Walk into any Saudi kitchen, restaurant, or family gathering and one thing is almost always on the table: rice. It sits at the center of the most loved meals in the Kingdom, and the variety you pick can make the same recipe taste completely different. If you are trying to understand the types of rice in Saudi Arabia, this guide will help you know what each one is, what it is best for, and how to choose.
Whether you cook for your family, run a restaurant, or buy in bulk for events, the right rice saves time, reduces waste, and makes every dish look and taste better. Below you will find the most popular varieties, the dishes they suit, and a simple comparison to make buying easier.
Why Rice Matters So Much in Saudi Cooking
Rice is at the heart of many iconic Saudi dishes, including Kabsa, Mandi, Madfoon, and Madhbi. These traditional meals are often prepared in large quantities and served on generous shared platters, making the quality of rice especially important. The ideal rice should cook evenly, remain fluffy and separate, absorb rich flavors, and retain its texture during serving. In Saudi Arabia, most rice is imported, with long-grain Basmati varieties from India and Pakistan being among the most preferred choices. At Mohammad Khamees Al Yarubi Trading, we understand the importance of reliable, high-quality rice for households, restaurants, catering businesses, and food-service operations across Saudi Arabia.
The Main Types of Rice in Saudi Arabia
1. Basmati Rice
Basmati is the most popular rice in Saudi Arabia. It has long, slender grains that stretch further when cooked and a natural aroma that people recognize instantly. It is the go-to choice for Kabsa, Biryani, and everyday meals. Aged Basmati is even better, because the grains cook up drier and more separate. If you want to know why, read What Is Aged Basmati Rice.
- Best for: Kabsa, Biryani, daily cooking
- Texture: Light, fluffy, and aromatic
2. Sella (Parboiled) Basmati Rice
Sella Basmati is parboiled before milling. This process gives the grain a firmer structure, so it resists breaking and stays separate even in large pots. That is why restaurants, caterers, and mandi lovers prefer it. It also holds its texture when reheated, which is a big advantage for gatherings and leftovers.
There are two common types:
- Golden Sella: Warm golden color, firm grains, and a great fit for Mandi and Madfoon
- Creamy Sella: Lighter, creamy-white color with the same firm texture, popular for Biryani and Kabsa
Not sure which one to pick? Our guide on Golden Sella vs Creamy Sella explains the difference clearly.
- Best for: Mandi, Madfoon, Kabsa, restaurants, and large gatherings
- Texture: Firm, separate, and non-sticky
3. Egyptian (Medium Grain) Rice
Egyptian rice has shorter, rounder grains that become soft and slightly sticky when cooked. This makes it a good choice for stuffed vegetables, rice pudding, and home-style dishes where the rice should hold together rather than stay separate.
- Best for: Stuffed dishes, desserts, simple home meals
- Texture: Soft and slightly sticky
4. American (Long Grain) Rice
American long-grain rice is a budget-friendly option that cooks up fairly fluffy. It does not have the aroma of Basmati, but it works well for everyday meals and mixed rice dishes where the spices and sauce do most of the work.
- Best for: Everyday meals and budget cooking
- Texture: Mild and fairly fluffy
5. Jasmine Rice
Jasmine rice is primarily grown in Thailand and is known for its soft, slightly sticky texture and delicate floral aroma. It is a popular choice for Asian-inspired meals, stir-fries, and everyday dishes. At Mohammad Khamees Al Yarubi Trading, we recognize the diverse rice preferences of customers across Saudi Arabia and aim to provide quality rice options suitable for different cuisines and cooking styles.
- Best for: Asian dishes, stir-fries, and curries
- Texture: Soft, tender, and lightly sticky
6. Brown and Red Rice
As more people look for healthier options, brown rice is gaining space on Saudi shelves. It keeps the bran layer, so it has more fiber and a nutty taste. It takes longer to cook and has a chewier bite, but it suits people who want a more balanced diet.
- Best for: Health-focused meals and diet plans
- Texture: Chewy and nutty
7. Hasawi Rice (Al-Ahsa)
Hasawi rice is a traditional rice variety grown in the Al-Ahsa oasis in the Eastern Province. It has a reddish tone and a rich, earthy taste, and it is closely tied to local heritage. Because it is grown in small quantities, it is much harder to find than imported rice and is often seen as a specialty ingredient.
