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Tatler Asia
27-06-2025
- Tatler Asia
Heirloom grains of Asia: how these ancient staples made their way to modern tables
2. Red cargo rice (Thailand) A long-grain unpolished rice, red cargo rice retains its bran layer, giving it a reddish tint and a nutty, hearty flavour. Traditionally eaten with grilled meats or spicy coconut soups, it was once considered 'poor man's rice' but has seen a wellness-driven renaissance. Bangkok's organic cafés and macrobiotic eateries now serve red cargo rice as a wholesome base for vegetarian dishes, Buddha bowls, grilled chicken plates and other menu items. Some home chefs in Thailand and abroad have also steadily added red cargo rice into their repertoires. 3. Glutinous purple rice (Laos and Northern Thailand) Central to Laotian meals for centuries, glutinous purple rice is sticky, slightly sweet and visually striking. Traditionally eaten with grilled meats and jeow (spicy dipping sauces), it's steamed in bamboo baskets and eaten by hand. Its colour comes from anthocyanins, the same antioxidant pigments found in berries. 4. Bario rice (Malaysia) From the highlands of Sarawak comes Bario rice, a hand-harvested, small-batch grain cultivated by the Kelabit people for over a century. Known for its delicate aroma, fluffy texture and short growing season, Bario rice is a prized ingredient during communal celebrations and longhouse feasts. Restaurants like Dewakan in Kuala Lumpur highlight Bario rice to champion indigenous Malaysian ingredients. Its rarity and flavour have earned it recognition among Southeast Asian food circles, with online speciality shops now offering it as a premium, artisanal rice. 5. Adlai (Philippines) Also known as Job's Tears, adlai has been cultivated by Lumad communities in Mindanao for generations as both a staple grain and a symbol of resilience. Its chewy texture and slightly nutty flavour make it an excellent rice substitute. Traditionally used in porridges and stews, it's now making appearances in high-end restaurants. Filipino chefs like Claude Tayag and the late Margarita Forés and restaurants like Hapag have elevated adlai to gourmet status, using it in everything from risotto and paella to grain salads. Urban restaurants in Metro Manila often market it as a 'luxury local grain', emphasising its low glycemic index and high protein content. Health influencers in Asia and Australia have caught on, touting it as a sustainable alternative to imported carbs. See more: What to eat: 7 Filipino rice dishes and snacks we're craving right now 6. Forbidden rice (China) Once reserved exclusively for Chinese emperors, this ancient black rice earned its 'forbidden' moniker due to its historical exclusivity. With a history dating back over a thousand years, it was prized for its supposed longevity-boosting properties. Rich in anthocyanins and iron, its mildly sweet, nutty flavour works in both savoury and dessert dishes. In China, it's often prepared as congee or sweet zhou, while internationally, it stars in black rice pudding, grain bowls and even fine-dining duck pairings. Wellness brands across Asia market it as a supergrain, alongside acai and chia. 7. Black heirloom rice (Philippines) Cultivated by indigenous communities in the Cordillera mountains for generations, the Philippines' black heirloom rice stands out with its deep purple colour and glutinous texture. Traditionally, it's steamed and served with native chicken or pork during tribal feasts, a symbol of prosperity and communal pride. Its use in Filipino cuisine spans from champorado (chocolate rice porridge) to gourmet takes on suman (rice cakes). Chef Jordy Navarra of Toyo Eatery in Manila has spotlighted black rice in his menus, using it to underscore Filipino terroir and storytelling through food. Other restaurants that have integrated it into their menus include Purple Yam and Hapag. Filipino diaspora bakeries abroad now bake black rice sourdough, while some Manila restaurants experiment with black rice risotto and grain bowls.
