Rice

Discover the Best Places to Buy Rice in Denmark — From Sushi-Grain to Basmati

Introduction: Why rice deserves a place in your pantry

Rice isn’t just a side dish — it’s the quiet hero that carries sauces, soaks up spices, and can transform a simple meal into something memorable. Whether you’re making sushi, biryani, a Thai curry, or a quick weeknight stir-fry, the right rice matters. In Denmark you’ll find an exciting mix of specialty Asian shops and mainstream supermarkets that stock everything from premium Basmati to sticky Thai rice and unique varieties like Riceberry. Let’s walk through where to buy rice, what to choose for each dish, and how to get restaurant-level results at home.

Why shopping location matters

Buying rice isn’t only about price — it’s about variety, freshness, and authenticity. Specialty stores often source rice from specific regions and carry authentic brands like Nonghyup Korean or Kilic Jasmine, while larger chains offer convenience and well-known international labels like Tilda. Picking the right store can mean the difference between ordinary and exceptional dishes.

Top stores to buy rice in Denmark

Two standout names from Denmark’s rice scene are Pandasia and Worldmart, both offering diverse options and international brands. Beyond them, national supermarket chains and local Asian markets round out a robust selection. Below I’ll highlight who sells what and why you might choose one over another.

Pandasia — your go-to for Asian pantry staples

Pandasia specializes in Asian groceries and carries an excellent range of rice and related products. You’ll find sushi-grade rice like Nonghyup Korean Rice Anseongmachum Chamderrim 2.5 kg, perfect for making sticky, glossy sushi rice at home. They also stock sticky Thai varieties such as Sticky Royal Thai Rice 4.5 kg and intriguing heritage grains like Royal Tiger Riceberry Rice 1 kg. If you’re experimenting with Asian dishes, Pandasia is the kind of shop that feels like a treasure chest of flavors.

Worldmart — global rice selection for home cooks

Worldmart brings global staples under one roof, with options tailored to South Asian cooking as well as everyday use. Expect to see Tilda Basmati Rice 1 kg, Kilic Jasmine Rice (including organic options), and specialty packs like Ashoka Bombay Biryani 280 g for instant flavor boosts. If you’re building a pantry for varied international dishes, Worldmart is a reliable stop.

Meny, Føtex, Bilka and the big supermarket players

Large Danish supermarkets such as Meny, Føtex, and Bilka combine convenience with good selection. You’ll find popular brands like Tilda and local packaged Basmati or Jasmine editions, often in larger formats for families or meal preppers. These chains are great when you want a balance of price, availability, and familiar labels.

Discount chains: Netto, Rema 1000 and Lidl

If your shopping list is budget-focused, discount chains often rotate rice offers — think everyday jasmine, long-grain mixes, or bargain basmati. The quality is fine for daily meals, and if you keep an eye out for promotions you can stock up without breaking the bank.

Local Asian markets and ethnic grocery stores

Beyond the big names, local Asian markets — often run by communities from Thailand, Vietnam, India, Pakistan, or Bangladesh — are where you’ll discover less common grains, regional brands, and bulk packaging ideal for avid cooks. These stores frequently carry items like Vinh Thuan Banh Cuon Flour Mix and tapioca beads for bubble tea alongside premium rice varieties.

Rice varieties you should know

Rice looks simple, but varieties behave very differently. Knowing which grain suits which dish is the fast lane to better cooking. Here are the main categories you’ll meet while browsing Danish stores.

Basmati — fragrant and fluffy

Basmati rice, such as Swad Original Basmati or Tilda Basmati, is aromatic with long, separate grains after cooking. It’s the classic choice for biryani, pilafs, and any dish where you want light, non-sticky rice to absorb sauces.

Jasmine — naturally fragrant and soft

Jasmine rice, like Kilic or Golden Royal Bowl Premium Jasmine, has a soft, slightly sticky texture and a floral aroma. It’s ideal for Thai dishes, coconut-based curries, and everyday meals where silkier rice is preferred.

