Rice

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Choose your country... 🇹🇭 Thailand 🇻🇳 Vietnam 🇱🇦 Laos 🇰🇭 Cambodia 🇲🇲 Myanmar 🇮🇩 Indonesia 🇸🇬 Singapore 🌴 Sumatra 🌺 Penang 🏝️ Koh Lipe

🏆 Rice Bowl Travel Hall of Fame

🍚 Celebrating Southeast Asia's Favourite Rice

🥇 Rice Awards

🌸 Most Fragrant Rice
🇹🇭 Thailand – Jasmine Rice

🏆 Premium Award Winner
🇻🇳 Vietnam – ST25 Rice

🌺 Best Floral Aroma
🇰🇭 Cambodia – Phka Rumduol Rice

🥢 Most Cultural Rice
🇱🇦 Laos – Khao Niew Sticky Rice

🌾 Hidden Treasure Rice
🇲🇲 Myanmar – Paw San Rice

🌿 Most Aromatic Island Favourite
🏝️ Koh Lipe – Southern Thai Jasmine Rice

🍚 Rice Comparison Table

Country	Rice	Texture	Best With
🇹🇭 Thailand	Jasmine Rice	Soft & Fragrant	Curry & Stir Fry
🇻🇳 Vietnam	ST25	Fluffy & Aromatic	Seafood & Meat
🇰🇭 Cambodia	Phka Rumduol	Soft & Floral	Khmer Cuisine
🇱🇦 Laos	Khao Niew	Sticky & Chewy	Larb & Grilled Food
🇲🇲 Myanmar	Paw San	Fluffy & Fragrant	Burmese Curries
🇮🇩 Indonesia	Pandan Wangi	Soft & Aromatic	Nasi Goreng & Rendang
🇲🇾 Penang	Fragrant Rice	Fluffy	Nasi Kandar
🏝️ Koh Lipe	Southern Jasmine	Light & Fragrant	Seafood

🌏 Visitor Rice Passport

🍚 Explore each country and collect your virtual Rice Bowl stamps.

🍚 Rice Bowl Travel Final Tip

The best way to understand Southeast Asia is through its food. Every bowl of rice tells a story about the land, people, traditions and history of each destination.

🍚 Rice Bowl Travel

Favourite Rice of Southeast Asia

Discover the rice that local people love to eat every day. Learn why each variety is special, where it is grown, the famous dishes it is used in, and how it reflects the culture of each destination.

🇹🇭 Thailand

🌾 Jasmine Rice

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🇻🇳 Vietnam

🌾 ST25 Rice

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🇰🇭 Cambodia

🌾 Phka Rumduol

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🇱🇦 Laos

🌾 Khao Niew

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🇲🇲 Myanmar

🌾 Paw San Rice

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🇮🇩 Indonesia

🌾 Pandan Wangi Rice

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🇲🇾 Penang

🌾 Fragrant Rice

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🏝️ Koh Lipe

🌾 Southern Thai Jasmine Rice

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🍚 Did you know?

Rice is the heart of Southeast Asian cuisine. Every country has its own favourite variety, each with a unique aroma, texture and history. Exploring local rice is one of the easiest ways to experience the culture, traditions and flavours of a destination.

🇹🇭 Thailand's Favourite Rice

🌾 Jasmine Rice (Khao Hom Mali)

Local Name: ข้าวหอมมะลิ (Khao Hom Mali)

Jasmine rice is Thailand's most famous rice variety. It is prized for its naturally fragrant aroma, soft texture and slightly sweet flavour.

❤️ Why Thai People Love It

• 🌾 Beautiful natural jasmine fragrance.
• 🍚 Soft, fluffy texture.
• 🥢 Perfect with almost every Thai meal.
• 🌍 One of Thailand's most famous agricultural exports.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Served daily in millions of Thai homes.

🍛 Famous Thai Dishes

✅ Green Curry

✅ Massaman Curry

✅ Pad Krapow

✅ Thai Basil Chicken

✅ Grilled Pork

✅ Fried Fish

🌱 Main Growing Areas

📍 Surin Province

📍 Roi Et

📍 Yasothon

📍 Sisaket

📍 Ubon Ratchathani

🏆 Why It Is Famous Worldwide

Thailand's Jasmine Rice is recognised around the world for its exceptional aroma and quality. It is exported to many countries and is often considered one of the finest fragrant rice varieties available.

