MyTastr

Best rice (jasmine, basmati, short-grain), according to chefs

Three picks, each tied to a named taster and a public source — from Bryan Chunton, Ohm Suansilphong, Thiraporn Gosinanont, Sheldon Simeon and 2 more. Recommendations come from thekitchn.com, businessinsider.com, theguardian.com and 177milkstreet.com.

Pantry Staples · The ranking

  1. 1
    Top pick

    Wang Derm Thai Hom Mali Jasmine Rice

    Chosen by
    The Kitchn chefs’ unanimous pick. Suansilphong hasn’t “switched from it … ever” in any kitchen he’s cooked in. Chunton calls it “soft and fragrant,” and Gosinanont calls it “the gold standard, best of the best.”
    Where to buy · Amazon ↗Instacart ↗Source: thekitchn.com ↗
  2. 2

    Tamanishiki Super Premium Short Grain Rice

    Chosen by
    Also chosen by
    “Its aroma is beautiful; whenever I cook this rice, the smell of it gives me the same excited feeling that I get when I smell fresh bread baking” (Simeon). Kiki Aranita uses it for musubi and rice balls: “glossy, delightfully sticky and soft,” with “a rich, deep flavor.”
    Where to buy · Amazon ↗Instacart ↗Source: businessinsider.com ↗
  3. 3

    Daawat Basmati Rice (aged)

    Chosen by
    Runner-up in Milk Street’s blind test of nine basmatis, cooked plain, in pilaf and in biryani. Testers praised its “floral aroma; elegant, distinct grains; and tender texture.” It’s aged about two years. Tilda came out mushy.
    Where to buy · Amazon ↗Instacart ↗Source: 177milkstreet.com ↗

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on MyTastr. It never affects the ranking. Disclosure

Questions, answered

What is the best rice (jasmine, basmati, short-grain), according to chefs?
MyTastr’s top pick is Wang Derm Thai Hom Mali Jasmine Rice, chosen by Ohm Suansilphong (Kru, Brooklyn); Bryan Chunton (Zaab Zaab); Thiraporn Gosinanont (Peppermint, Florida). The Kitchn chefs’ unanimous pick. Suansilphong hasn’t “switched from it … ever” in any kitchen he’s cooked in. Chunton calls it “soft and fragrant,” and Gosinanont calls it “the gold standard, best of the best.” Source: thekitchn.com ↗
What are the other top picks for rice (jasmine, basmati, short-grain)?
No. 2 is Tamanishiki Super Premium Short Grain Rice, chosen by Sheldon Simeon (Tin Roof, Maui). No. 3 is Daawat Basmati Rice (aged), chosen by Christopher Kimball (Milk Street). Each card above links to the original source.
How does MyTastr choose these picks?
Every pick is tied to a named chef, cookbook author or food expert and links to the public interview, panel or article it came from. We survey dozens, often hundreds, of top chefs, food writers and critics, and order reflects how often and how strongly a brand is recommended. Only organic recommendations count — paid endorsements don’t — and brands can’t buy a spot. Read how we pick.

The tasters behind this ranking

More pantry staples

See every ranking →