The Rice I Always Have In My Pantry

Rice is one of those foods that, when prepared well, can be one of the most comforting and satisfying things to eat. You don’t necessarily need the most expensive rice to make a delicious bowl, but that doesn’t mean good-quality rice isn’t worth seeking out.

I discovered White Queen rice while living on the East Coast. At the time, I was searching for Koda Farms rice, a brand I had always enjoyed while living in California. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find it anywhere.

One day, a market associate in Brooklyn pointed me toward White Queen instead. They told me it was the rice many restaurants use and encouraged me to give it a try.

Curious, I made the trip to Kim C Market, a Korean grocery and wholesale market in Brooklyn that carries White Queen rice. Walking through the warehouse felt like discovering a hidden gem. Shelves were lined with imported Korean pantry staples and ingredients that you rarely find in a typical grocery store.

It’s the kind of place that welcomes everyone—from home cooks looking for something special to chefs searching for quality ingredients.

I brought home a bag of White Queen, and it’s been my favorite ever since. The grains cook up beautifully, with a soft, slightly chewy texture that I haven’t found in many other varieties. It’s the rice I always keep stocked in my pantry.