I remember vividly watching those biryani rice ads on TV, wondering if rice could really be that fluffy and long-grained. Was it possible? Or was it just clever lighting and food styling? Then one day, at the Ramzan Mela in Surat, I finally had a plate of biryani that looked straight out of those commercials. Each grain was separate, fragrant, and full of flavor. When I asked the vendor about the rice, he casually said, “Barkat ka hai.” Hence proved. Long-grained Basmati rice is real, and it exists.
But with so many brands filling supermarket shelves, choosing the best one can feel like a game of trial and error. Some are perfect for slow-cooked biryanis, while others work best for quick pulaos. So here’s a list of the top 10 Basmati rice brands in India that have been making our kitchens smell heavenly for years.
Top 10 Basmati Rice Brand In India
1. India Gate – The Star of Every Feast
I bet if you walk into any home prepping for a big celebration, you’ll find an India Gate rice bag somewhere in the kitchen. This brand is the gold standard, and for good reason. The grains are aged, extra-long, and fluff up beautifully.
Why It’s Special:
- Classic Dubar variety is a wedding and festival staple.
- Grains don’t stick together, perfect for biryanis.
- KRBL Ltd., the brand’s parent company, has been around for over 125 years.
2. Daawat – The Comfort Rice
The name says it all. If there’s a grand meal being cooked, Daawat is often the first choice. It’s got that signature aged aroma that makes even plain steamed rice smell luxurious.
Why It’s Special:
- Absorbs flavors really well, making it ideal for rich gravies and pulaos.
- First brand to introduce “aged Basmati” to Indian households.
- If your mom made biryani for special occasions, chances are she used Daawat.
3. Barkat – The Trusted Everyday Rice
You know that one brand your family has been using forever? The one your dad buys in bulk and refuses to switch from? That’s Barkat. Affordable, dependable, and just really good rice.
Why It’s Special:
- Golden Sella Basmati has a subtle nutty flavor.
- Perfect for biryanis and tahiri.
- Packaging has stayed the same since the 90s, bringing all the nostalgia.
4. Kohinoor – The Bollywood Star
Ever noticed how in TV ads, when they show a happy family having a meal, there’s always a plate of perfectly cooked rice in the center? That’s Kohinoor’s specialty—making every meal look like a commercial.
Why It’s Special:
- Grains are extra-long and have a natural floral aroma.
- A favorite among chefs for restaurant-style biryanis.
- Named after the Kohinoor diamond, because every grain shines.
5. Lal Qilla – For That Royal Touch
This one reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen. She always swore by Lal Qilla for her slow-cooked mutton biryani, soaking the grains overnight to get that perfect fluffy texture.
Why It’s Special:
- Ideal for kheer and meetha chawal.
- Extra-fluffy texture when cooked.
- The logo features a red fort, which fits, because this rice feels regal.
6. Tilda – The NRI’s Go-To Basmati
You know that fancy rice your cousin brings back from London? That’s probably Tilda. It’s as Indian as it gets but has found a global fan base.
Why It’s Special:
- Available in 60+ countries.
- Stays fresh even after reheating.
- A lifesaver for homesick Indian students abroad.
7. Fortune – The Modern Classic
If you grew up watching Fortune oil ads, you know this brand takes quality seriously. Their Super Basmati rice is no exception. It’s that perfect middle ground between premium and everyday rice.
Why It’s Special:
- Has a slightly sweet aroma that pairs well with mild curries.
- Uses solar-powered mills, making it an eco-friendly choice.
- The rice you buy when you’re trying to cook like your mom but live in a tiny apartment.
8. Aeroplane – The College Hostel Staple
This one takes me back to my college days when we pooled money for a home-cooked meal. The grains aren’t fancy, but they do the job.
Why It’s Special:
- Fluffs up well, perfect for simple dal-chawal.
- Has been around since 1958.
- The go-to rice for large-scale cooking, like langars and hostel messes.
9. Shrilalmahal – The Artisan’s Basmati
You know when someone gifts you a really nice bottle of olive oil and tells you it’s been aged for years? That’s what Shrilalmahal is to rice lovers.
Why It’s Special:
- Handpicked and aged for two years.
- Has a rich, earthy aroma that makes it stand out.
- A popular wedding gift in Punjab, because nothing says love like good rice.
10. Amira – The Health-Conscious Choice
If you’re into organic eating but can’t give up rice, Amira has you covered. It’s non-GMO, pesticide-free, and still tastes like home.
Why It’s Special:
- Lighter than regular Basmati, making it perfect for fitness enthusiasts.
- Features a peacock on its packaging, symbolizing purity.
- Your yoga-loving aunt probably stocks this alongside her quinoa.
Conclusion
Basmati rice is food, feeling and food with a feeling. The aroma of rice cooking in the kitchen has the power to transport you back in time—to childhood lunches, festival feasts, and family gatherings.
From the budget-friendly Barkat to the premium India Gate, every brand has its own story. Some bring nostalgia, while others bring innovation. But they all share one thing in common—they make food taste like home.
So, next time you open a pack of Basmati, take a deep breath. That smell? That’s not just rice. That’s history, love, and a thousand shared meals wrapped into one.