Japanese Onigiri [Traditional Food]

Image by ai subarasiki from Pixabay

Japanese rice balls, also known as onigiri or omusubi, are moist, chewy, and substantial. They have been a picnic staple since the 11th century, when they were first called tonjiki and were mentioned in the diaries of Lady Murasaki, the author of The Tale of Genji, which is thought to be the first novel ever written.

Still, the dish's history predates Lady Murasaki by a great deal. Before chopsticks become popularity during the Nara period, rice was rolled into small balls to make it easier to pick up and eat. Although onigiri is typically wrapped with nori seaweed, this custom dates back to the late 16th century.