Laser is a long, glassy grain bred for plov. It keeps its shape through long cooking and soaks up the fat and spices of the zirvak without turning to mush. Ordinary short-grain rice is no good for plov: it breaks down and sticks together.
Rice & staples
Laser plov rice
Laser is the classic Uzbek plov rice: a long, glassy grain that keeps its shape through long cooking and soaks up the zirvak. The usual choice for home plov.
Laser is the plov rice you will see most often on an Uzbek counter: a long, glassy grain that keeps its shape through long cooking in a kazan (a heavy cast-iron pot) and takes up the zirvak well. At home it behaves predictably: it absorbs water evenly, does not turn to mush and keeps its aroma right through to the table.
- Origin
- Uzbekistan (Fergana Valley)
- Category
- Rice and grains
- Packaging
- 1 kg and 5 kg packs, loose from 250 g
- Shelf life
- Up to 24 months in a dry, dark place
- Certification
- Halal, certified by ALHALAL
Laser grows in the Fergana Valley and is one of the go-to varieties of Uzbek cooking: most people learn to make their first home plov with it. It takes the fried onions and carrots in its stride, keeps its structure as it cooks, and suits a 500 g batch at home just as well as a large kazan.
At Arkan Bazar in Riga you can buy it in 1 kg and 5 kg packs or loose, and the seller will weigh out exactly what you need. For plov for six to eight people, allow 1.2–1.5 kg of uncooked rice; for a family meal, 600–800 g.
While you are at the counter, it makes sense to add zira (cumin), barberries and some dried fruit (raisins or dried apricots) to the laser rice. For deeper colour and aroma, the red devzira rice sits right next to it; for everyday cooking, laser is the one we recommend.
FAQ
Laser plov rice: common questions
For 6–8 people, 1.2–1.5 kg of uncooked rice; for a family of 3–4, 600–800 g. We weigh out exactly what you need at the counter, so there is no counting packs at home.
Once the pack is open, tip the rice into an airtight container and keep it somewhere dry and dark at room temperature. It keeps for up to 24 months, but is best used within a year, while its aroma is still strong.
Yes. For a restaurant or canteen kitchen it is easier to buy in 25 kg lots. For quantities like that, write to us through the form on the website and we will agree a restocking schedule and packaging.
For plov or tea
Everything for dinner at one counter
At Arkan Bazar in Riga you can get everything for a meal in one go: rice, spices, dried fruit, flatbread and tea. Planning a family celebration or cooking for a large group? Write to us through the form in advance, and we will have your order ready on time.