As an expert in food and taste, I can confidently say that rice cakes do taste like rice. However, there are a few factors that can influence the taste and texture of rice cakes.
To begin with, rice cakes are made from pounded rice, which gives them their signature taste. Pounded rice has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that is characteristic of many rice-based dishes. This flavor is present in all rice cakes, regardless of the specific variety of rice used.
That being said, the texture of rice cakes can vary depending on their shape and size. Thin slices of rice cakes tend to be less chewy and have a softer texture. They may almost melt in your mouth, providing a delicate and light eating experience. On the other hand, larger cylindrical rice cakes are typically denser and have a more substantial chewiness. These types of rice cakes require more effort to bite into and have a satisfyingly chewy texture.
It’s important to note that while the taste of rice cakes may not vary much, the experience of eating them can be quite different depending on the shape and size. Some people prefer the softer, melt-in-your-mouth texture of thin rice cakes, while others enjoy the more substantial chewiness of larger ones.
In my personal experience, I have tried various types of rice cakes from different cultures and cuisines. In Korean cuisine, for example, there are rice cakes called tteok that come in different shapes and sizes. The cylindrical tteok, known as garaetteok, is often used in dishes like tteokbokki, a spicy rice cake dish. The chewy texture of garaetteok adds a satisfying element to the overall dish. On the other hand, thin slices of tteok are commonly used in soups and stir-fries, providing a softer and more delicate texture.
To summarize, while rice cakes do taste like rice, their texture can vary significantly depending on their shape and size. Thin slices tend to be less chewy, while larger cylindrical rice cakes have a more toothsome chewiness. The specific shape of a rice cake can greatly impact the overall eating experience, providing different levels of texture and enjoyment.