Top 50 Basmati Rice In The UK (2025)

Posted on Author Eddie Philips

Few things complete a perfect curry, biryani, or pilau like a bowl of fluffy, fragrant Basmati rice. Known as the “King of Rice,” Basmati is prized for its distinct aroma, long slender grains, and exquisite taste. In the UK, it’s one of the most beloved rice varieties — found in every major supermarket, restaurant, and Asian grocery. But with so many brands on the market — from Tilda and Kohinoor to Laila and Daawat — it can be hard to know which one to buy. That’s where this guide comes in.

In this post, we’ll explore the top best 50 Basmati rice brands in the UK, how to choose the right one for your needs, and what makes each unique. Whether you’re a foodie, chef, or home cook, this list will help you make the perfect choice.

Top Best 50 Basmati Rice in the UK

1. Tilda Pure Basmati Rice

A household name and a consistent favourite. Tilda’s Pure Basmati is aged to perfection, delivering a delicate aroma and fluffy texture. Perfect for biryanis and daily meals.
Available in: 1 kg, 5 kg, 10 kg bags
Why we love it: Consistent quality, 100% pure Basmati.

2. Laila Basmati Rice

Affordable and aromatic, Laila is one of the UK’s best-selling Basmati brands. Its long grains stay separate after cooking.
Perfect for: Everyday meals and large families.
Sizes: 5 kg – 20 kg

3. Daawat Extra Long Basmati Rice

Famous for its super-long grains and superior aroma, Daawat is ideal for festive dishes.
Highlight: Aged for 2 years for that authentic Basmati fragrance.

4. Kohinoor Platinum Basmati

A premium Indian brand known for purity and grain length. It’s a favourite among chefs and caterers.
Perfect for: Biryanis and pilafs.

5. India Gate Classic Basmati

This brand uses traditionally aged grains for at least 2 years, ensuring aromatic, slender, and fluffy rice.
Best for: Authentic biryanis.

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6. Tilda Brown Basmati Rice

The healthier version of classic Tilda — wholegrain, nutty, and rich in fibre.
Best for: Healthy diets and balanced meals.

7. Laila Golden Sella Basmati

A parboiled variant that stays firm and non-sticky — ideal for restaurants.
Why it stands out: Great for catering and large meals.

8. Badshah Basmati Rice

A trusted brand in UK Asian grocery stores. Known for good quality at a competitive price.

9. Salaam Premium Basmati

Popular among large families. Delivers consistent texture and mild aroma.
Available in: 10 kg and 20 kg bulk packs.

10. Trophy Basmati Rice

A well-balanced brand offering great value. Loved by UK households for everyday use.

11. Puregro Premium Golden Basmati

100% pure and naturally aromatic. A boutique UK brand focusing on authenticity.

12. East End Basmati Rice

Sold in major supermarkets, East End delivers great quality at affordable prices.

13. Asda Own Brand Basmati

Supermarket favourite — affordable, soft, and aromatic enough for daily cooking.

14. Tesco Basmati Rice

Tesco’s own-brand Basmati offers consistent quality at a budget-friendly price.

15. Waitrose Basmati Rice

For those who prefer supermarket quality with premium touch. Smooth, fluffy, and fragrant.

16. Morrisons Basmati Rice

Affordable and accessible, with good reviews from everyday users.

17. Sainsbury’s Basmati Rice

Soft texture, mild aroma — perfect for quick, daily cooking.

18. India Crown Basmati

Strong aroma and long grain structure make it a favourite for traditional dishes.

19. Tolly Boy Basmati

A long-standing UK brand with great taste and texture.

20. KTC Basmati Rice

Known for affordability and wide availability. A go-to brand for caterers.

21. White Pearl Basmati

Extra long, aged rice that cooks evenly and releases a distinct aroma.

22. Falak Extreme Basmati

Highly rated for its grain length and aroma. A favourite among biryani lovers.

