Rice lovers, rejoice because there’s a brand new way of enjoying your rice even when you’re dining at a fast-food restaurant. As Asians, we love our rice, but sometimes plain white rice can be a little boring, so we opt for the aromatic rice instead.
It gives us the same satisfaction we often get from a bowl of rice, but with a different flavour. Plus, if you’re entertaining your guest, this dish will be a huge crowd-pleaser. It goes well with almost anything.
What is Aromatic Rice
Aromatic rice is a type of rice, just like the Risotto rice or the short-grain rice. The aromatic rice is somewhere between medium grain and long grain, and it has a nutty taste compared to your average everyday rice. Typically, it is cooked with a range of spices including cloves, cardamom and cinnamon. Some restaurants even use bay leaves and deep-fried shallots to add more depth of flavour. It has a very distinct sweet taste with a hint of spices.
The History of Aromatic Rice
Historians believe that Aromatic Rice originates from the Indian subcontinent as a result of hybridisation between the local wild population and domesticated Japonica rice. Initially, people did not pay much attention to Aromatic Rice as it was often thought as just another type of rice under the Japonica rice category.
The first mention of Aromatic Rice can be traced back to 400 BC in a Sanskrit text called Susruta Samhita. Because of its fragrance, the rice quickly gained a higher value and held significant cultural and religious importance.
As old as the Asian civilisation itself, the Aromatic Rice has maintained its position as being one of the most valued types of rice across the region. While it is more commonly used in the fast-food industry today, it still holds its religious and cultural importance.
The Health Benefit of consuming Aromatic Rice
Rice, in general, is widely known as a staple food for Asians and a good source of carbohydrates. However, aromatic rice is said to be healthier than your average white rice. It contains more vitamin and fibre on the outer bran layer of individual rice grain.
The aromatic brown rice contains about 20% more fibre compared to other brown rice varieties, which is vital for digestion. Ancient cultures also believed that aromatic rice could cure body pain and eye disorders. Although it is not scientifically proven, it is no doubt that rice contains beneficial nutrients.
Where to get Aromatic Rice in Malaysia
Aromatic rice is often served as a side dish at a fast-food restaurant. If you would like to have rice with your fast food, head over to Kenny Rogers Roasters and have your tender, juicy chicken with a side of their signature aromatic rice and their famous homemade muffin.
If you want something a little more traditional, make your way to Aroma Village. You can choose between their Aroma Chicken or Mutton Briyani that is served with Aromatic Rice or their Nasi Kerabu Ayam Percik. The best part is, they are all available for home delivery via the foodpanda app!