Kalanamak is a scented rice of India . Its name means black husk. This variety has been in cultivation since the original Buddhist period (600 BC). It is popular in Himalayan Tarai of Nepal i.e., Kapilvastu, and eastern Uttar Pradesh, where it is known as the scented black pearl. It was featured in the book Speciality rices of the world by Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

Kalanamak rice is a non-basmati rice with medium slender grain length. The aroma of Kalanamak rice is said to be Buddha's gift. It is stronger than all Basmati varieties. It elongates after cooking, which is one of its most important quality traits.