In the Fragrant Rice Category, the Gold Award was shared by Organic Aromatic Rice from Rice House Smart Agri and Lohas Rice—Chishang Supermoon-Tsuyahime Blend from Fu Sheng Agricultural Economic. For the Non-Fragrant Rice Category, the Gold Award winners were Taiwan Koshihikari Rice by Tanaka RICE, Lohas Rice—Competition-winning, TAP-certified Chishang Rice by Fu Sheng Agricultural Economic, and Authentic Chishang Moon Rice (Koshihikari) by Chishang Farmers' Association.
These award-winning varieties represent the best of Taiwan's rice, from classic local varieties known for their translucent appearance and full-bodied texture to aromatic varieties that tantalize with their unique scents. The AFA invite all rice lovers to visit its official website to discover sales outlets for the winning products and be among the first to savor the crème de la crème of Taiwanese rice.
A Complete Guide to Taiwan's Fine Rice: The Top Ten Must-Try Products!
In Taiwan’s domestic market, packaged rice is a staple for many. With advancements in rice cultivation and management technology, along with rational fertilizer use and safe pesticide application, the taste, quality, and safety of rice continue to improve. Additionally, product packaging has evolved, highlighting the unique characteristics of each rice variety, the stories behind their production, and aesthetically pleasing designs. This transformation has elevated rice from a simple staple to a sought-after gift and boutique product.
The AFA serves as a guardian for consumers, rigorously reviewing packaged rice products on the market with Traceability (TAP), CAS, or organic certification, ensuring compliance with the Food Administration Act. The Agency guarantees that all recognized rice products have passed pesticide residue tests and variety purity tests, making AFA recognition a reliable indicator of health, safety, quality, and taste for consumers.
Taiwan boasts an impressive variety of specialty rice, each with distinct aromas and flavors. Taiken 9 offers an aromatic taste and sticky texture, suitable for hot and cold dishes. Tainan 16 rivals the renowned Japanese Koshihikari, while Kaohsiung 147 is a frequent winner in taste tests. Tainung 71 is known for its taro aroma, and Taichung 194 is celebrated for its orchid scent.
This year’s Gourmet Rice Award featured two categories—fragrant and non-fragrant rice—with criteria including brand image, distribution breadth, appearance, and taste. Out of 69 entries, 5 gold and 6 silver prizes were awarded, totaling 11 Gourmet Rice products. Among the winners, Rice House Smart Agri’s Organic Aromatic Rice and Fu Sheng Agricultural Economic’s Lohas Rice - Chishang Supermoon Tsuyahime Blend are both Kaohsiung 147, known for their soft yet firm texture and tender fragrance. Other Gold Award winners include Tanaka RICE’s Taiwan Koshihikari Rice (Tainan 16), Fu Sheng Agricultural Economic’s Lohas Rice—Competition-winning, TAP-certified Chihshang Rice (Kaohsiung 145), and the Chishang Farmers' Association’s Authentic Chishang Moon Rice (Koshihikari), each recognized for their perfect balance of stickiness and elasticity. The Silver Award winners also showcase their unique specialties (a list of winners is attached to the press release), representing must-try options for rice lovers.
Rice to the Occasion: Star Grains You Must Try!
Since its inception in 2005, the Gourmet Rice Award has maintained a fair and stringent competition system, celebrated for its open and transparent judging process. The quality and taste of award-winning products have garnered high praise from both the restaurant industry and consumers alike.
For example, they've caught the attention of restaurant chains like TopOnePot Group, Kaifun Together, and POKE GO, as well as upscale Japanese restaurants such as Umai Yakiniku, VANNE Yakiniku, and Ganko. Even the champion of the "FHA Culinary Arts Challenge" held in Singapore chose one of these stellar rice varieties for their competition dish. These fine rice offerings are not only of exceptional quality but are also recognized for their outstanding taste.
Want to taste these award-winning rice varieties for yourself? They're readily available in supermarkets, hypermarkets, and on e-commerce platforms. Experience the perfect balance of elasticity, fullness, sweetness, and stickiness that defines these "Gourmet Rice" products.
For more information on where to purchase these top-tier rice products, visit the AFA's official website at https://www.afa.gov.tw/cht/index.php.
