Rice
Kwong Sun California Rice
This rice may have been grown in California, but its strain is said to be Chinese. The short to medium grains look similar to the rice typically served in Hong Kong homes. When cooked, it gives off an alluring scent, making even those who are not hungry want some. While not heavy by any means, it's filling, so you may want a smaller portion than usual. It also has a comforting sweetness and goes very well with soy sauce. It does equally well in a congee, capable of a marshmallow-like lightness.
HK$49.90, ParknShop and International supermarkets
Pureland Organic Thai Hom Mali Jasmine Rice
This medium-grain white jasmine rice is grown in Isaan, northeastern Thailand. The product is certified by Germany's strict BCS organic standards agency and meets regulations set by the European Union, US Department of Agriculture and Japanese Agricultural Standards. Wash thoroughly before use as a lot of rice dust clings to the grains. When cooked, it becomes a soft, milky white. The subtle flavours will accompany a feisty curry well.
HK$53.90, J's Garden, 57 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan
Yu Pin King Mixed Rice
What this combination of jasmine, brown and red rice lacks in flavour, it makes up for in visual appeal and easy preparation. The grains are relatively free of starchy powder, and the thin, light grains make cooking fast. Red and brown rice make up about 20 per cent of the mix; their husks are said to contain extra nutritional value. They create a nice textural contrast in a rice-and-curry combination, for example. Put leftovers in the refrigerator to dry out a little, and use the next day for a fluffy, slightly crunchy fried rice with finely diced ginger.
HK$54.90, Wellcome supermarkets
Hongdong Agricultural Co-operative Association White Rice
Hongdong is one of Korea's best-known organic communities. About two hours out of Seoul, the steel and glass buildings give way to roaming cattle, vegetable patches and rice fields. Growers practise an all-natural method that originated in Japan, where ducks paddle between the crops, eating up snails and worms that could harm the riceat the same time fertilising the fields. The resulting short grain rice is plump, shiny and filling, but not quite al dente, and could do better on the fragrance front.
HK$95, City'super supermarkets
Ya Gen Dao Organic Milled Rice
This Taiwanese short grain rice takes a little longer to cook, and the starchy, dusty powder that covers the grains of rice means it requires several thorough washes, but once done, you are left with pearlescent beads with great bite. It's grown in Taiwan near natural springs and in paddies that use the same duck system as the Hongdong rice. A hint of sweetness, fragrance and slight stickiness makes it perfect comfort food. For a simple dinner, try it with Japanese pickles, miso soup and a grilled oily fish, such as mackerel.
HK$72, ParknShop and International supermarkets