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23. Aalishan Basmati Rice

Premium quality rice with consistently long grains. Perfect for festive cooking.

24. Shehanshah Basmati

A luxury rice option — well-aged and extra fragrant.

25. Royal Umbrella Basmati

Famous for long grains and soft texture.

26. Lal Qilla Basmati Rice

Award-winning brand known for aged and traditional processing methods.

27. Dunar Elonga Basmati

Smooth texture and long grains — great for restaurant-quality dishes.

28. President Basmati

Consistent quality and widely available in Asian grocery stores.

29. Apna Basmati Rice

Affordable family favourite. Great value without losing aroma.

30. Babaji Basmati

UK-based importer offering naturally aged rice at competitive prices.

31. Crown Basmati

Extra-long grain Basmati with light texture — perfect for casual meals.

32. Shahi Basmati

Meaning “Royal,” this rice offers fine fragrance and taste.

33. Kitchen King Basmati

Great for everyday cooking, especially in bulk packs.

34. President Golden Sella

Parboiled Basmati with firm, non-sticky texture — great for catering.

35. Everest Basmati

Pure Himalayan-origin rice with excellent elongation.

36. Noor Basmati

A budget-friendly option known for balanced taste and aroma.

37. Namaste Basmati

Imported directly from India, soft and aromatic.

38. Aytac Basmati Rice

Sold in Turkish and Middle Eastern stores; good flavour profile.

39. Everest Golden Sella

Perfect for rice-based dishes that require firm texture.

40. Faiza Basmati

Popular for its mild aroma and quick cooking.

41. Banno Super Basmati

Aged for 2 years, perfect for fluffy biryanis.

42. Everest Super Kernel

Long-grain Basmati with strong fragrance.

43. Golden Fields Basmati

Pure Indian-origin rice, available online in the UK.

44. Ahmed Bros Basmati

A catering favourite; sold in bulk and wholesale packs.

45. Qilla Excel Basmati

Known for premium ageing and rich taste.

46. Mega Chef Basmati

Offers long, non-sticky grains perfect for buffets.

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47. Himalaya Crown Basmati

Sourced from the Himalayan region; highly aromatic.

48. Milled Chef’s Choice Basmati

Restaurant-quality rice available in large quantities.

49. Crown Chef Basmati

Bulk-friendly brand with reliable quality.

50. Everest Supreme Basmati

Finest Himalayan grain, perfect for traditional and modern dishes alike.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Basmati Rice

  • Rinse 2–3 times to remove excess starch.

  • Soak for 20 minutes before cooking for better elongation.

  • Use the 1:1.5 ratio (1 cup rice to 1.5 cups water).

  • Let it rest for 5 minutes after cooking before fluffing with a fork.

  • Add a teaspoon of ghee or butter for a glossy finish and extra aroma.

Comparison: Premium vs Budget Basmati

Feature Premium Brands (Tilda, Kohinoor) Value Brands (KTC, Asda)
Aroma Strong and lasting Mild
Grain Length Extra Long Medium
Price Range £4–£8 per kg £2–£3 per kg
Cooking Texture Separate and fluffy Softer, sometimes sticky
Best For Biryani, Special Dishes Everyday Meals

Where to Buy Basmati Rice in the UK

You can find most of these brands at:

  • Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Waitrose, and Morrisons

  • Online: Amazon, Ocado, Quality Foods Online, Budget Mart, and Asian grocers like Sujash.co.uk.

Conclusion 

Whether you’re after luxury Basmati for a royal biryani or a value pack for daily meals, the UK market has something for every taste and budget. The best Basmati rice is one that fits your cooking style — aromatic, fluffy, and consistent every time.

If you want reliability, Tilda Pure Basmati and India Gate Classic are unmatched. For value, Laila and KTC deliver excellent results. And if you’re after restaurant-style perfection, Daawat Extra Long Grain or Kohinoor Platinum will never disappoint.

Whichever you choose, remember — the secret to perfect rice lies not just in the brand, but in how you cook it.