Borneo Post
22-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Local support grows for plan to make northern Sarawak a ‘rice bowl'
Sarawak Deputy Minister Martin Ben told the DUN on Tuesday that 11 areas totaling 4,264 hectares have been identified for modern rice cultivation. – Bernama photo MIRI (May 22): Communities in the Limbang Division have welcomed the state government's plan to transform the region into northern Sarawak's 'rice bowl', citing its potential to boost both the economy and food security. Limbang Malay Association chairman Mohamad Abu said the project is timely and well-suited to the region's fertile land, and it would significantly benefit the local economy, particularly the Malay community. 'We have been very supportive of this effort for a long time and there are many areas in Limbang that can be developed to be used as rice granaries in line with Sarawak's efforts to ensure improved food security. 'This project will certainly have a positive impact in empowering the economy, especially the Malay community in rural areas,' he said. He added that this development shows northern Sarawak is not being left behind and urged locals to take advantage of new opportunities in agriculture, livestock and agro-tourism. Sarawak Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodity, and Regional Development, Datuk Martin Ben, told the State State Legislative Assembly on Tuesday that 11 areas totaling 4,264 hectares have been identified for modern rice cultivation. Of these, six areas encompassing 2,734 hectares are located in the Limbang District, while five areas totaling 1,530 hectares are in Lawas District. Two areas – Kampung Pandam in Limbang (809 hectares) and Sundar in Lawas (300 hectares) – have already been officially gazetted for rice cultivation. Meanwhile, Kampung Lupak Rangas resident, Ibrahim Tapa, echoed this sentiment, saying that Limbang holds strong potential for rice cultivation, which has been underutilised in the past. 'Indeed, this effort has been highly anticipated and supported by residents, especially in rural areas, for a long time. 'This rice cultivation project can increase income and become a new source of livelihood for young farmers and can provide high returns,' he said. Ibrahim also expressed hope that the project would convert idle land into productive assets, positioning Limbang and Lawas as major rice-producing regions for Sarawak, with potential to export to neighboring Brunei. In the Lawas District, the Ba Kelalan highlands are already a major producer of the premium Adan rice, more commonly known as Bario rice, outside the region and overseas. The overall initiative is expected to enhance Sarawak's food security and reduce its reliance on imported rice, which is often subject to volatile international market prices. limbang northern sarawak padi rice bowl
Daily Express
12-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Board officially takes over padi production: Focus is on 22,000ha in six districts
Published on: Monday, May 12, 2025 Published on: Mon, May 12, 2025 Text Size: Jeffrey visiting one of the booths at Dewan Datuk Musbah. KOTA BELUD: The Sabah Padi and Rice Board (LPBS) was officially launched with the aim of achieving the State Government's target of increasing rice Self-Sufficiency Level (SSL) of 30 per cent by next year and 60 per cent by 2030. Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, said various initiatives would be implemented through the revival of LPBS to ensure Sabah's food security, meeting the people's food demands and reduce dependence on rice imports. 'Currently, Sabah can only produce about 22.8 per cent of its local rice, resulting in a high dependence on imported rice to meet demand. 'LPBS will take over all development and management of padi from the State Agricultural Department starting this year. 'In addition, LPBS has also been tasked as the regulator for the development and management of padi. Therefore, I want all relevant State agencies to give full cooperation to LPBS,' he said at the launching of LPBS and Agrobank Padi Cultivation Takaful Scheme (STTP) at the Datuk Musbah Jamli Hall, Saturday. The Sabah Padi Board was dissolved during the Berjaya administration due to rampant corruption, among others. Hajiji's speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister I-cum-Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan. To boost SSL, Hajiji said the State Government will focus on the development and management of padi in six districts, namely Kota Marudu, Tuaran, Tambunan, Keningau, Papar and Kota Belud. The total area of padi fields in these districts is 22,218.35 hectares or 55,879 acres, involving 16,018 padi farmers. In addition to reviving LPBS, Hajiji said the State Government is also implementing several other initiatives, including emphasizing hill padi cultivation. 'Therefore, I call on all hill landowners to develop their land with high-quality hill padi cultivation. 'It is estimated that 13,266 hectares or 32,767 acres of hill land are suitable for padi cultivation, involving 15,617 farmers,' he said. Hajiji further said if fully developed, these areas have the potential to produce 30,424 metric tonnes of hill rice annually. Like Sarawak, famous for its Bario rice, Sabah also has its own hill rice variety, namely the Adan rice from Long Pasia, Sipitang as well as from Ranau, Kudat and Pitas, which have gained popularity in the local market, he said. Hajiji also urged government-linked companies (GLCs) to develop their idle land for padi cultivation. 'I assure that the State Government remains committed to developing idle padi fields and boosting yields and local production,' he said. Hajiji called upon farmers to take advantage of the Padi Cultivation Takaful Scheme that protect paddy planters in the country. Under this scheme, padi farmers who are Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above, farming in designated areas, registered under the Federal Government Fertiliser Scheme, with an Agrobank account, will be protected for crop damage due to natural disasters, pest attacks and diseases. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
