Rice is a fundamental part of Indian cuisine—but it’s far from one-size-fits-all. India boasts a stunning diversity of rice types, each with its own grain length, aroma, texture, and ideal use. Whether you’re steaming fluffy Basmati or soaking Idli rice for soft dumplings, the type of rice you use can define your dish.
At LotusMegaStore.com, you’ll find a curated range of authentic Indian rice varieties, making it easy to bring traditional flavors to your UK kitchen. Let’s explore the popular types:
🌾 1. Sona Masoori Rice
Region: Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka
Grain: Medium-grain, soft, slightly aromatic
Sona Masoori is a favorite for daily South Indian meals. It’s lightweight, cooks quickly, and has a mild flavor that complements dishes like sambar rice, pongal, or curd rice. Its low starch content makes it easy to digest and suitable for regular consumption.
🛒 Sona Masoori at lotusmegastore.com
🔴 2. Palakadan Matta Rice (Kerala Red Rice)
Region: Kerala
Grain: Bold, reddish-brown, parboiled
Matta rice is rich in fiber and nutrients thanks to its retained bran layer. It has a distinct earthy flavor and a slightly chewy texture, making it the perfect base for Kerala-style fish curry, aviyal, or a traditional sadya feast.
🛒 Matta Rice at lotusmegastore.com
🟡 3. Ponni Boiled Rice
Region: Tamil Nadu
Grain: Medium-grain, soft, parboiled
Ponni rice is commonly used in Tamil households. Its soft texture after cooking makes it ideal for variety rice dishes like lemon rice, tamarind rice, or rasam rice. It’s also light on the stomach and a great daily option.
🛒 Ponni Rice at lotusmegastore.com
🧂 4. Idli Rice
Region: Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
Grain: Short, thick, parboiled
Idli rice is specially processed to produce the softest idlis and spongy dosas. It absorbs water well during soaking and grinds into a smooth batter. When fermented, it yields fluffy steamed rice cakes that are staples across South India. It’s also used to make uthappam and paniyaram.
🛒 Idli Rice at lotusmegastore.com
⚪ 5. Basmati Rice (Extra Long Grain)
Region: Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand
Grain: Long, fragrant, non-sticky
Basmati is the star of any festive table. The long, aromatic grains make it the perfect choice for biryani, pulao, jeera rice, and other elegant rice dishes. It pairs beautifully with rich gravies and dry meat dishes.
🛒 Extra Long Basmati at lotusmegastore.com
🟤 6. Jeerakasala Rice (Kaima/Zeera Samba)
Region: Kerala (Wayanad), Tamil Nadu
Grain: Short, aromatic, golden
This tiny-grained rice has a beautiful aroma and is most famously used in Malabar biryani. Despite its small size, it’s packed with flavor and becomes soft and slightly sticky when cooked. It’s also great for making ghee rice and payasam.
🛒 Jeerakasala Rice at lotusmegastore.com
🟠 7. Kolam Rice
Region: Maharashtra, Gujarat
Grain: Fine-grain, mildly aromatic
Kolam rice is a great everyday option if you want something softer and more affordable than Basmati. It pairs well with dal, sabzi, and light curries, and its soft texture makes it easy to enjoy with minimal seasoning.
⚫ 8. Black Rice (Chak-Hao)
Region: Manipur, Northeast India
Grain: Medium, black/purple when cooked
Also known as “forbidden rice,” this antioxidant-rich variety turns deep purple when cooked. It’s commonly used in desserts, puddings, and even health bowls. It’s gluten-free and has a nutty, slightly chewy texture.
🌿 Final Thoughts
From the soft, spongy idlis made with specially processed rice to the regal aroma of Basmati in a biryani, rice in India is not just food—it’s heritage. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or celebrating a festival, LotusMegaStore.com helps bring authentic Indian rice varieties to your kitchen with ease.
So explore beyond the ordinary—try Matta for your next Kerala curry or Idli rice for breakfast that reminds you of home.
