Vietnam is one of the world's foremost rice-producing and exporting countries. Rice cultivation thrives mainly in the vast Mekong Delta, and a wide range of rice is produced, from long, thin indica rice, to the aromatic rice "ST25" chosen as the world's best, to japonica rice bound for Japan. Lately, Vietnamese rice is increasingly seen at Japanese stores like Gyomu Super, and many people are curious about its quality and safety.
This article covers everything from the basics of Vietnamese rice, to the aromatic rice ST25 that shone as the world's best, Vietnamese-grown japonica rice sold in Japan and the realities of Gyomu Super, how to think about safety, Vietnamese dishes using rice, and how to obtain and choose it in Japan.
What Is Vietnamese Rice | One of the World's Foremost Rice Regions
Vietnam is a rice powerhouse ranking among the world's top in rice export volume. The southern Mekong Delta is a fertile granary, and making use of its warm climate, rice can be harvested many times a year. Rice grown here is delivered domestically, of course, and to places around the world.
What is mainly grown in Vietnam is long, thin "indica rice." When cooked it has a loose texture and goes well with fried rice, rice noodles, and soups. It differs in both appearance and texture from the short-grain, strongly sticky "japonica rice" familiar in Japan. We have organized the differences between the two types of rice.
| Item | Indica rice | Japonica rice |
|---|---|---|
| Grain shape | Long and thin | Short and round |
| Texture | Loose and light | Chewy and sticky |
| Suited dishes | Fried rice, rice noodles, soups | Japanese cuisine, everyday meals |
| Position in Vietnam | The mainstream rice | Produced for the Japanese market |
Vietnam has many kinds of rice, from highly aromatic premium rice to everyday rice, used differently according to the dish and purpose. Rice is the foundation of Vietnam's food culture, supporting the table in various forms, from noodles and wrappers to sweets.
The Aromatic Rice "ST25" That Shone as the World's Best
Especially famous among Vietnamese rice is the variety "ST25." It became widely known at once after being chosen for the top prize at a world rice competition.
ST25 is an aromatic rice developed over many years by the breeder Ho Quang Cua in Soc Trang province in the south. When cooked, it gives off a soft, gentle aroma, and despite its long, thin grains it has a pleasant softness and sweetness. In 2019 it was chosen as the "World's Best Rice" at the world rice competition "World's Best Rice," and it won the same award again in 2023, becoming a premium rice that represents Vietnam. Many aromatic rices have a jasmine-flower-like fragrance, and ST25 is a variety in that lineage of aromatic rice. In Japan, too, it has become obtainable through imported-food stores and online, serving as a presence that conveys the true ability of Vietnamese rice.
Vietnamese-Grown Japonica Rice Sold in Japan and Gyomu Super
Lately, "Vietnamese-grown japonica rice" has become visible at Japanese stores like Gyomu Super. A type close to Japanese rice, it is drawing attention for its affordable price.
Japonica rice is the short-grain, chewy rice familiar to Japanese people. In Vietnam, such japonica rice bound for Japan is also produced and imported to Japan under names like "Hoshi no Akari." As the price of domestic rice rises, more people are picking it up at stores like Gyomu Super because it can be bought at a relatively affordable price. Its cooked texture is close to Japanese rice, and unlike Vietnam's indica rice it is sticky and can be used as an everyday meal. Interest is growing as an option for those who want to keep costs down.
Is Vietnamese-Grown Rice Safe?
When choosing imported rice, what people worry about is safety. Knowing how overseas-grown food enters Japan lets you choose with confidence.
Rice imported into Japan is distributed after passing plant quarantine as well as inspections based on the Food Sanitation Act. Standards for things like residual pesticides are set by law, and only rice that conforms to them reaches store shelves. In other words, the Vietnamese-grown rice sold at stores like Gyomu Super has also cleared such inspections. If you are concerned, it is a good idea to check the packaging labels and information from the retailer. Choosing one with a clear growing region and importer lets you purchase it with greater confidence. Understanding the import mechanism leads to peace of mind.
