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Rice as a snack? Nothing new about that. There's suman, rice crackers, rice bars and more. Surprisingly, there are still unexplored variants that are sure to tickle the Filipino palate. Even if you're off carbs, it's worthwhile to try a Japanese rice snack called onigiri.

Instead of converting our favorite carb into desserts or crunchy crisps, onigiri retains rice in its basic form--steamed. This is then formed in triangular or circular shapes (which is why it is sometimes referred to as a "rice ball") and wrapped with crisp nori (seaweed). A little surprise awaits you on the inside. Traditionally, salmon and pickled ume fruit are packed inside but newer types are filled with teriyaki chicken or a mix of tuna and mayo.

 

Onigiris are a surely a refreshing break from the tiring array of sandwiches, siopaos and siomais found in convenience stores. Best yet, it's easy enough to make by yourself. Get nori from Fuji Mart or any Korean grocery (if you prefer the salted kind) and rice directly from your cooker. Stay strictly Japanese by filling it with crabmeat or fresh tuna or add some Filipino flair by using adobo or asado as palaman instead.

Even with the supposed increase of rice prices by July, feasting in style is possible with this popular Japanese staple.