＊You can also read this article in Korean and Taiwanese. Please click on the links below.오니기리(쌀공)란 무엇인가? 속, 모양, 문화적 중요성에 대한 맛있는 탐구什麼是飯糰？一場關於餡料、形狀和文化意義的美味探索Go to Featured Articles Top PageWhat is a Japanese Onigiri (Rice Ball)?A Small Bite of Great Happiness: the Ultimate Delicacy of Japanese OnigiriJapanese rice balls are called "Onigiri" in Japanese, and the original Japanese meaning of this name is "to pinch with both hands". Imagine that the warm and delicious rice is pinched into cute triangles or cylinders in your hands, and a layer of crispy seaweed is wrapped on the outside. Doesn't it make people want to take a bite immediately?The charm of Japanese Onigiri lies in their simple yet rich taste. Although the filling may be added with delicious ingredients such as pickled plums, salmon, dried bonito or mentaiko, the size of the rice balls is always kept moderate, which is both satisfying and not burdensome to the stomach. This design makes rice balls one of the indispensable delicacies in the daily life of Japanese people.You may have seen it in Japanese TV dramas or Japanese anime: Whether it is for the cherry blossom feast in spring, the outing in summer, or the sports meeting in autumn and winter, the Japanese always bring Onigiri with them and enjoy the fun of sharing good times with family and friends. It can be seen that Onigiri in Japan are not only a kind of food, but also a symbol of warm memories.Moreover, Onigiri can be very simple to make and do not take up much space, so they are easy to carry, which makes them an ideal food choice for all occasions. Whether it is a picnic in the park or a busy weekday, the Onigiri is not only delicious but also convenient.In this fast-paced modern life, Japanese Onigiri are still loved by Japanese people and even overseas tourists for their unique flavor and convenient characteristics. It is not only a representative of traditional Japanese food culture, but also a symbol of warmth and sharing. Next time you are going out, you might as well try to bring some rice balls with you and let this delicious food accompany you through a pleasant day.Japanese Onigiri and SushiIn the world of Japanese cuisine, Onigiri and sushi are two popular stars. Although they are both based on rice, they show completely different styles. So please do not confuse them.First of all, their shapes are different. Japanese Onigiri are usually pinched into triangles, cylinders or cubes. Although they look plain at first glance, they have a kind of "honest" cuteness. Sushi, on the other hand, likes to take the long route, usually wrapped in seaweed, giving people a sense of refinement and elegance. To use our human analogy, Japanese rice balls are like a kind old friend, while sushi is an elegant gentleman, each with its own charm.Next is the way the rice is processed. Japanese Onigiri use ordinary white rice, which is usually cooked and seasoned with some seasonings, such as vinegar, sugar and salt. The taste is simple but very delicious. In contrast, sushi rice is a special short-grain rice that is carefully seasoned and processed to have a more sticky taste.Then let's talk about their size. Generally speaking, Japanese Onigiri are much larger than sushi, and are synonymous with "satiety". Sushi, on the other hand, is small and exquisite, and you can eat one in one bite without any pressure. This difference allows them to play their own roles in different occasions. For example, Japanese Onigiri are suitable for a relaxing picnic or outing, while sushi is suitable for exquisite and formal banquets.Japanese Onigiri and sushi are like two different works of art. Although they are from the same root (the raw materials are both rice), they have their own unique charm. Whether it is a leisurely outdoor picnic or a high-end Japanese restaurant, Japanese Onigiri and sushi can both satisfy your appetite!From Triangles to Circles: The Shapes of Japanese OnigiriSpeaking of the shape of Japanese Onigiri, I believe many people will first think of the triangular shape. Although Japanese Onigiri do appear in other shapes, such as cubes, spheres, straw bags and oblate, the triangle is still the most common shape in the Japanese Onigiri world. So it seems that triangular Japanese Onigiri are now the most popular!So the question is, why is the triangle so popular? First of all, it is because the process of making the triangle shape is relatively simple, easy to operate, and time-saving and labor-saving. You can either pinch the triangle shape by hand, or directly use a triangular mold to fill the rice, and then gently pinch it with your hands to form a soft Onigiri. There are almost no technical requirements. Everyone can do it! Moreover, the three corners of the triangle are very convenient to eat and very easy to eat, so many people are used to eating the three corners of the Japanese Onigiri first and enjoying the rich taste. In addition, the triangular design also provides excellent stability. Its flat edges allow Onigiri to be placed firmly on the plate, making them easy to carry and share, which is why Onigiri often appear in outdoor occasions such as outdoor picnics.Of course, the shape of Onigiri is not uniform across the country. As mentioned above, although triangular Onigiri are the mainstream, it is said that spherical and oblate Onigiri are also popular in the Tohoku region, while the Kansai region prefers straw bag-shaped Onigiri. Every place and even every family has its own