Japan

　

・salmon・salmon flakes

Salmon is perfect for onigiri because it flakes easily and its delicate saltiness pairs well with rice.
It’s also a great source of protein and vitamins, making it a convenient way to boost your nutrition.

　

・Spicy cod roe

Mentaiko, with its spicy kick and satisfying pop, adds a delightful flavor to onigiri.
Even those who don’t typically enjoy spicy food often find themselves loving mentaiko onigiri.

　

・Tuna mayo

The creamy mayonnaise and tuna combination gives onigiri a rich and smooth flavor.
Its mild taste makes it popular with people of all ages, from young children to adults.

　

・Kelp, Kombu

Simmered kelp is another classic onigiri filling.
Its subtle sweetness and unique umami flavor pair perfectly with rice.

　

・Pickled plums

The sour and salty flavors of pickled plums can help stimulate your appetite on hot days and boost energy.
The combination of white rice and bright red pickled plums is visually appealing and delicious.
Pickled plums also pair well with other ingredients like seaweed and bonito flakes.

　

・Salt

The simple taste of plain rice allows the natural sweetness of the rice to shine through.
It’s a flavor that many Japanese find comforting and nostalgic.

　

・Tempura onigiri

The tempura batter, often soaked in a savory dipping sauce, seeps into the rice, creating a delightful flavor combination. Shrimp tempura sushi, a popular convenience store item in Japan, is a particularly indulgent treat.

　

・Bonito flakes

Bonito flakes, with their delicate aroma and the deep, rich flavor of soy sauce, are quintessential ingredients for delicious onigiri.
The traditional Japanese taste and a touch of nostalgia make them a popular choice for many onigiri lovers.

　

・Meat onigiri

Beef fillings such as kalbi (Korean-style grilled beef) and shigureni (sweet and savory meat) are also popular choices.
The juicy meet and flavorful sauce pair perfectly with rice, making it a crowd-pleaser.
One onigiri can provide a good source of protein and iron from the meat, making it an ideal energy booster.

　

・Salmon roe

The refreshing and juicy taste of soy sauce-marinated salmon roe pairs perfectly with onigiri.
It offers a taste of seafood, almost like eating an ikura donburi, making it a luxurious yet convenient snack.

10 Popular Onigiri Fillings
in the World

　

・Salmon flakes

It’s a Japanese classic that has also gained a steady following in the United States.

　

・Avocado

A favorite among health enthusiasts, its creamy texture pairs wonderfully with rice.
Given its rarity in Japan, it could potentially become the next big food trend.

　

・Tuna mayo

A staple in Japan, this combination is also a quick and popular choice in the U.S.
It seems to be enjoyed by people all over the world.

　

・Pickled plums

With its tart flavor, it’s a favorite among those familiar with Japanese food.
However, it’s an ingredient that people either love or hate.

　

・Karaage, Japanese fried chicken

With the growing popularity of Japanese cuisine, Karaage has become a favorite choice for fried chicken enthusiasts.

　

・Bacon

Its rich flavor and satisfying portion make it a popular choice, especially with rice.

　

・Cheese

The vast array of cheeses introduces a new dimension of flavor to onigiri.

　

・Eggs

It’s a staple ingredient that is always popular.

　

・Spam

A popular salty-sweet food in the U.S., it traces its roots back to Hawaii.

　

・Kimchi

Spicy and appetizing kimchi is popular among Japanese food lovers.

Summary

In this article, we’ve shared a ranking of the most popular onigiri fillings worldwide.
We hope you enjoyed learning about the diverse world of onigiri.

It was a surprise to find that while avocado and cheese fillings are popular overseas, they are not as common in Japan.

What’s your favorite onigiri filling?
Feel free to create your original onigiri based on the ranking results.