A delicate aroma, soft texture, and subtle natural sweetness can turn a simple bowl of rice into a memorable dining experience. These are the qualities that have helped ST25 rice become one of Vietnam’s most recognized premium rice varieties.  

Developed in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, ST25 has gained international attention through its distinctive sensory characteristics and achievements at the World’s best Rice competition.  

But what makes ST25 truly special? Beyond its award-winning reputation, the answer lies in its flavour, texture, and the experience it brings to every meal.  

What Is ST25 Known as the World’s Best Rice?  

ST25 is a premium Vietnamese fragrant rice variety developed by agricultural engineer Ho Quang Cua and his research team through years of selective breeding in the Mekong Delta.  

Its international recognition began in 2019, when ST25 received the World’s Best Rice award at The Rice Trader’s global competition. The variety earned the distinction again in 2023 and shared first place with Cambodia’s Phka Romdoul in 2025.  

In 2026, ST25 continued its international recognition with a second-place finish at the World’s Best Rice competition.  

These achievements demonstrate the variety’s standing among internationally evaluated rice samples.  

However, the true character of ST25 goes beyond awards. Its distinctive combination of natural fragrance, enjoyable texture, and balanced sweetness helps explain why it is valued as a premium rice variety.  

What makes ST25 Rice Taste So Special?  

The premium appeal of ST25 comes from the way its sensory characteristics work together to create a refined eating experience.  

 Delicate natural Aroma  

One of ST25’s most distinctive characteristics is its gentle, natural fragrance.  

When cooked, ST25 releases an aroma reminiscent of pandan leaves and freshly harvested rice. Unlike stronger aromatic profiles, its fragrance is delicate, and balanced, complementing the meal without overpowering other flavours.  

This subtle aromatic character is part of what gives ST25 its distinctive identity among premium Vietnamese rice varieties.  

  Soft Texture with Light Chewiness  

Texture plays an important role in the overall eating experience.  

ST25 is recognized for its soft, tender texture combined with a light, pleasant chewiness. When properly cooked, the grains offer a satisfying mouthfeel without becoming excessively firm.  

This balance makes ST25 suitable for family dining, premium restaurants, and hospitality applications where rice quality contributes to the overall meal.  

  Subtle Sweetness and a Refined Finish  

Beyond its aroma and texture, ST25 offers a gentle natural sweetness that develops as the rice is enjoyed.  

Rather than relying on an intense flavour, ST25 delivers a harmonious combination of fragrance, softness, and a subtly sweet finish.  

Together, these qualities create a distinctive sensory experience that supports its premium positioning.  

 Why Does ST25 Deserve a Place in a Premium Rice Portfolio?  

For international rice buyers, building a premium portfolio involves more than selecting a recognized variety.  

Consumers experience rice through its aroma, taste, and texture. These characteristics help define the product’s identity and its suitability for different market segments.  

ST25 offers three meaningful advantages:  

Distinctive Sensory Profiles: Its delicate fragrance, tender texture. These characteristics help define the product’s identity and its suitability for different markets segments.  

ST25 offers three meaningful advantages:  

  • Distinctive Sensory Profile: Its delicate fragrance, tender texture, and subtle sweetness provide clear product characteristics for premium differentiation.  
  • Vietnamese Origin: Its development in the Mekong Delta connects the product with Vietnam’s agricultural heritage and rice –breeding expertise.  
  • Premium Market Applications: Its refined eating experience makes ST25 relevant to premium retail, specialty food stores, restaurants, and hospitality channels.  

For buyers, these characteristics provide a foundation for positioning ST25 as a differentiated premium rice offering rather than relying on recognition alone.  

Lotus Rice: Bringing the Authentic Qualities of ST25 to Global Markets. 

The quality of premium rice depends not only on its variety but also on how its natural characteristics are preserved throughout the supply chain.  

At Lotus Rice, this responsibility guides our approach to sourcing, processing, and quality control.  

Preserving the Natural Character of ST25 

Through careful sourcing, modern rice – processing technology, and quality control, Lotus Rice works to maintain the characteristics that make ST25 distinctive, including its natural aroma, refined texture, and grain quality.  

Supporting International Rice Buyers 

As a Vietnamese rice exporter, Lotus Rice understands that premium sourcing requires more than attractive product characteristics.  

International buyers also need to evaluate product specifications, packaging requirements, quality standards, and intended market applications.  

Lotus Rice works with importers, distributors, and food businesses to identify rice solutions aligned with their target consumers and commercial requirements.  

Our goal is to connect the authentic qualities of Vietnamese rice with the practical expectations of international sourcing.  

Discover Premium ST25 Rice with Lotus Rice  

Recognition may introduce ST25 to the world, but its distinctive aroma, texture, and taste define its premium appeal.  

From the fields of Vietnam’s Mekong Delta to international dining tables, ST25 reflects the value of agricultural expertise and a refined rice-eating experience.  

For importers and distributors developing a premium rice portfolio, selecting the right sourcing partner is an important part of bringing that value to market.  

Looking to add premium Vietnamese ST25 rice to your portfolio?   

Discover Lotus Rice’s ST25 offering and connect with our team to discuss product specifications, packaging options, and sourcing requirements.  

Contact Lotus Rice today to explore premium ST25 rice solutions for your market.  

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Website: https://www.lotusrice.vn/
Email: connect@lotusgroup.vn
WhatsApp: (+84 77) 6996 768
Phone: (+84 28) 3622 2236
Head office: No. 52, Street 10, Him Lam Residence, Tan Hung Ward, HCM