10-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sabah revives rice and padi board to enhance food security, self-sufficiency level
KOTA BELUD: The Sabah government today revived the Sabah Rice and Padi Board, aiming to increase the state's rice self-sufficiency level to 30 per cent by next year and 60 per cent by 2030. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said various initiatives will be implemented through the board to enhance food security and meet local demand, while reducing dependence on imported rice. "Currently, Sabah produces only about 22.8 per cent of its rice needs, resulting in heavy reliance on imports," he said at the launch of the board and Agrobank's Padi Planting Takaful Scheme here today. His speech was delivered by Deputy Chief Minister I and Sabah's Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry, Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan. Hajiji called on relevant state agencies to extend full cooperation to the board, which will take over the development and management of padi cultivation from the Department of Agriculture starting this year, and serve as the regulatory body for both areas moving forward. Hajiji said the state government will focus on the development and management of padi cultivation across the key districts of Kota Marudu, Tuaran, Tambunan, Keningau, Papar, and Kota Belud, which collectively cover 22,218.35ha, involving 16,018 farmers. He added that the government is also implementing several other initiatives, such as promoting hill padi cultivation, thus urging hill landowners to utilise their land to cultivate high-quality rice varieties. "It is estimated that 13,266ha, or 32,767 acres, of hill land are suitable for padi cultivation, involving 15,617 farmers," he said, adding that if fully developed, these areas have the potential to yield up to 30,424 metric tonnes of hill padi annually. Drawing a comparison to Sarawak's well-known Bario rice, Hajiji said Sabah has its own distinctive hill padi varieties as well, such as Adan rice from Long Pasia, Sipitang, as well as those from Ranau, Kudat, and Pitas, which are gaining popularity. "I assure you that the state government remains fully committed to revitalising idle padi fields and increasing local rice production," he said, calling on government-linked companies to develop their unused land for the purpose. Meanwhile, Hajiji encouraged farmers to take advantage of the Padi Planting Takaful Scheme, which provides insurance protection. Under the scheme, Malaysian padi farmers aged 18 and above, cultivating in designated areas, registered under the Federal Government Fertiliser Scheme, and holding an Agrobank account, will be covered against crop damage caused by natural disasters, pests and diseases. – BERNAMA
Borneo Post
10-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah Padi and Rice Board launched to enhance self-sufficiency level Level
Jeffrey visiting the exhibition booths. Also present is Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Arthur J Kurup.-Information Department photo KOTA BELUD (May 10): The Sabah Padi and Rice Board (LPBS) has been officially launched with the primary objective of achieving the State Government's target of increasing the food self-sufficiency level (SSL) of 30 percent by next year and 60 percent by 2030. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said various initiatives will be implemented through the revival of LPBS to ensure Sabah's food security, meeting the people's food demands and reduce dependence on rice imports. 'Currently, Sabah can only produce about 22.8 percent of its local rice, resulting in a high dependence on imported rice supplies to meet demand,' he said. He added LPBS will take over all development and management of padi from the State Agricultural Department starting this year. 'In addition, LPBS has also been tasked as the regulator for the development and management of padi. Therefore, I want all relevant state agencies to give full cooperation to LPBS,' he said at the launching of LPBS and Agrobank Padi Cultivation Takaful Scheme (STTP) at the Datuk Musbah Jamli Hall, here on Saturday. Deputy Chief Minister I/Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan delivered his speech. To boost SSL, he said the State Government will focus on the development and management of padi in six districts, namely Kota Marudu, Tuaran, Tambunan, Keningau, Papar and Kota Belud. The total area of padi fields in these districts is 22,218.35 hectares or 55,879 acres, involving 16,018 padi farmers. In addition to reviving LPBS, Hajiji said the State Government is also implementing several other initiatives, including emphasizing hill padi cultivation. 'Therefore, I call on all hill landowners to develop their land with high-quality hill padi cultivation. It is estimated that 13,266 hectares or 32,767 acres of hill land are suitable for padi cultivation, involving 15,617 farmers,' he said. The Chief Minister said if fully developed, this area has the potential to produce 30,424 metric tons of hill rice annually. Like Sarawak, famous for its Bario rice, Sabah too has its own hill rice variety, namely the Adan rice from Long Pasia, Sipitang, as well as from Ranau, Kudat, and Pitas, which have gained popularity in the local market, he said. Hajiji also urged government-linked companies (GLCs) to develop their idle land for padi cultivation. 'I assure that the State Government remains committed to developing idle padi fields and boosting padi yields and local rice the production,' he said. Hajiji called upon farmers to take advantage of the Padi Cultivation Takaful Scheme that protect padi planters in the country. Under this scheme, padi farmers who are Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above, farming in designated areas, registered under the Federal Government Fertilizer Scheme, with an Agrobank account, will be protected for crop damage due to natural disasters, pest attacks and diseases.