- Best for: Traditional local dishes and special occasions
- Texture: Hearty, with a distinct earthy flavor
Quick Comparison of Rice Types in Saudi Arabia
| Rice Type | Grain | Texture After Cooking | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basmati | Long, slender | Light and fluffy | Kabsa, Biryani |
| Golden Sella Basmati | Long, golden | Firm and separate | Mandi, Madfoon, catering |
| Creamy Sella Basmati | Long, creamy white | Firm and separate | Biryani, Kabsa, restaurants |
| Egyptian Rice | Short to medium | Soft and sticky | Stuffed dishes, desserts |
| American Long Grain | Long | Mild and fluffy | Everyday meals |
| Jasmine | Long | Soft and slightly sticky | Asian dishes |
| Brown Rice | Varies | Chewy and nutty | Healthy meals |
| Hasawi | Medium | Hearty and earthy | Traditional local dishes |
Popular Saudi Rice Dishes and the Rice They Use
- Kabsa: Long-grain Basmati or creamy sella, cooked with tomatoes, onions, and a warm spice blend
- Mandi: Golden sella Basmati, served with tender meat and a light smoky aroma
- Madfoon: Golden or creamy sella, which holds up well to slow cooking
- Madhbi: Firm sella rice that stays separate under juicy grilled meat
- Biryani: Basmati or creamy sella, layered with spiced meat
Planning to cook one of these at home? Our recipe section has step-by-step ideas to get you started.
How to Choose the Right Rice
Choosing the right rice depends on the dish, cooking method, serving size, and personal preference. At Mohammad Khamees Al Yarubi Trading, we offer rice varieties suited to different cooking needs, helping customers choose the right option for everyday meals, restaurants, catering, and large gatherings across Saudi Arabia.
- For large gatherings and shared platters: Choose Sella Basmati, which stays firm, fluffy, and separate even when cooked in large quantities.
- For aromatic everyday meals: Aged Basmati Rice is an excellent choice, offering long grains, pleasant aroma, and a light, fluffy texture.
- For softer and slightly sticky dishes: Egyptian Rice or Jasmine Rice works well for dishes where a softer texture is preferred.
- For a practical, budget-friendly option: American Long Grain Rice provides good texture and versatility for everyday cooking.
- For a healthier meal option: Brown Rice is a nutritious choice and works well for those looking to include more whole grains in their diet.
With the right rice, every dish can taste better—and at Mohammad Khamees Al Yarubi Trading, our goal is to make choosing quality rice easier for customers in Saudi Arabia.
Tips for Buying Rice in Saudi Arabia
- Check the grain length and color. Long, even grains usually mean better quality.
- Look for aged rice if you want dry, fluffy results.
- Buy the bag size that matches your use. A 5 Kg bag suits families, while restaurants and caterers usually save more with a 10 Kg bag.
- Store rice in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
- Buy from a trusted supplier who can guarantee consistent quality in every batch.
Which Bag Size Should You Choose?
For daily home cooking or a family gathering, the 5 Kg Golden Sella bag is a convenient size. For restaurants, catering businesses, and bigger orders, the 10 Kg Golden Sella bag offers better value. You can browse both in our 5 Kg and 10 Kg collections.
Conclusion
The types of rice in Saudi Arabia range from aromatic Basmati and firm Sella to soft Egyptian rice, fragrant Jasmine, healthy brown rice, and the rare Hasawi from Al-Ahsa. There is no single best rice. The best one is the one that matches your dish, your budget, and the number of people you are feeding. For Mandi, Kabsa, and large gatherings, sella Basmati is a reliable choice that stays golden, firm, and fluffy. Ready to cook? Order golden sella basmati rice from MKY KSA, or message our sales team on WhatsApp for wholesale pricing. Orders above 500 SR get free shipping across Saudi Arabia.
Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Rice in Saudi Arabia
Which rice is most popular in Saudi Arabia?
Long-grain Basmati is the most popular rice in Saudi Arabia, especially sella Basmati, which is widely used for Kabsa, Mandi, and Biryani.
Which rice is best for Kabsa?
Long-grain Basmati or creamy sella Basmati works best for Kabsa, because the grains stay separate and absorb the spiced broth well.
Which rice is best for Mandi?
Golden sella Basmati is a popular choice for Mandi. The grains stay firm, golden, and fluffy, even in large batches.
What is the difference between Basmati and Sella Basmati?
Basmati is regular milled rice with a light, fluffy texture. Sella Basmati is parboiled before milling, so the grains are firmer, less likely to break, and stay separate after cooking.
What is Hasawi rice?
Hasawi rice is a traditional rice variety grown in the Al-Ahsa region of Saudi Arabia. It has a reddish tone and an earthy flavor, and it is available in much smaller quantities than imported rice.
Where does Saudi Arabia import rice from?
Most rice in Saudi Arabia is imported. India and Pakistan are major sources of Basmati, while other varieties such as Jasmine and long-grain rice come from countries like Thailand and the USA.
Which rice is best for restaurants and catering?
Sella Basmati is the preferred choice for restaurants and caterers, because it holds its texture in big pots, resists breaking, and reheats well.
Where can I buy golden sella basmati rice in Riyadh?
MKY KSA supplies Aeroplane Golden Sella Basmati Rice 1121 in 5 Kg and 10 Kg bags across Riyadh and Saudi Arabia. Order on our website or contact the sales team on WhatsApp for wholesale pricing.