Rice Kanji: Why India’s Ancient Probiotic Drink Is Trending Again

In recent years, probiotic-rich foods have gained massive popularity for their health benefits, and one traditional Indian recipe making a strong comeback is Rice Kanji. Once a humble home remedy, it’s now trending across Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, with food bloggers, nutritionists, and even celebrities sharing their versions of this refreshing probiotic drink.

From Bollywood actors like Neetu Singh, Athiya Shetty, and R. Madhavan to wellness experts like Ram Verma, many have been including Rice Kanji in their summer wellness routines to boost gut health, detox the body, and stay energized during the hot months.

What Is Rice Kanji? 🌿🍚

Rice Kanji is a simple, probiotic-rich fermented rice water, widely consumed across different parts of India. What makes it interesting is that it goes by different names in different regions, with slight variations in preparation:

• Pakhala Bhata in Odisha
• Pazham Kanji in Kerala
• Panta Bhaat in Bengal and Assam
• Neeragaram in Tamil Nadu
• Cool Rice or fermented rice water in parts of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

No matter the name, the core idea is the same — fermenting cooked rice in water to allow beneficial bacteria to grow, turning it into a natural probiotic drink.

Why Is It Trending Again?

Thanks to the growing awareness about gut health and the revival of traditional food wisdom, Rice Kanji is making waves across social media platforms. Instagram reels, YouTube shorts, and even Facebook recipe groups are filled with creators sharing easy kanji recipes, often customizing them with local flavors and toppings.

The beauty of Kanji is its simplicity — affordable, easy to make, loaded with health benefits, and perfect for the summer heat.

Top Benefits of Rice Kanji

1. Rich in Probiotics
   The fermentation process develops lactic acid bacteria, aiding digestion and balancing gut flora.
2. Natural Detoxifier
   Kanji helps eliminate toxins from the body, especially when consumed on an empty stomach.
3. Boosts Energy Naturally
   The slow release of energy from complex carbs in rice makes this drink filling and energizing.
4. Hydrating and Cooling
   Ideal for hot climates, it replenishes lost fluids and keeps the body cool from within.
5. Improves Skin Health
   A healthy gut equals glowing skin. Regular consumption may help reduce acne and promote a radiant complexion.
6. Budget-Friendly Superfood
   Unlike store-bought probiotic drinks, Rice Kanji can be prepared with leftover rice, making it cost-effective.

How to Make Rice Kanji at Home (with Tadka) ✨

Ingredients:

• ½ cup cooked rice (preferably parboiled rice)
• 2 cups water
• 2-3 tablespoons homemade curd (for extra probiotics)
• Salt to taste
• Roasted cumin powder (optional)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)

For Tempering (Tadka):

• 1 teaspoon oil or ghee
• ½ teaspoon mustard seeds
• ½ teaspoon cumin seeds (jeera)
• A pinch of asafoetida (hing)
• 8-10 curry leaves
• Finely chopped onion (optional)

Method:

• Transfer the cooked rice to a clean clay pot, glass jar, or stainless steel container.
• Add 2 cups of water and cover loosely.
• Let it ferment at room temperature for 8-12 hours (overnight works best).
• The next morning, blend the fermented rice-water mixture until smooth.
• Add homemade curd, salt to taste, cumin powder, and chopped onions (if using). Mix well.
• In a small pan, prepare the tadka by heating oil/ghee, adding mustard seeds, cumin seeds, hing, curry leaves, and onions (if using). Let it crackle.
• Pour the hot tadka over the prepared kanji, stir, and enjoy this nutritious probiotic drink.

Why Celebrities Love It

Bollywood celebrities who maintain demanding schedules often rely on traditional recipes like Kanji for sustained energy and improved digestion. Its probiotic content supports glowing skin, better metabolism, and overall well-being — making it a trusted choice among fitness enthusiasts.

Final Thoughts

Rice Kanji is more than just an age-old home remedy — it’s a superfood with deep Indian roots, now celebrated by both nutritionists and celebrities. With its growing presence on social media platforms like Instagram and YouTube, more people are rediscovering this nutritious, gut-friendly recipe.

If you’re looking for a natural probiotic boost this summer, give Rice Kanji a try — your gut (and skin) will thank you.