little preference, which is also a reflection of the diversity of Japanese food culture.From a cultural perspective, the triangular Japanese Onigiri actually have a deeper and more sacred meaning. According to the Ishikawa Prefecture Shrine Office, the triangle shape of the Onigiri symbolizes the shape of a mountain where gods exist. In Japan, when offering rice and salt, they are usually piled into the shape of a mountain, which is not only a reverence for nature, but also a worship of gods. Therefore, making Onigiri into triangles seems to condense the sacred power of nature into Onigiri.It can be seen that the triangular Japanese Onigiri have their unique charm, both in terms of practicality and cultural symbolism. Next time you pick up or enjoy a Japanese Onigiri, think about the story and history behind it and experience an intimate contact with Japanese culture!Why Do Japanese Onigiri Need to be Wrapped with Seaweed?In Japan, Onigiri is a delicious and classic portable food. The conspicuous dark seaweed on the outside is definitely not added casually. There are several reasons behind it!First of all, the addition of the outermost layer of seaweed will make Onigiri look richer and more delicious visually. Just like many people consider appearances to be extremely important when looking for a partner, when we eat, the appearance of food is sometimes an important factor in choosing food. If it is just a simple white rice ball, some people may feel that it is too simple or even monotonous, but if a piece of seaweed is added around it, it will suddenly become more visually effective, and it looks delicious and appetizing.Secondly, the main ingredient of Japanese Onigiri is sticky rice. If you pick it up and eat it directly, it is easy to get rice grains on your hands, which is unhygienic and inconvenient. However, once it is protected by the outer layer of seaweed, it will be much cleaner and more convenient to eat. You can easily enjoy the deliciousness of Onigiri without worrying about getting rice on your hands. This can be said to be a double harvest of "deliciousness and hygiene".Of course, the combination of seaweed and Onigiri is also a perfect combination in terms of taste. The fragrant rice and the salty seaweed are intertwined, making people want to eat one bite after another. For example, Japan's seaweed bento is a simple but popular delicacy. It can be seen that the fixed combination of rice and a piece of seaweed can satisfy the taste buds of many people.However, Onigiri might not necessarily have to be wrapped with seaweed. Everyone has their own unique taste and method. So of course, seaweed can be omitted in the method of making Onigiri, and it will still be delicious. Different ingredients and recipes have different tastes, and the key lies in personal preference. Whether it is traditional seaweed Onigiri or creative seaweed-free Onigiri, people can feel the deliciousness of this Japanese cuisine.Therefore, the addition of the outermost layer of seaweed brings visual appeal, hygienic enjoyment and rich taste to Japanese Onigiri, making this seemingly simple food more perfect.How to Eat and Make Japanese Onigiri After introducing so many interesting things about Japanese Onigiri, you must be eager to try it yourself or even make this delicious Japanese food! So, let's discuss how to eat and make it!The way to eat Japanese Onigiri is actually very simple. First, pick up an Onigiri wrapped in seaweed (of course, it is also applicable without seaweed), take a bite, and you can feel the aroma of rice and the taste of fillings blending in your mouth. You can choose to start from any of the corners and enjoy the rich taste of each bite. Rice balls are not only suitable for eating alone, but also can be paired with some soy sauce or pickles to enhance the flavor and enrich the taste.The method of making Japanese Onigiri is actually not difficult as well. However, if you want to make delicious Onigiri, you must first choose good rice. Japanese people often use short-grain rice, such as Tohoku rice or Kansai rice. This kind of rice has good water absorption, and the cooked rice is fragrant and has a very sticky taste. If you use overnight rice, it is also possible, but it is best to pinch it while it is hot. Cold rice is more difficult to shape, and it may collapse as soon as it is made. It should also be noted that for new rice, the ratio of water to rice is best controlled at about 1:1; for old rice, more water should be added so that the cooked rice can be soft and not sticky.There are many kinds of fillings for Japanese Onigiri, such as bonito, plums, eels, and vegetable stems. And you can also add some seasonings according to your personal taste, such as soy sauce or mirin, which can make Onigiri more delicious.When wrapping Japanese Onigiri, remember to wash your hands with boiled water and dip your palms in water so that the rice grains are not easy to stick to your hands. Then you can evenly wrap the rice around the fillings to ensure that every bite has rich fillings. Finally, you can use wet hands to pinch Onigiri again to make it more compact and prevent it from falling apart.As we said before, although many Japanese Onigiri are triangular, they can also be made into other shapes, such as heart-shaped, square or round. We can also use seaweed, sesame seeds, carrot shreds and other ingredients to further decorate, making Onigiri both beautiful and delicious.It can be seen that making