Rice comes from a species of grass called Oryza sativa, and there are hundreds of rice varieties in the world.
Formally registered rice varieties worldwide are about 5,000, which are conservatively verified.
The International Rice Research Institute’s genebank preserves around 100,000 distinct rice samples collected worldwide.
In Kenya, our markets have a mix of local and imported options, each with its own personality on your plate. 🍚
Local descriptions you’ll hear in Kenya; Mchele, Mpunga, Wali, Asian rice, and Upland rice. They each describe certain rice variant, cooked and uncooked.
Here’s a Breakdown:
Aromatic Rice
This rice is naturally fragrant with a nutty aroma and flavour i.e Basmati, Jasmine. The nice scent comes from a compound called 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline.
Long-Grain Rice
This rice is light, fluffy, and non-sticky. Each grain stands separately. Great for pilau.
Parboiled Rice
This variety is partially boiled in its husk before milling, which locks nutrients into the grain. The result is firm and separate, non-sticky rice.
Basmati Rice
This is a long-grain aromatic rice imported from India and Pakistan. It has a nice, nutty, popcorn-ish’ fragrance and slim grains that cook into a fluffy, non-sticky meal.
It’s perfect for biryani and pilau.
Jasmine Rice – A fragrant long-grain rice from Thailand with a slightly sweet flavour. Softer and a bit stickier when cooked. Best for simple meals via boiling.
Pishori Rice
This is Kenya’s original. Aromatic, long-grain, and mostly considered premium. However, today’s variety cannot be compared to what was there before 2000’s, the aroma then was heavier, and everyone would know you’re cooking pishori two houses away. It has lost the oomph!
Pishori is mainly produced in Mwea, Kirinyaga, with over 100,000 tonnes being produced in good seasons.
Sindano Rice
Although mostly tasteless. It’s slim, needle-like grains, and it’s budget friendly. It’s non-sticky, no flavour, and clean; it doesn’t need sorting. This variety is mostly grown in Kisumu, Ahero. Ahero is the second‑largest price producer in Kenya.
This is good for pilau njeri! 🤣
Biryani Rice
This one is non-aromatic and more affordable. Popular in many households for everyday cooking.
Broken Rice
This rice is made from fragments of rice grains broken during processing. It’s not defective, just smaller. Sometimes called vunjika, funjika, and burookeni 😂. It cooks faster and works well for porridge, some dishes, or even animal and pet feed.
Brown Rice
This is a whole-grain rice with the bran layer intact. Slightly chewy, nutty, and higher in fibre, and great if you’re into healthier eating.
Glutinous (Sticky) Rice
This variety is high in starch, giving it that sticky, chewy texture. Commonly used in desserts like rice pudding.
Texmati Rice
This is a hybrid American-style basmati. Light, slightly nutty, and aromatic with similar cooking qualities to basmati.
Himalayan Basmati Rice
This type is a premium basmati grown near the Himalayas. Extra aromatic, delicate, and reliably fluffy.
Komboka Rice
This variety is not popular in the urban areas; it is a Kenyan aromatic variety with long, clean grains. Fluffy, non-sticky, and pleasantly fragrant.
You will find it at Mwea Rice Growers Millers MRGM website.
Sona Masoori Rice
This one is a medium-grain, light, and slightly sticky. Popular in Indian foods and commonly found in Indian stores around Nairobi.
Top Rice-Producing Countries Globally
China, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar (Burma), Philippines, Brazil, and Japan.
Kenya mainly imports rice from India, Tanzania, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Why Rice Is a Great Meal?
Rice is a reliable source of energy; it is a complex carbohydrate. It’s helpful in daily activities, muscle recovery, and supports healthy digestion.
Najua waluya hawatakubaliana hapa 🤭🤣
It’s naturally gluten-free , so it’s great for those with a gluten intolerance. Additionally, it’s a good option when it comes to weaning as it contains nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and magnesium. Make a rice puree or mill your clean rice, and your baby will enjoy the gruel.
Final Word 🍛
Whether you like it fluffy, sticky, aromatic, njerii, or budget-friendly, there’s a rice for every mood and every budget.
Need quality pishori? Buy retail or in bulk from my friend Ken 😉
Enjoy your plate.
