Not worth the hype. Personally think that this is best for children, where they can physically play with the food and roll the rice into rice balls. With that being said, the rice is well seasoned with very yummy, crispy, tiny anchovies, seaweed and beautiful and healthy brown/purple rice. It is truly a good bowl that goes well with their sides or stews, even delicious on its own. Just minus all that fuss of mixing and rolling them into balls and eat straight from the bowl.