Agree! I lived in Asia for 5 years and my pouch grew quite fond of rice. And, as you suggest, mixed with a few veggies and a myriad or proteins, is incredibly flexible. The sauces -- soy, fish, oyster, etc. -- also are fine and adding ginger / garlic make it quite 'realistic'. Lastly, will sub noodles occasionally and have similar 'positive' results. I just need to keep the chilis to a minimum...