Being in the food business has its perks and a few drawbacks. The biggest perk? I get to try all kinds of delicious food sent my way. The downside? I have to watch how much I eat—otherwise, it’s easy to end up on the road to obesity and health issues. Nobody wants that! So, I’m careful. I’ve been on a diet for as long as I can remember. My approach is simple: I don’t eat rice. But I do have other carbs like bread, pasta, and noodles. Doesn't work! Lately, I’ve found that cutting out carbs entirely is the trick. Bingo! That’s the formula for someone to lose weight—or at least keep it steady.

I’ve gotten so used to eating without rice that people are shocked when I manage to enjoy Filipino food without it. Don’t get me wrong; I love rice. To me, rice is life.
One day, I was talking to Bong, who told me about a Japanese creation called shirataki rice. It looks like rice, tastes like sticky rice, but is low in carbs, zero sugar, and very low-calorie. A friend gave me a pack, and I tried it with tender gizzard adobo and scrambled eggs. I almost cried; it was that good. Finally, I could have “rice.” The texture was like sticky rice—no guilt included. I was thrilled!

When my shirataki rice ran out, I asked my friend Shela where to buy more. She pointed me to Jeddar’s Greendahan, a store importing shirataki rice, noodles, and much more. It even has a tiny restaurant where they serve the products they sell. I chatted with one of the owners and learned something important: the dry version of shirataki rice has nearly the same calories as regular rice because starch is added to make it firmer. The owner was honest and recommended the wet version instead, so I bought four small packs at 55 pesos each. I’m a hoarder, but I wanted to make sure it was the real deal.

Last week, I had ordered four kilos of the dry version, and it didn’t taste the same as I expected. Knowing about the added starch, I decided not to use it. While at the store, I asked about their best-seller in the restaurant. The answer? Their tapsilog: wet shirataki, washed, drained, and dry-toasted in a nonstick pan, then seasoned. OMG! Masarap (Delicious)! I finished the tapa with the fried egg and my newly discovered sautéed and flavored wet shirataki rice. A winner! I left with 11 packs and intend to go back for more info—and more packs. This real shirataki rice has opened new doors for me to enjoy rice again. Many sellers on Facebook offer the dry version, but I’m no longer interested in that.

I’m thrilled with my new discovery. I’ll be back to try their other dishes. Happy eating!
Jeddar’s Greendahan is located at 55 Anonas St. in Quezon City. Tel. no. 0995-859-8139. Waze will get you there. A very interesting store—check them out!

Japan Hokkaido Food Tour: Dec. 9. Call or email Melody at 0917-624-2819 or [email protected]