What makes jasmine rice different from "regular" rice? It always seems to taste so much better.?

I have had it several times at Thai restaurants. They don't seem to be doing anything different or adding anything. It just seems that it's because it's jasmine rice.

What makes jasmine rice different from "regular" rice? It always seems to taste so much better.?
I am a former chef and worked in the Far East, it is called that because of it floral Jasimine like aroma ( due to the fermentation process), like basmati it is a specialy cared for and treated rice, and I hate to burst the bubble of the one respondant as it is not short grain, it is a long grain style rice.





And like basmati it needs to be rinse and cooked slowly and allow to rest, for fluffy and non sticky rice, were the Japanese rice is short grained and there preference is for stickier rice and they do not rinse there rice except for sushi.
Reply:It is good! I had it for dinner the other night with some cashew chicken. Don't know why it's so amazing. Guess that's just the way it is.
Reply:Jasmine Rice from Thailand is an aromatic rice with a strong aroma and taste that is unique. It is softer, creamer, smells much better and not as starchy tasting as short grain rice- it swells lengthwise, where other rices plump in the middle. It just tastes better!!
Reply:I wondered this same question to myself tonight as I made Jasmine Rice to go with some Salmon I steamed. I do have "regular" rice in my cabinet, but I pull out the Jasmine Rice to complement certain entrees. I think its the undertone of starchy, sweetness and its texture. Its a llittle heavier than regular long grain rice, but its stickiness works toward it's character.