ST25 Rice

ST25 is a premium Vietnamese rice variety closely associated with Soc Trang in the Mekong Delta. Known for its fragrant aroma, soft texture, and naturally sweet flavour, ST25 gained international attention after being named the World's Best Rice in 2019.

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What Is ST25 Rice?

ST25 is one of the rice varieties in the ST rice group developed in Vietnam and strongly associated with Soc Trang. The name ST refers to Soc Trang, while ST25 is the designation of this particular variety. Another well-known variety from the same development programme is ST24.

ST25 was developed through long-term selection and breeding work in the Mekong Delta by a research team associated with Ho Quang Cua, Tran Tan Phuong, and Nguyen Thi Thu Huong. Soc Trang became particularly associated with the cultivation and development of these high-quality rice varieties.

Origin and Development

The ST rice varieties were developed as part of efforts to improve the quality and value of Vietnamese rice. Researchers worked through long-term selection and breeding to develop varieties suited to the conditions of the Mekong Delta while offering desirable eating qualities.

ST24 and ST25 became particularly well known among the resulting varieties. ST25 later attracted international attention for its quality and distinctive characteristics.

Characteristics

• Aroma: Fragrant, with a noticeable natural scent when cooked.
• Texture: Soft and slightly chewy when freshly cooked.
• Flavour: Mildly sweet and naturally rich.
• Appearance: Long, slender grains with a relatively uniform shape.
• Cooking: Produces soft, aromatic cooked rice when prepared correctly.

The final quality of rice can vary according to growing conditions, harvesting, milling, storage, and cooking methods.

World's Best Rice Award

ST25 received major international recognition in 2019 when it was awarded first place at the World's Best Rice competition. The achievement brought considerable attention to Vietnamese rice and helped establish ST25 as one of the country's best-known premium rice varieties.

ST25 also received a high award at the same international competition in 2020, further increasing international interest in Vietnamese high-quality rice.

How ST25 Rice Is Used

ST25 is primarily eaten as steamed rice, where its aroma and texture can be appreciated without heavy seasoning. It can accompany Vietnamese dishes ranging from grilled meat and seafood to vegetables, soups, and everyday family meals.

It is also suitable for simple rice dishes where the quality of the rice itself is an important part of the meal.

How to Choose and Store ST25 Rice

• Check that the package clearly identifies the rice variety and producer.
• Look for the production or milling date and expiry information.
• Buy from established producers or authorised retailers when possible.
• Keep the rice sealed and protected from moisture, heat, and insects.
• Follow the producer's storage instructions after opening the package.

Because ST25 has become a well-known name, consumers should pay attention to packaging and producer information. Counterfeit ST25 and counterfeit branded packaging have been reported in Vietnam.

Soc Trang and ST25

ST25 has become one of the agricultural products most strongly associated with Soc Trang. Its success has helped draw attention to the province's rice-growing industry and to the wider potential of Vietnamese specialty rice.

For visitors, ST25 can therefore be more than a packaged food souvenir. It offers an introduction to an important part of the Mekong Delta's agricultural economy and Vietnam's efforts to develop higher-value rice products.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Local Specialties from Can Tho

Modern Can Tho includes the former Soc Trang, Can Tho, and Hau Giang areas, bringing together agricultural products, seafood, noodles, traditional cakes, and other regional specialties.

Explore Can Tho

Discover more local specialties, attractions, and cultural experiences in our Can Tho travel guide.