- ✦ Halal
- ✦ Made to order
- 🌿 Vegan
Starters & mezze
Smoked Rice
Fluffy basmati rice gently infused with traditional Syrian smoke. The perfect side.
What's inside
- Basmati rice
- Smoke
- Butter
- Spices
The story
The Most Authentic Smoked Rice in Amsterdam
Discover the warm, aromatic depth of our signature Smoked Rice – fluffy basmati grains gently infused with traditional Syrian Lebanese smoke. Known in Dutch as “Gerookte rijst,” our Smoked Rice is the ideal side for every shawarma plate, mezze platter, or family feast. Every portion of Smoked Rice at Op Saj Kareem is prepared in our Amsterdam kitchen using time-tested Syrian techniques.
Why Our Smoked Rice Stands Out
What makes our Smoked Rice different? It is the smoke. We finish freshly cooked basmati over fragrant smoke so each grain absorbs a subtle, warm aroma without ever turning bitter. The result is the rice that is fluffy on the fork, fragrant in the air, and impossible to resist scooping seconds.
Fragrant Basmati, Traditional Smoke
this side base starts with long-grain basmati, rinsed and soaked to keep every grain separate. We cook the rice gently with warm spices – bay leaf, cardamom, and cinnamon – then finish our basmati over fragrant smoke for that signature Syrian Lebanese aroma. Every bite of the rice carries the depth of a slow-cooked home kitchen.
What’s in Every this side Order
Each order of our basmati is generously portioned, fluffy, and ready to pair with any main. the rice keeps beautifully when reheated and works as a side, a base for shawarma, or a foundation for hearty stews. Many customers add this side portion to several main dishes for the perfect Levantine meal.
A Syrian Lebanese our basmati Heritage
Smoking basmati rice is a hallmark of Syrian Lebanese cooking, used to add depth to even the simplest plate. At Op Saj Kareem we honor that tradition in every portion of the rice we serve: fragrant, fluffy, and gently smoke-kissed without overpowering the grain itself.
Perfect Pairings for this side
Make it a feast! our basmati is the natural side to every shawarma plate. Pair the rice with our Chicken Shawarma Wrap, our Beef Shoarma Sandwich, or with our Kibbeh for a complete Syrian Lebanese meal.
Halal, Fresh, and Made Daily
this side is prepared fresh in our halal kitchen, never reheated from yesterday’s batch. Each our basmati order is portioned and finished with smoke when the day’s lunch service begins. That commitment to fresh the rice is why locals call ours the best this side in Amsterdam.
Order our basmati Today
Treat yourself! Order the rice for pickup in Amsterdam Noord. Whether you are pairing this side with shawarma, building a mezze platter, or feeding a hungry crowd, our basmati is fragrant, fluffy, and unmistakably authentic.
the rice FAQ
What is this side made of? our basmati is made of fragrant basmati cooked with warm spices and finished over traditional smoke.
Is the rice vegan? Yes – this side is plant-based by default.
Is our basmati halal? Yes – every the rice portion is prepared in our halal kitchen.
How long does this side keep? Refrigerate our basmati in a sealed container for up to two days, and reheat gently for the best texture.
Fresh Ingredients, Carefully Sourced
The secret behind a memorable our basmati is the quality of the grain. We use premium long-grain basmati that holds its shape after cooking and absorbs aromatics beautifully. The whole spices in the rice are toasted and ground daily. This obsession with quality is why this side tastes nothing like the plain rice you get elsewhere.
Can I reheat our basmati in the microwave? Yes – sprinkle a teaspoon of water over the rice and reheat covered for 1 to 2 minutes.
Does this side taste smoky? Yes – our basmati carries a subtle, warming smoke aroma that pairs beautifully with shawarma and grilled meats.
At Op Saj Kareem, our authentic Smoked Rice has become an Amsterdam favorite. If you love traditional Syrian Lebanese Smoked Rice, try ours today.