Six irresistible ways to enjoy rice cakes: Sweet, savoury and Kenyan-inspired
Discover simple, healthy, and delicious ways to transform plain rice cakes into snacks and meals you’ll actually crave.
Whether you like them sweet, savoury, or somewhere in between, these crunchy discs make the perfect base for quick, healthy snacks.
But before diving into topping ideas, let’s take a moment to understand what rice cakes are, where they come from, and how they’re made.
Rice cakes are puffed or compressed discs made from whole grains of rice, usually brown or white. They’re low in fat, naturally gluten-free, and often used as a lighter alternative to bread or biscuits.
Their origins trace back to Asia, where rice has been a staple for thousands of years. In Korea and Japan, traditional rice cakes—known as tteok and mochi—are soft, chewy treats made from pounded glutinous rice.
However, the modern crisp rice cake was first developed in the United States in the 1980s as a healthy, low-calorie snack and quickly gained global popularity.
How rice cakes are made
The process is surprisingly simple. Whole grains of rice are placed under high heat and pressure in a special mould. When the pressure is suddenly released, the moisture inside each grain expands rapidly, causing the rice to puff and stick together.
The result? A light, crunchy disc with that familiar “pop” texture.
Some varieties are made with added salt or multigrain blends—such as corn, millet, or quinoa—while others are coated with flavours like caramel, sesame, or seaweed.
Why Kenyans love them
Rice cakes have become a go-to snack for those seeking a balance between convenience and nutrition. They’re easy to store, portable, and pair beautifully with both local and international ingredients—from eggs to peanut butter.
Here are six simple ways to enjoy them:
1. The classic: Peanut butter and banana
A timeless combo that never fails. Spread a generous layer of smooth or crunchy peanut butter on your rice cake, then top with sliced banana. Sprinkle with a touch of cinnamon or drizzle of honey for extra warmth and sweetness. It’s a great post-workout snack packed with protein, fibre, and natural energy.
2. Avocado smash with chilli flakes
You can never go wrong with avocado—and Kenyan avocados are among the best in the world. Mash one with a pinch of salt, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of chilli flakes. Spread it thickly over your rice cake, and top with a few tomato slices or a poached egg if you fancy something heartier. Perfect for breakfast or a quick lunch at your desk.
3. Sukuma and feta power stack
For a savoury twist that feels more like a meal than a snack, sauté some finely chopped sukuma wiki (collard greens) with garlic, then crumble a bit of feta cheese on top. Pile this mixture onto a rice cake for a delicious balance of earthy greens and creamy saltiness. It’s healthy, iron-rich, and very Kenyan.
4. Sweet tooth delight: yoghurt and berries
Top your rice cake with a spoonful of thick Greek yoghurt (or plain local yoghurt), then scatter over a handful of berries—strawberries, blueberries, or even diced pawpaw and mango if you’re keeping it tropical. Add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of granola for a satisfying crunch. Perfect for curbing those mid-afternoon sugar cravings without the guilt.
5. Spicy tuna and cucumber crunch
Mix a small tin of tuna with a touch of mayonnaise, a dash of lemon juice, and a few drops of hot sauce. Spread it onto a rice cake and top with thin cucumber slices and a sprinkle of black pepper. It’s light but protein-packed—ideal for anyone trying to stay fuelled through the Nairobi traffic marathon.
6. Chocolate lovers’ fix
Melt a few squares of dark chocolate and spread it thinly over your rice cake. Let it cool for a few minutes until slightly firm, then sprinkle a little sea salt or crushed roasted peanuts on top. It’s indulgent yet surprisingly guilt-free—a perfect evening treat.
If you find plain rice cakes a bit bland, try flavoured varieties such as lightly salted, sesame, or multigrain. You can also brush them with a little olive oil and pop them in the oven for a few minutes to crisp them up again.
Rice cakes are what you make of them—quick, portable, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re snacking at the office in Westlands, studying in Mombasa, or grabbing something light before your evening walk, these ideas prove you can turn a simple rice cake into something delightfully delicious.
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