Vietnamese Dishes Using Rice
In Vietnam, rice is not only cooked and eaten but also enjoyed processed into various forms, such as noodles, wrappers, and sweets. The richness of dishes using rice is one of the charms of Vietnamese food culture.
- Pho | A flat rice noodle made from rice flour. A light broth is the classic
- Bun | A round-cross-section rice noodle. Used widely, as in mixed noodles and dipping noodles
- Rice paper | A thin wrapper made from rice. For fresh spring rolls and fried spring rolls
- Xoi (sticky rice) | A dish of steamed glutinous rice. Popular for breakfast and light meals
The leading example is the rice noodle pho. A flat noodle made from rice flour, it pairs superbly with a gentle broth. There is also a round-cross-section rice noodle called bun, enjoyed like mixed noodles or dipping noodles. The thin wrapper made from rice, Rice paper (banh trang) is indispensable to fresh spring rolls and fried spring rolls. Steamed glutinous rice, "xoi," is enjoyed as breakfast and light meals. In such dishes, loose-grained indica rice and chewy glutinous rice are each used to bring out their own character.
Obtaining and Choosing It in Japan
Vietnamese rice has become easier to obtain in Japan, too. Choosing the type to match your purpose lets you enjoy the deliciousness of each.
If you want to enjoy aroma or authentic Vietnamese cuisine, aromatic rice such as ST25 or indica rice is recommended. You can find them at imported-food stores and online. If you want to use it affordably as an everyday meal, Vietnamese-grown japonica rice sold at stores like Gyomu Super is an option. Indica rice for fried rice and ethnic dishes, japonica rice for everyday Japanese meals — it is a good idea to choose according to the dish. Checking the labeling of the growing region and variety when choosing is the fail-proof tip. When looking for Vietnamese ingredients and souvenirs, see our sister site, dedicated Vietnam souvenir site as well.
Frequently asked questions
- What kind of rice is Vietnamese rice?
-
The mainstream is long, thin, loose-textured indica rice. It goes well with fried rice, rice noodles, and soups. Types are abundant, from premium rice like the world-best aromatic rice ST25 to japonica rice made for the Japanese market. Vietnam is one of the world's foremost rice-exporting countries.
- What kind of rice is ST25?
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It is an aromatic rice developed in Soc Trang province in the south, known for being chosen as the "World's Best Rice" at a world competition. It is characterized by a soft aroma and, despite its long, thin grains, a pleasant softness and sweetness. It is a premium rice that represents Vietnam.
- What kind of rice is the Vietnamese-grown japonica rice at Gyomu Super?
-
It is short-grain, chewy japonica rice close to Japanese rice. Imported under names like "Hoshi no Akari," it is sold at an affordable price. Its cooked result is close to Japanese rice and can be used as an everyday meal. Interest is growing as an option for when you want to keep costs down.
- Is Vietnamese-grown rice safe?
-
Rice imported into Japan is distributed after passing plant quarantine and inspections based on the Food Sanitation Act. Standards for things like residual pesticides are set by law, and only conforming rice reaches store shelves. If you are concerned, choosing one with a clearly labeled growing region and importer lets you purchase it with confidence.
- Where can I buy Vietnamese rice in Japan?
-
Aromatic rice and indica rice can be obtained at imported-food stores and online, while Vietnamese-grown japonica rice can be found at stores like Gyomu Super. Indica rice or aromatic rice for authentic Vietnamese cuisine, japonica rice for everyday meals — it is a good idea to choose according to the use.
Summary | Vietnamese Rice, Wide-Ranging from Aromatic to Everyday
Vietnam is one of the world's foremost rice regions, producing a varied range of rice mainly in the Mekong Delta. Options are abundant, from premium rice like the world-best aromatic rice ST25 to japonica rice affordably available at Japan's Gyomu Super. Because imported rice is distributed after inspection, choosing by checking the growing-region labeling brings peace of mind. Dishes that make use of rice, such as the rice noodle pho and rice paper, are also abundant. Choose by aroma and use, and enjoy the deliciousness of Vietnamese rice.
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