Is it some kind of popped rice? How do you pop rice? same as popcorn or is it a different kind of rice than the usual?

Actually, I think it is not rice, but fried Soy Beans (or something similar). Atleast thats what we have had before.

I hope this is what you are thinking of....

Every week or so I drop 3-4 hands full of sesame seeds and 2-3 hands full of boiled rice in about 1 inch of oil and let it cook until aromatic. I strain the seeds and rice out with a fine mesh (metal) screen, put it in a container and pour in some sesame oil. My Thai wife loves it sprinkled on some of her food. I use it on plain jasmine rice or even cream of wheat or even in a sandwich. It has a nice crunch and is very flavorful.

It's not rice but it is fried mung bean.