The short answer
Yes. Soak basmati for 30 minutes and sella for 1 to 2 hours. Soaking lets the grain absorb water evenly, so it cooks faster, lengthens more and breaks less. Soaking much longer than this can make basmati soft and prone to breaking.
Soaking times
| Rice | Soak |
|---|---|
| Super Kernel, 1121, Daghi | 30 minutes |
| Double steam | 45 minutes |
| Sella | 1 to 2 hours |
Can you skip soaking?
You can, but add a little more water and expect slightly shorter, less separate grains. For biryani, always soak.