Japanese Onigiri is an endless fun experience. From choosing rice to wrapping fillings, every step is full of creative possibilities. So why not try it yourself!A Guide to Onigiri Varieties and Tasty FillingsJapanese Onigiri are small and cute, not only easy to carry, but also can be prepared with various fillings according to personal taste, which is really addictive.According to the survey, the most popular Onigiri fillings are Mentaiko (spicy cod roe) and Tarako (cod roe). The salty aroma and subtle texture of these two seafood sub-types have won the hearts of many diners, especially among young women. These two flavors are often popular, selected as the preferred flavor of Onigiri. Following closely is the classic trout (also known as salmon), whose umami and salty flavor complement the rice and leave many diners craving for more. Tuna salad (mixed with tuna and mayonnaise) is also extremely popular among young people because of its simplicity, ease of eating and delicate taste.Interestingly, different age groups have different preferences for Onigiri. For example, those in their 20s prefer the tuna mayo flavor, while those in their 30s tend to choose salmon. This seems to reflect their different expectations of taste and food experience.Apart from these popular flavors, there are many traditional Onigiri fillings worth mentioning. For example: Umeboshi (pickled plum) flavor: This sour Umeboshi is a traditional Japanese condiment. Its fresh taste adds a unique flavor to Onigiri, which is especially suitable for eating in the hot summer. In addition, Kombu Onigiri are also classic: Kombu sauce made from kelp is salty, delicious and rich in minerals, making it popular among health-conscious diners.In addition to these classic Onigiri fillings, in recent years, various creative flavors have appeared on the market, such as Onigiri rolled with Yakiniku (barbecued meat) and fried shrimp Onigiri, which add freshness to traditional Onigiri. In addition, when many people choose Onigiri, in addition to the fillings, the quality, price and taste of the rice after cooling are also important considerations.In short, whether it is the classic Mentaiko, delicious salmon, or the lovely tuna mayonnaise, there are different stories and emotions behind each taste. Next time you enjoy a delicious Japanese Onigiri, think about the rich culture and emotions behind it!Where to Enjoy Authentic Japanese Onigiri The easiest and most straightforward way to taste authentic Japanese Onigiri is to go to Onigiri specialty stores and Japanese restaurants, or convenience stores and supermarkets in Japan. For example, convenience stores such as 7-11, Lawson and FamilyMart, as well as large supermarket chains such as Don Quijote, almost all offer fresh Onigiri. There are many types of Onigiri in these places, from classic plums and bonito to seasonal flavors, and the choice is dizzying.If you want to experience a more traditional taste and a fresher taste, you might as well go to some specialized Japanese Onigiri stores or Japanese restaurants (we can add the names and links of our partner restaurants here). These stores usually use high-quality rice and fresh fillings, and the handmade Onigiri allow you to taste the warmth and deliciousness of authentic Japanese Onigiri in one bite.Moreover, the deliciousness of Onigiri is not only the combination of rice and fillings, but the choice of drinks can also add a lot of color to your dining experience. Here are some common drinks that can be paired with Japanese Onigiri:Sake: In Japan, the combination of rice balls and sake is very classic. The mellow aroma of sake can complement the rice aroma of onigiri and enhance the overall flavor.Green tea: A cup of refreshing Japanese green tea is also a great partner for Onigiri. The fragrance and slight bitterness of green tea form a perfect balance with the taste of Onigiri, making people unable to help but eat one mouthful after another.Plum drink: If you like sweet and sour tastes, you can try plum drinks (such as plum wine or plum soda). The sweet and sour taste of this drink can well neutralize the saltiness of Onigiri and bring a refreshing taste experience. Juice: Fresh juice, especially orange juice or apple juice, can also add a touch of freshness to Onigiri, especially in hot summer, which makes people feel refreshed.Whether it is a convenience store in Japan, a special Japanese Onigiri store or a Japanese restaurant, you can easily enjoy authentic Japanese Onigiri. If you pair it with a glass of sake, green tea or plum drink, it will definitely be a feast for your taste buds. The next time you have the opportunity to go to Japan, you might as well experience this delicacy yourself. I believe you will fall in love with this simple but warm food!Let’s Find the Best Restaurants Where You Can Enjoy Delicious Onigiri!Among the restaurants we introduce, Izakayas and Japanese restaurants are the most likely places to find delicious onigiri, but not every establishment guarantees that they will serve it. If you want to enjoy authentic Onigiri in Japan, be sure to check if the menu includes Onigiri when making a reservation! Wishing you a wonderful dining experience in Japan!About the WriterThe writer is a graduate student currently studying in Japan, where they have been living for three years. With a passion for onigiri and anime, they share unique insights and experiences that highlight the richness of Japanese culture and cuisine.