🎥 Learn More

▶ Watch Videos 📷 Rice Fields 🍛 Recipes

🍚 Rice Bowl Travel Tip

If you're travelling through Thailand, try Jasmine rice with a traditional Thai curry or grilled seafood. Its delicate fragrance and soft texture make it an essential part of authentic Thai cuisine.

🇻🇳 Vietnam's Favourite Rice

🌾 ST25 Rice

Local Name: Gạo ST25

ST25 is a premium Vietnamese long-grain rice developed in the Mekong Delta. It is celebrated for its fragrant aroma, soft texture and excellent flavour, and has received international recognition for its quality.

❤️ Why Vietnamese People Love It

• 🌾 Naturally fragrant with a delicate aroma.
• 🍚 Soft, fluffy grains that stay separate after cooking.
• 🥢 Perfect with seafood, grilled meats and vegetables.
• 🌱 Grown in the fertile Mekong Delta.
• 🏆 Internationally recognised as one of the world's finest rice varieties.

🍛 Famous Vietnamese Dishes

✅ Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice)

✅ Grilled Pork with Rice

✅ Cơm Gà (Chicken Rice)

✅ Seafood Rice

✅ Caramelised Pork with Rice

✅ Stir-fried Beef with Rice

🌱 Main Growing Areas

📍 Sóc Trăng Province

📍 Mekong Delta

📍 Cần Thơ

📍 Bạc Liêu

📍 Cà Mau

🏆 Why It Is Famous Worldwide

ST25 has gained worldwide recognition for its quality and flavour. Developed by Vietnamese researchers, it has won international awards and is regarded as one of Vietnam's premium rice varieties.

🎥 Learn More

▶ Watch Videos 📷 Rice Fields 🍛 Recipes

🍚 Rice Bowl Travel Tip

Visit the Mekong Delta to see Vietnam's rice-growing landscapes. Enjoy freshly cooked ST25 rice with grilled seafood or traditional Vietnamese dishes for an authentic local experience.

🇰🇭 Cambodia's Favourite Rice

🌾 Phka Rumduol Rice

Local Name: អង្ករផ្ការំដួល (Phka Rumduol)

Phka Rumduol is Cambodia's signature fragrant rice. It is prized for its soft texture, floral aroma and delicate flavour, making it a favourite in homes and restaurants across the country.

❤️ Why Cambodian People Love It

• 🌸 Naturally fragrant with a gentle floral aroma.
• 🍚 Soft, tender texture that pairs with many Khmer dishes.
• 🥘 Complements fish, curries and grilled meats.
• 🌱 Grown in Cambodia's fertile rice plains.
• 🏆 Internationally recognised as one of the world's finest fragrant rice varieties.

🍛 Famous Cambodian Dishes

✅ Fish Amok

✅ Beef Lok Lak

✅ Khmer Red Curry

✅ Grilled River Fish

✅ Chicken with Ginger

✅ Stir-fried Morning Glory with Rice

🌱 Main Growing Areas

📍 Battambang Province

📍 Kampong Thom

📍 Prey Veng

📍 Takeo

📍 Pursat

🏆 Why It Is Famous Worldwide

Phka Rumduol has earned international recognition for its aroma and quality. It has featured prominently in global rice competitions and is widely regarded as one of Cambodia's premium rice varieties.

🎥 Learn More

▶ Watch Videos 📷 Rice Fields 🍛 Recipes

🍚 Rice Bowl Travel Tip

While travelling through Cambodia, try Phka Rumduol rice with traditional Fish Amok or Beef Lok Lak. Its light floral aroma and soft texture make it an unforgettable part of Khmer cuisine.

🇱🇦 Laos' Favourite Rice

🌾 Khao Niew (Sticky Rice)

Local Name: ເຂົ້າໜຽວ (Khao Niew)

Sticky rice is at the heart of Lao cuisine and culture. It is traditionally steamed, served in woven bamboo baskets and enjoyed with almost every meal, making it one of the country's best-known foods.

