Onigiri

Onigiri, also known as nigirimeshi or omusubi, is a popular Japanese snack and finger food. It consists of molded or pressed rice and is often filled with a salty or sour filler such as umeboshi (pickled plums), katsuobushi (dried and smoked bonito), salmon or a miso paste. The outer layer of the rice ball can be wrapped in a sheet of nori (dried seaweed), which gives the onigiri extra flavor and makes it easier to handle.

Onigiri has a long history in Japan and originally served as an easily transportable and durable food for traveling or as a quick meal. Today, onigiri are a ubiquitous food in Japan, sold in convenience stores, supermarkets and specialized onigiri stores. They are also a popular item in bento boxes and a common snack or lunch for people of all ages.

Preparing onigiri is relatively simple, but requires some technique to shape the rice firmly enough to hold its shape without being too firm or too loose. The traditional triangular shape is the most popular, although onigiri can also be made in a ball or cylinder shape.