Thailand’s signature jasmine rice is prized for its natural fragrance and soft, fluffy texture. But not every pack labelled “jasmine rice” delivers the real experience. “Thai Hom Mali Rice” is a protected name reserved exclusively for two premium Thai varieties, Khao Dok Mali 105 (KDML 105) and Kor Khor 15 (RD 15), grown once a year in the North and Northeast of Thailand, where soil, climate, and traditional cultivation shape the grain’s unmistakable character.
For UAE shoppers, the most reliable way to identify genuine Thai Hom Mali Rice is the Green Certification Mark on the pack. The Green Certification Mark on the package, provided by Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade, indicates that the rice was grown in Thailand from the approved Hom Mali types, has been tested in a lab—including DNA tests, and was milled, packed, and sealed in Thailand by a registered exporter. Licenses to use the mark are time-bound and renewed only after compliance reviews; every export shipment is sampled and certified prior to departure.
“Authenticity is simple: no Green Certification Mark, not Thai Hom Mali Rice,” said Mr. Pitichai Ratananaka, Director, Thai Trade Center Dubai. “That circular logo with the rice stalks tells you the grain was grown in Thailand from KDML 105 or RD 15, verified in accredited labs, and sealed at the source so you take home the authentic taste of Thailand.”
Beyond provenance, chefs value Thai Hom Mali rice for its pandan-like aroma, long, slender grains, and soft, delicate bite when cooked. Naturally gluten-free, it provides energy-rich carbohydrates along with B vitamins and essential minerals such as iron, calcium, and phosphorus, making it a versatile base for everyday meals and a faithful companion to Thai curries, stir-fries, grilled meats, and vegetables.
Thai SELECT restaurants serve Thai Hom Mali Rice
Across the UAE, Thai SELECT–certified restaurants officially recognized by the Royal Thai Government for authentic Thai cuisine serve Thai Hom Mali Rice as their standard table rice. Using certified Hom Mali rice preserves the aroma, texture, and flavor that define real Thai dishes. Diners can look for the Thai SELECT seal to experience the authentic grain in restaurants, and home cooks can replicate that by choosing retail packs bearing the Green Certification Mark.
How to buy with confidence?
- Find the Thai Hom Mali Rice Green Certification Mark on the front or side panel.
- Look for “Product of Thailand” and references to KDML 105 or RD 15.
- Read the package carefully to make sure it says it was made, packed, and sealed in Thailand.
- Expect a natural pandan-like aroma and a soft, fluffy texture after cooking.
- Buy from established supermarkets or Thai specialty stores.
Where to buy in the UAE?
In the UAE, you can find authentic Thai Hom Mali Rice at major groceries and specialty stores like Carrefour, Spinneys, Choithrams, Nesto, Thai Corner, Come Home General Trading Thai Store, and Thailand Foodstuff Store. Look for the Green Certification Mark to be certain it’s authentic. Look for the Green Certification Mark to be certain it’s authentic.
About the Thai Hom Mali Rice Certification Mark.
The Certification Mark is Thailand’s official quality‑assurance program managed by the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT), Ministry of Commerce. It verifies origin in Thailand, varietal purity (KDML 105 or RD 15), laboratory and DNA confirmation, and packing at the source by registered exporters. Licenses are time‑bound and subject to renewal following compliance reviews.
For inquiries:
Thai Trade Center Dubai
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