<p>Aromatic rice holds significant importance in the global rice market and is highly valued for its distinctive culinary properties. While extensive research has been conducted on its genetic diversity, quality traits, and cultivation practices, there has been no comprehensive effort to systematically map and evaluate the knowledge structure, collaboration networks, and emerging trends in aromatic rice research. This study fills that gap by conducting a bibliometric analysis of 842 articles published between 1976 and 2022 in the Web of Science database. The objective of this work is to provide an in-depth quantitative and qualitative assessment of the evolution, hotspots, and influential contributors in the field of aromatic rice. The analysis revealed an average annual growth rate of 10.14% in publications, reflecting a steady increase in research interest. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research, Kasetsart University (Thailand), and South China Agricultural University emerged as the most prolific institutions, while leading journals included the Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, and Cereal Chemistry. Keyword analysis highlighted “aromatic rice” and “volatile compounds” as the dominant themes shaping the research landscape. Looking ahead, future studies should move beyond descriptive analyses of aroma-related compounds to focus on advanced breeding strategies, genomics-assisted improvement, and hybrid genotype development to enhance both grain quality and global competitiveness. This study provides a valuable knowledge base, offering strategic insights to guide future research directions and commercialization efforts in aromatic rice.</p>