Sushi and short-grain rice

Sushi rice — often labeled as “sushi” or short-grain — is starchy and sticky when cooked. Products like Nonghyup Korean Rice Anseongmachum are designed for perfect sushi texture. Use short-grain rice for sushi, onigiri, and any dish where you want rice to bind together.

Sticky rice (glutinous rice)

Sticky or glutinous rice is different from sushi rice and is essential for many Southeast Asian desserts and savory dishes. Brands like Siam Dish Premium Sticky are sold in big bags because they’re staples in certain cuisines.

Specialty and ancient grains: Black, red, Riceberry

Riceberry and other colored rices bring an earthy flavor and extra nutrients. Royal Tiger Riceberry or black rice varieties add visual wow and nuttier notes to salads, bowls, or pilafs, and they’re often available at specialty shops like Pandasia.

Which rice to pick for common dishes?

Confused by all the options? Here’s a quick cheat sheet: use sushi or short-grain for sushi; basmati for Indian dishes; jasmine for Thai meals; sticky rice for desserts and some savory Vietnamese plates; and specialty colored rice when you want a healthy, dramatic touch.

Cooking tips to get it right every time

Cooking rice well is mostly technique. A little practice turns rice into something reliably delicious instead of gluey or gummy. Here are kitchen-tested tips that work whether you buy from Pandasia, Worldmart, or your local supermarket.

Rinse or don’t rinse?

Rinsing removes excess surface starch and can produce fluffier results for basmati and jasmine. For sushi rice, you’ll usually rinse until the water runs clear to achieve the right stickiness once seasoned. Some parboiled or enriched rices may not require extensive rinsing.

Water ratios and the simmering trick

A general rule: 1 part rice to about 1.5–2 parts water, adjusted by type. Bring to a boil, then simmer low with a tight lid for the indicated time. After cooking, let rice rest covered for 10 minutes — this allows the steam to finish cooking the grains and gives better texture.

Fluffing, steaming, and keeping rice from drying

Use a fork to fluff grains gently. If rice needs to stay warm, sprinkle a few drops of water and re-cover to prevent drying. For sticky rice, use a bamboo steamer or a rice cooker with a sticky-rice setting for best results.

Practical pantry tips: buying and storing rice

Buy rice in sizes that match your usage. If you seldom cook, smaller 1 kg bags from Tilda or Kilic might be ideal. If you cook frequently, larger bags from Worldmart or Pandasia can save money. Store rice in airtight containers in a cool, dry place — and keep an eye out for insect-proof seals if you plan to store for months.

Nutrition: is rice good for you?

Rice is a carbohydrate staple and can be part of a healthy diet. Brown and whole-grain varieties have more fiber and micronutrients, while white rice is light and easily digested. Combining rice with vegetables, lean proteins, and legumes turns it into balanced meals. If you’re watching blood sugar, consider portion control or choose whole-grain options.

Sustainability, organic choices, and certifications

Labels matter. Organic and fair-trade certifications indicate lower pesticide use and often better labor practices. Brands like Kilic offer organic options for jasmine and pudding rice. When possible, choose certified products if environmental or social concerns guide your shopping.

Where to find specialty rice varieties in Denmark

If you’re hunting for lesser-known grains — pudding rice, Banh Cuon mixes, Bubble Tea tapioca beads, or unique riceberry blends — head to specialty shops like Pandasia or dedicated ethnic markets. Worldmart and certain supermarket chains also stock an expanding range of international rice to suit adventurous home cooks.

Mixing and matching: building a versatile rice pantry

A practical pantry might include a bag of basmati for fragrant meals, jasmine for comfort dishes, short-grain for sushi or rice bowls, and one specialty grain for variety (black rice or riceberry). Keep quick-cook options like instant rice vermicelli or ready-mix biryani packets on hand for busy nights.

Conclusion

Finding the right rice in Denmark is easy when you know where to look. Specialty stores like Pandasia and global-focused markets like Worldmart give you access to authentic grains, while mainstream supermarkets cover everyday needs. Pair the correct rice with the right cooking method, and you’ll elevate simple ingredients into dishes that delight. So next time you plan a meal, think about which grain will make your recipe sing — a small choice that often makes a big difference.