In the daily meals of many Vietnamese families, Mr. Cua’s ST25 rice has become a household name. This rice variety, with its subtle aroma wafting from the pot, adds warmth to every meal. But ST25 rice is more than just a daily staple; behind its long, translucent, and tender grains lies the story of a Vietnamese rice strain recognized internationally as the “world’s best rice.”
Developed by engineer Hồ Quang Cua over many years in Sóc Trăng, this rice variety boasts long, translucent grains without the silvery belly. When cooked, the rice is soft, tender, and slightly chewy, retaining its cohesiveness even when cooled. Its aroma is delicate, with hints of pandan leaves and young green rice, creating a unique fragrance that makes ST25 rice not only delicious but also luxurious in taste.
ST25 rice embodies the Vietnamese spirit of reaching global heights, consistently winning international competitions. It first claimed the “World’s Best Rice” title in 2019 at The Rice Trader’s event in Manila, Philippines. This victory was repeated in 2023 and 2025, marking the third time ST25 rice has been honored at the World Rice Conference, sharing the title with Cambodia’s Phka Romdoul rice.
International acclaim for ST25 rice has brought intellectual property challenges. Just months after winning the 2019 global title, numerous domestic and foreign companies filed for trademark protection of the ST25 name, sparking a prolonged battle to safeguard the brand and its rights. Engineer Hồ Quang Cua faced issues like rice strain infringement and rebranding. His company spent tens of thousands of euros in Europe to test and prove the authenticity of the ST25 strain.
To address this, the “Mr. Cua’s ST25 Rice” brand was established. According to Mr. Cua, only the ST25 rice strain is exclusively protected, while rice produced from this strain is a shared product, requiring a unique trademark for exclusivity. The “Mr. Cua’s ST25 Rice” brand is now legally protected in the U.S., UK, EU, Hong Kong, China, Australia, and Vietnam.
Today, Mr. Cua’s ST25 rice is widely available in markets, supermarkets, and distributors nationwide, priced between 100,000 and over 200,000 VND per box, depending on the type and weight. With its distinctive flavor and consistent quality, ST25 rice is not only a daily staple but also a testament to Vietnamese dedication and passion. Each grain of Mr. Cua’s ST25 rice offers a warm, familiar experience, solidifying the value of Vietnamese rice on the global stage.
Mr. Cua’s ST25 Rice Products
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