is there a specific brand of basmati rice thats better than all the others? Des the brand really make much difference?
Re: Rice brands
we use zebra....according to my mom the brand does matter
Re: Rice brands
unfortunately, brand does matter.
tilda is by far the best. then zebra. there is another one my mom's using that i can't remember right now. other rices just become mush even if you cook them nice.
My mom opts for Zafrani rice for everyday use and wouldn't use anything but Zafarani Reserve brand when making biryani, pulao, etc.
Re: Rice brands
hmmm okay. so tilda.
Re: Rice brands
Difference how?? in taste?? or looks?? :p
Usually a good quality basmasti rice has a long slender grain...it'smostly hit and miss as you can not open the packaging and inspect :p
I think it matters in cooking and presentation, some brands have rice grains which look kind of broken down...when one cooks them they end up looking like a "kichri" and sticky but then again it's a personal preference too. Some people do not mind the looks at all!
For our family, we prefer cooked rice to be able to retain their length and shape...
The are basic cooking tips too that matter, if you stir the rice too much while cooking then no matter how great the brand is it will BREAK.... :p
I have heard of one Pakistani brand called "Zeera" or something like that which tastes and cooks amazing (never tried personally)...
We usually get Tilda or India Gate :p
Re: Rice brands
We use Tilda or this Pakistani brand…it comes in a green and white bag but i can’t remember the brand… i find those two brands to be the best i’ve come across so far. All the other branded rice just isn’t up to par…it just doesn’t taste as good and mushes up too quickly …
And before you say, no it’s not because of my cooking skills, or lack of! 
We use India Gate or 817 Elephant Brand - my mother swears by 817 - says the texture, grain, aroma are the best.
She will also "age" her rice. If she buys a good brand and it doesn't cook well, she will put it aside for a year or so, let it age and then use. Apparently good rice is like good wine or cheese :D
Re: Rice brands
Zebra, Daawat, or Tilda.
Re: Rice brands
I’ve used many brands but my current favorite is Zafrani basmati rice…I get a lot of compliments whenever I use it. 
BTW, our local Costco sells 20lb bag for only $13…That’s a HOT deal!
Some other good brands are: Falaq, Seven Stars Basmati, and Zebra..
Re: Rice brands
How long does a 20 lb bag last ???
I think somehow my crappy rice has more to do with my rice cooking abilities...rather than brand :o
Re: Rice brands
I get rice from costco too.. they are good basmati rice. Tilda is a bit too expensive for us. Zebra works and Shaan also is a good brand but I find Tilda and Shaan both a little expensive.
The green and white bag is Shaan.
Re: Rice brands
zafrani, zebra!
yea you can get a good price at costco!
Re: Rice brands
aged rice is good rice. also pakistani rice is good rice.
How long does a 20 lb bag last ???
I think somehow my crappy rice has more to do with my rice cooking abilities...rather than brand :o
For us I'd say 2 months....I'm not really sure. It depends but 20lb bag contains about 40 mugs of rice.
I think your last biryani rice looked great!! which brand do you use??
Re: Rice brands
zebra and shaan all the way
THe one in my closet 
always get the small bag… cant afford the bigger on (AND lug it all home–nah)
Re: Rice brands
^yeah, that can be a problem...20lbs is pretty heavy I let my hubby carry it!
Re: Rice brands
I think brand does matter,although you can get a bad batch too.
For every day use I have Laila basmati,and for dawats sometimes I use White Pearl (which shot up in price last year),in a green and white bag.
Re: Rice brands
guys where can I find the brands you mentioned... I do not have access to a desi store. I am in canada (bc) and have access to either safeway, or urban fare and these kind of stores... will i be able to find any of these brands in the mentioned stores... and they are kinda far away and I can't physically go to each store to find out what they carry so would appreciate it if you guys can help..... thanks