❤️ Why Lao People Love It

• 🍚 Soft, chewy texture that is easy to eat by hand.
• 🥢 Perfect for dipping into spicy sauces and soups.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Shared at family meals and community celebrations.
• 🌾 A symbol of Lao culture and hospitality.
• 🏡 Enjoyed daily in homes throughout the country.

🍛 Famous Lao Dishes

✅ Larb (Minced Meat Salad)

✅ Ping Gai (Grilled Chicken)

✅ Tam Mak Hoong (Green Papaya Salad)

✅ Jeow (Chilli Dips)

✅ Sai Oua (Lao Sausage)

✅ Grilled Mekong Fish

🌱 Main Growing Areas

📍 Vientiane Province

📍 Luang Prabang

📍 Savannakhet

📍 Champasak

📍 Xieng Khouang

🏆 Why It Is Famous

Laos has one of the highest per-person consumptions of sticky rice in the world. Khao Niew is more than a staple food—it is an important part of Lao identity, traditions and everyday life.

🎥 Learn More

▶ Watch Videos 📷 Rice Fields 🍛 Recipes

🍚 Rice Bowl Travel Tip

When visiting Laos, enjoy freshly steamed Khao Niew from a traditional bamboo basket. Tear off a small piece with your fingers and pair it with Larb, grilled chicken or a spicy Jeow dip for a truly authentic Lao dining experience.

🇲🇲 Myanmar's Favourite Rice

🌾 Paw San Rice

Local Name: ပေါ်ဆန်းဆန် (Paw San Hsan)

Paw San Rice is Myanmar's best-known premium rice. It is famous for its fragrant aroma, long fluffy grains and excellent taste. Many people compare its quality with Thailand's Jasmine Rice.

❤️ Why Myanmar People Love It

• 🌾 Naturally fragrant.
• 🍚 Soft, fluffy texture after cooking.
• 🥢 Perfect with traditional Burmese curries.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A favourite rice served at family meals and celebrations.
• 🏆 Considered Myanmar's finest premium rice.

🍛 Famous Burmese Dishes

✅ Burmese Chicken Curry

✅ Pork Curry

✅ Fish Curry

✅ Tea Leaf Salad (Laphet Thoke)

✅ Shan Style Chicken

✅ Vegetable Curry

🌱 Main Growing Areas

📍 Ayeyarwady Region

📍 Bago Region

📍 Yangon Region

📍 Sagaing Region

📍 Magway Region

🏆 Why It Is Famous

Paw San Rice is one of Myanmar's highest-quality rice varieties. It is appreciated for its fragrance, texture and ability to complement both mild and spicy Burmese dishes.

💡 Rice Bowl Travel Fact

Myanmar is one of the world's long-established rice-growing nations, and rice farming continues to be an important part of everyday life and the country's economy.

🎥 Learn More

▶ Watch Videos 📷 Rice Fields 🍛 Recipes

🍚 Rice Bowl Travel Tip

If you're travelling through Myanmar, enjoy Paw San Rice with a traditional Burmese curry or Tea Leaf Salad. Its fragrant aroma and fluffy texture make it one of Southeast Asia's hidden culinary treasures.

🇮🇩 Indonesia's Favourite Rice

🌾 Pandan Wangi Rice

Local Name: Beras Pandan Wangi

Pandan Wangi is one of Indonesia's best-loved fragrant rice varieties. It is known for its naturally sweet, pandan-like aroma, fluffy texture and excellent flavour, making it a favourite for everyday meals and festive occasions.

❤️ Why Indonesians Love It

• 🌿 Naturally fragrant with a pleasant pandan aroma.
• 🍚 Soft, fluffy grains that complement many dishes.
• 🍽️ Perfect for family meals and celebrations.
• 🥢 Pairs well with spicy Indonesian cuisine.
• 🏆 Highly regarded as one of Indonesia's premium rice varieties.

🍛 Famous Indonesian Dishes

✅ Nasi Goreng

✅ Nasi Campur

✅ Beef Rendang

✅ Satay with Rice

✅ Ayam Goreng

✅ Gado-Gado

🌱 Main Growing Areas

📍 West Java

📍 Cianjur

📍 Central Java

📍 East Java

📍 Bali

🏆 Why It Is Famous

Pandan Wangi is prized for its distinctive aroma and flavour. It is commonly served in homes and restaurants throughout Indonesia and is especially popular with traditional dishes that feature rich spices and sauces.

