Samba Rice

Samba is a traditional rice variety. The grain is short and ovular, hard, and less fluffy than other varieties when cooked. The flavor is slightly sweet and reminiscent of corn. The rice is available in two varieties, white and red. Samba has a higher content of sucrose than Nadu rice, but it's more appreciated for its flavor.

Although it's produced throughout the country, the red samba variety is more common in the south. In general, samba is used for special occasions, family celebrations, and it's also offered at the harvest festival marking the end of Maha season.