A favorite of the Japanese♡Premium rice balls available at Tokyo station
Hello everyone, have you ever eaten rice balls in Japan?
Rice balls are simple food made by molding rice and added ingredients. However, depending on the added ingredient, the complementation between it, the rice and the seaweed changes which causes different flavors in different rice balls, making rice balls intricate at the same time. To add on, the reason behind the deliciousness of rice balls sold at Japanese convenience stores is the particular attention given to the quality of the ingredients, especially so since rice balls are simple food.
Today, I will introducing a recommended rice ball specialty shop where you can taste delicious rice balls made from quality ingredients.
Momochi
Momochi is a rice ball specialty shop that currently has a chain of 4 stores in Tokyo; it started off at the Keiyo Street inside Tokyo station. The shop is distinguished by its menu which consist of rice balls made only from the best ingredients, and represent the 47 prefectures of Japan.
You will be able to buy delicious rice balls, made with local specialty ingredients of the different prefectures, which are normally not found in convenience stores. When I am nearby Tokyo station, I will always buy from Momochi if I am craving for rice balls. Next, I will be introducing 4 flavors among the many unique rice balls available at Momochi.
Aichi Prefecture [Ebiten Musu (Shrimp Tempura)]
Price：290 yen（Tax Incl.）
First on the list is the most popular Ebiten Musu; the shrimp tempura which protrudes out from the rice ball definitely makes it quite unique. The shrimp is big, firm and delicious, and a generous amount of the soy sauce based tempura sauce can be found in the rice ball, making it simply scrumptious as a whole. The portion is also greatly satisfying. Ebiten Musubi is a famous gourmet food in Aichi prefecture and I thought that it would not be available in Tokyo, however, Momochi made it available in Tokyo for everyone to enjoy♪
Tochigi Prefecture [Age Gyoza (Deep-fried dumpling)]
Price：230 yen（Tax Incl.）
It is said that there are over 200 Gyoza specialty eateries in Utsunomiya, the main city of Tochigi Prefecture. They are known as Utsunomiya Gyoza and is a must visit, at least once, for those who love Gyoza. To portray Tochigi, the Utsunomiya
Gyoza an indispensable ingredient in a rice ball. Although to be honest, I was a little surprised when I saw the deep-fried gyoza protruding from the rice ball. It is rare to find such a unique rice ball, but I can assure the taste is outstanding and very delicious!
Hiroshima Prefecture [Hiroshimana (Leafy green)]
Price：230 yen（Tax Incl.）
Hiroshimana is one of Japan’s 3 main pickled vegetables and to represent Hiroshima, this rice ball uses the big leaves of the Hiroshimana to wrap the rice ball. It is my first time seeing such a unique rice ball but I must say it is refreshing and very pretty. I would recommend this rice ball for people who like pickled vegetables.
Nagasaki Prefecture [Buta no Kakuni (Stewed pork belly)]
Price：280 yen（Tax Incl.）
In Nagasaki, [Kakuni Man] is a popular local speciality made from stewed pork belly wrapped inside a soft and fluffy steamed bun. Basing itself on the Kakuni Man, the rice ball’s main ingredient is a piece of stewed pork belly. The pork belly has a sweet and salty taste and the rice in the rice ball soaks up the juices from the pork belly, making it utterly delicious.
Has your appetite been aroused?
The standard rice balls such as salmon and cod roe can also be bought at Momochi. Since you are already in Japan, please drop by rice ball specialty stores such as Momochi to get a taste of Japan♪ I am sure you will be met with delectable discoveries!
Written by LINA