, we provide a wide range of rice varieties at competitive prices, from premium basmati to everyday options. Whether you purchase in bulk or for daily consumption, understanding the factors that influence rice prices will help you choose the best rice for your needs.
India’s rich and diverse rice varieties offer something for every taste and occasion. Whether you prefer regional favorites such as fragrant Basmati rice, soft Sona Masoori, or Ponni Rice and Indrayani Rice, each variety gives a unique taste to your food.
At Shah Enterprises, we are committed to offering high-quality rice at competitive rates and ensuring that you always get the best value for your money. From premium variants such as 1121 Steam Basmati Rice to Sona Masoori Raw Rice as an everyday choice, we provide many options that suit your needs. Further, would you like to know more about the health benefits of rice? Don’t miss our detailed blog on eating raw rice benefits.
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Dehradun Basmati and Mansa Ram Rice are among the most expensive rice varieties due to their premium quality and limited availability.
