Onigiri (or omusubi) is a Japanese dish made of rice pressed into cylindrical or triangle shapes, they’re then wrapped in nori and usually filled with some type of savory filling. Having started off as a portable snack to make from home, onigiri has spread to places all over the globe and can be found in almost every convenience store in Asia.
Where to Find It
If you’re like me and have spent time in an Asian country then perhaps you’ve had one or two (or twenty) onigiri in your day. It’s easy to find classic flavors like salmon, tobiko, or tempura, but it’s rare to find an onigiri that breaks from tradition. Hanamizuki Cafe in Midtown, Manhattan is one of the few places that are changing up the onigiri game.
The Japanese eatery is known for its cheap and tasty rice balls — many of which are renditions on classic Japanese flavors and dishes. Hanamizuki Cafe has nearly a dozen onigiri on their current menu so you can be sure to find something that’ll strike your fancy. They even have vegetarian options which include sweet potato and kinoko (mushroom).
My favorite onigiri is the Hawaiian, Hanamizuki Cafe’s take on a spam musubi. Their version of this easy dish is rice mixed with chili and tomato, topped with teriyaki spam. Having grown up in Hawaii this onigiri hits the spot when I’m missing home while also being original enough to make its mark in NYC. I’m thinking it’s time we forget about sushi burritos and give onigiri their time to shine.