Moved to Sweden and confused by all the rice packages you’ve never seen in Japan? Or maybe you’re a foreigner who wants to taste the world’s most delicious Japanese rice right here in Sweden
No. 1: YUMEPIRIKA (from Hokkaido)
Among all the Japanese white rice I’ve tried in Sweden, Hokkaido’s premium brand Yumepirika is by far the best! With its chewy texture, subtle sweetness and satisfying bite, it makes you think, “This is how Japanese rice is supposed to taste!” You can purchase this top-quality rice at the Japanese grocery store Japanska Torget.
Product Name:
YUMEPIRIKA (Hokkaido Grown)
Where to Buy in Sweden:
Japanska Torget
Price:
5 kg for 598 SEK (as of May 2025)
Note: I haven’t tried the Nanatsuboshi Rice shown to the left in the photo, but it’s said to have a firmer, crispier texture.
And here are the rice varieties I used to love before discovering Yumepirika.
No. 2: Koshihikari (from Niigata Prefecture)
Koshihikari is one of the most famous and widely loved Japanese rice varieties.
It has a slightly chewy texture. Sushi restaurants in Sweden use it and like any Koshihikari it’s a safe choice!
Where to buy (for reference):
２K→Koshihikari Niigata 2kg
No. 3: Akitakomachi (from Akita Prefecture)
Recommended for those who enjoy a light, refreshing texture.
Where to buy (for reference):
２K→Akitakomachi Japanskt Ris 2kg
５K→Akitakomachi Japanskt Ris 5kg
No. 4: Yumenishiki (Koshihikari grown in Europe)
For those who think, “Japanese rice is just too expensive!” a great option is Koshihikari grown in Europe. This popular Japanese rice variety is cultivated in countries like Italy using traditional Japanese techniques, making it more affordable. It’s a good choice for anyone who wants to try authentic Japanese rice without the high price.
Where to buy (for reference):
１K→1kg Yumenishiki Japan
５K→5kg Yumenishiki Italien
Note: The 1kg package is made in Japan
Having lived in China and Taiwan for nearly 10 years and even backpacked in Thailand for 2 months, here’s my Japan-biased take on the differences in white rice!
Note: In China, you can find all kinds of rice, from Japanese-style rice to Thai rice, but here I’m comparing it to the standard rice served at Chinese restaurants in Sweden.
| JAPAN 🇯🇵 | CHINA & THAI 🇨🇳 🇹🇭 | |
| Appearance 👀 | It’s short-grain rice has a plump, rounded shape. Once cooked, it becomes pure white with a sparkling, diamond-like sheen. | It’s long and slender, with a slightly yellowish off-white color. When cooked, it turns dry and crumbly. |
| Texture 👄 | Chewy, moist, and sticky, making it easy to pick up a bite with chopsticks. | Not sticky and falls apart easily, making it difficult to pick up a bite with chopsticks. |
| Aroma 👃 | Mild and gentle sweetness. | A strong aroma, like that of jasmine rice. |
| 合う料理🍳 | Sushi, Onigiri, Donburi, and generally all kinds of Japanese cuisine. | Fried rice, congee, green curry, and generally all kinds of Chinese and Thai dishes. |
With rice prices rising and fewer rice farmers in Japan, it’s a bit worrying… I just hope this amazing food that makes me so happy will continue to be around for generations
I’ll share updates if I come across anything new.
This is how we make our Nordic Life Colorful! Enjoy your day!