💡 Rice Bowl Travel Fact

Indonesia's volcanic soils and tropical climate create excellent conditions for rice cultivation, producing fragrant varieties enjoyed across the archipelago.

🎥 Learn More

▶ Watch Videos 📷 Rice Terraces 🍛 Recipes

🍚 Rice Bowl Travel Tip

When visiting Indonesia, enjoy Pandan Wangi rice with Beef Rendang, Nasi Goreng or Satay. Its delicate fragrance and fluffy texture perfectly balance Indonesia's rich and aromatic cuisine.

🇲🇾 Penang's Favourite Rice

🌾 Fragrant Rice & Basmati Rice

Local Name: Nasi Wangi / Basmati

Penang's food culture is a blend of Malay, Chinese and Indian influences. Fragrant rice and Basmati rice are especially loved because they absorb spices beautifully and create the perfect base for Penang's famous dishes.

❤️ Why Penang People Love It

• 🌾 Aromatic and full of flavour.
• 🍚 Fluffy grains that pair perfectly with curries.
• 🥘 Absorbs rich sauces and spices.
• 🌏 Represents Penang's multicultural food heritage.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Enjoyed daily in homes, restaurants and street food stalls.

🍛 Famous Penang Rice Dishes

✅ Nasi Kandar

✅ Nasi Lemak

✅ Chicken Rice

✅ Briyani Rice

✅ Curry Rice

✅ Claypot Chicken Rice

🌱 Rice Growing Connections

📍 Kedah Rice Bowl Region

📍 Perlis

📍 Northern Malaysia

📍 Malaysian paddy fields around the peninsula

🏆 Why It Is Famous

Penang is famous worldwide for its food culture. While the island is known for its street food, rice remains the foundation of many of its most loved dishes, bringing together Malay, Indian and Chinese culinary traditions.

💡 Rice Bowl Travel Fact

Penang's famous Nasi Kandar began as a simple meal carried by Indian Muslim food sellers and has become one of Malaysia's most iconic rice dishes.

🎥 Learn More

▶ Watch Videos 📷 Rice Fields 🍛 Recipes

🍚 Rice Bowl Travel Tip

When visiting Penang, try a traditional Nasi Kandar with fragrant rice, curry sauces and local dishes. It is one of the best ways to experience Penang's famous food culture.

🏝️ Koh Lipe's Favourite Rice

🌾 Southern Thai Jasmine Rice

Local Name: ข้าวหอมมะลิใต้ (Southern Jasmine Rice)

Koh Lipe is part of Southern Thailand, where fragrant Jasmine Rice is a favourite companion to fresh seafood, spicy curries and traditional Thai island cuisine.

❤️ Why Koh Lipe People Love It

• 🌾 Light and fragrant flavour.
• 🍚 Soft texture that balances spicy southern Thai food.
• 🐟 Perfect with freshly caught seafood.
• 🌴 Matches the relaxed island dining experience.
• 🥘 Absorbs rich curry sauces beautifully.

🍛 Famous Koh Lipe Dishes

✅ Grilled Seafood with Rice

✅ Southern Thai Seafood Curry

✅ Garlic Prawns with Rice

✅ Stir-fried Crab with Rice

✅ Green Curry

✅ Tom Yum Seafood with Rice

🌱 Southern Thailand Rice Connections

📍 Satun Province

📍 Trang Province

📍 Phatthalung

📍 Nakhon Si Thammarat

📍 Southern Thai farming communities

🏆 Why It Is Famous

Koh Lipe may be famous for its beaches and turquoise waters, but rice remains an important part of island life. Jasmine Rice provides the perfect foundation for the seafood and southern Thai flavours enjoyed by travellers from around the world.

💡 Rice Bowl Travel Island Fact

After arriving by ferry, one of the best ways to experience Koh Lipe is enjoying a local seafood meal served with fragrant Thai rice while watching the sunset.

🎥 Learn More

▶ Watch Videos 📷 Food Photos 🍛 Recipes

🍚 Rice Bowl Travel Tip

On Koh Lipe, combine a plate of fragrant Jasmine Rice with fresh seafood, spicy curry or grilled fish. It is the perfect taste of Southern Thailand by the sea.

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