Best Indian Rice in Sweden: Basmati vs Sona Masoori vs Steam Rice
Three rices, three jobs. Here is how to pick the right one — and get it delivered in Stockholm the same day.
Quick verdict
- 🍚 Biryani & festive: Long-grain Basmati.
- 🥘 Everyday meals: Sona Masoori (medium-grain).
- 🍲 Big batches & catering: Steam / sella rice.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Basmati | Sona Masoori | Steam (Sella) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grain | Long-grain | Medium-grain | Extra-long (sella) |
| Texture | Fluffy, separate | Soft, slightly sticky | Very firm, never sticky |
| Aroma | Strong, nutty | Mild | Mild–medium |
| Water ratio | 1:1.5 | 1:2 | ~1:1.75 |
| Soaking | 20–30 min | Not needed | 30 min |
| Cook time | 15–18 min | 12–15 min | 18–20 min |
| Best for | Biryani & festive | Everyday meals | Big batches & catering |
For biryani & festive cooking
India Gate Premium Basmati Rice 5kg
India Gate Premium Basmati is the long-grain, aromatic classic. The grains elongate as they cook and stay separate, which is exactly what biryani, pulao and festive spreads need. If you cook one rice for special occasions, make it this.
Buy Now →For everyday meals
India Gate Sona Masoori Rice 5kg
Sona Masoori is the daily-driver of South Indian kitchens. It is lighter and softer than Basmati, cooks faster, needs no soaking and pairs beautifully with sambar, rasam, curd rice and lemon rice. Lower starch makes it easy on the stomach for everyday eating.
Buy Now →For big batches & meal prep
Kaalar Extra Long Grain Steam Basmati Rice 5kg
Kaalar Extra Long Grain Steam (sella) rice is parboiled, so it is almost impossible to overcook and stays separate even when reheated. It is the smart pick for large-batch biryani, catering, weekend cooking and weekday meal prep.
Buy Now →Frequently Asked Questions
Which Indian rice is best for biryani?
Long-grain Basmati (like India Gate Premium) is best for home biryani — its aroma and separate fluffy grains are exactly what biryani needs. For large-batch or catering biryani that has to hold its shape for hours, extra-long steam (sella) rice such as Kaalar is even more forgiving and never turns mushy.
What is the difference between Basmati and Sona Masoori rice?
Basmati is long-grain, strongly aromatic and fluffs into separate grains — ideal for biryani and festive dishes. Sona Masoori is medium-grain, milder and slightly soft — the everyday South Indian staple for steamed rice, curd rice and lemon rice. Sona Masoori also cooks faster and needs no soaking.
What is steam (sella) rice and when should I use it?
Steam or sella rice is parboiled before milling, which makes the grain firmer and almost impossible to overcook. It stays separate and non-sticky even when reheated, so it is the go-to for big batches, weddings, catering and meal-prep.
How much water do I use for each rice?
Basmati: 1:1.5 (soak 20–30 min first). Sona Masoori: 1:2 (no soaking needed). Steam/sella rice: about 1:1.75 with a 30-minute soak. Always rinse 2–3 times until the water runs clear.
Can I get 5kg rice bags delivered in Sweden?
Yes. We stock all three in 5kg bags. Stockholm orders (Bandhagen area) get same-day or next-day delivery; the rest of Sweden is served by DHL within 1–3 business days. Local delivery is a flat 80 kr with a 500 kr minimum order.