Poongar is a traditional Tamil red rice, written பூங்கார். It has no separate English name; it is sold as poongar red rice. It is a medium, reddish, unpolished grain that cooks softer and faster than mappillai samba, and it makes good idli, dosa and kanji.
In Tamil Nadu it is often called a women's rice, because families have traditionally cooked it for girls coming of age and for new mothers.
What is poongar like to eat?
Soft, slightly sweet and mild, with a red bran layer that stays on because it is unpolished. That bran gives it more fibre than polished white rice. It is easier to start with than coarser red rices.
It is a traditional rice, not a medicine. If you are managing a health condition, talk to your doctor or dietitian before changing your diet.
How to cook poongar rice
- Wash 1 cup rice gently 2 to 3 times; keep the red bran.
- Soak 4 to 6 hours.
- Water ratio: 1 cup rice to 3½ cups water.
- Pressure cook 4 to 5 whistles on medium flame, or cook open for about 30 minutes and drain.
- Rest 10 minutes before serving.
Best ways to eat poongar
- Poongar idli and dosa: 3 parts poongar to 1 part urad dal, ground and fermented like regular batter.
- Poongar kanji: cook very soft with extra water; serve with buttermilk or with jaggery and coconut milk.
- With sambar or kuzhambu: as everyday rice.
- Poongar payasam: cook in milk and sweeten with jaggery.
Exploring native rices? Read Karuppu Kavuni Rice: How to Cook It (and 4 Recipes) and Mappillai Samba Rice in English.
How to buy good poongar
- Look for an even reddish colour with the bran intact.
- Check it is clean and dry, with no musty smell.
- Store airtight and use within 4 to 6 months.
Buy Thinai Poongar Rice 1kg for ₹135, or browse all our heritage rices and the Swap Your White Rice collection. Other names are on our Tamil grocery names in English page.
Frequently asked questions
What is poongar rice in English?
It is a traditional Tamil red rice variety. There is no other common English name; it is sold as poongar red rice.
Why is poongar called a women's rice?
Tamil families have traditionally cooked it for girls coming of age and for new mothers, so it is known as a rice for women.
Do I need to soak poongar?
Yes, 4 to 6 hours, for a soft, even grain.
Is poongar softer than mappillai samba?
Yes. Poongar cooks softer and faster; mappillai samba is coarser and needs an overnight soak.
Can I make idli with poongar?
Yes. It is one of the most popular red rices for idli and dosa batter.