Patna

Patna is the capital of Bihar State, located on the Ganges River downstream from Varanasi. It gives its name to a large category of long-grain rices. To some, basmati is a subcategory of Patna rice; to others, Patna is a less prized cousin of basmati. In any case, rice labeled “Patna” is a satisfactory substitute for basmati as a plain rice or in pulaos or biryanis. It is widely available in South Asian grocery stores.