Jeera Rice
Cumin's quiet, fragrant magic
Get directions ↗ · 2 min walk from Grand Mercure
Last orders 30 minutes before closing
Dine-in · takeaway · delivery via GrabFood and LINE MAN
Frequently Asked Questions
What gives this rice its distinct flavor?
The tempering of whole cumin seeds(jeera) in ghee imparts a roasted, earthy taste.
Is this dish vegan?
Traditionally it is made with ghee(clarified butter), but it can be prepared with vegetable oil upon request.
Does it contain any whole spices besides cumin?
Occasionally, a bay leaf or a clove might be added for extra fragrance, though cumin is the star.
Can I pair this with non-vegetarian dishes?
Yes, the subtle flavor compliments both rich meat curries and vegetarian options.
Are there any artificial colors used?
None at all. The rice retains its natural white color, speckled only by the brown cumin seeds.
About Jeera Rice
Jeera rice is the everyday cumin rice of North Indian kitchens, a simple step up from plain boiled rice that turns a neutral side into something fragrant. "Jeera" is the Hindi word for cumin, and the dish is found on tables across the north as the standard partner to dal and curry, valued for its roasted, earthy aroma.
BHARAT cooks it by the absorption method using aged Punjabi basmati. The key step is the tempering: whole cumin seeds are bloomed in hot ghee first, so the fat takes on the flavour before the rice is added, which gives a fuller, roasted cumin note than simply stirring the seeds through at the end. Because the basmati has been aged at least twelve months, the grains stay long and separate rather than clumping. Occasionally a bay leaf or clove is added for extra fragrance, but cumin remains the defining flavour. It keeps its natural white colour, flecked only by the brown seeds, with no artificial colouring.
The result is light, fluffy and gently aromatic, mild enough to sit beside almost anything. It pairs with any gravy on the menu, complementing both rich meat curries and vegetarian dishes equally well. The standard version is cooked in ghee, but it can be prepared with vegetable oil on request for a vegan version.
Best ordered fresh — call ahead if you are coming straight after work. Visit BHARAT →
See also: the Rice & Biryani menu · Indian vegetarian food in Bangkok · our fresh paneer dishes · halal-friendly kitchen.