How to eat convenience store onigiri (rice balls) | Easily open each type perfectly, every time!

A look at convenience store onigiri

Onigiri are a Japanese-style fast food that combine rice with side dishes, in one handy package. At convenience stores, these rice balls are inexpensively and readily available around the clock. When you visit Japan, convenience store onigiri are definitely on the must-try food list.
Convenience stores offer a wide range of onigiri, from the classic with crisp nori seaweed, to sekihan (rice with adzuki beans) and other types without nori. Let’s take a look at the best way to neatly open onigiri, whichever type you prefer.

How to open the classic type of convenience store onigiri

This type of onigiri features nori and rice, separated by a layer of film. As this style is entirely wrapped in film, unwrapping can pose a challenge, even to Japanese consumers! Follow these steps to neatly remove the film and enjoy the nori seaweed in crisp perfection.

Onigiri are marked with numbers to keep things simple. Let’s take a closer look.

Don’t just pull straight down… pull all the way around to the back

First, find the tab marked with number one, and pull downward to the bottom of the onigiri.

After reaching the bottom, follow the contour as you pull around to the back. You’ll encounter a sticker on the back face which will create some resistance, but pull firmly to completely cut the film.

Pull gently to avoid damaging the nori

Find the tab marked with number two, and gently pull in the direction of the corner. Be careful – pulling too hard may damage the nori.

After you’ve completed the number two tab, move on to number three. Once again, gently pull this tab in the direction of the corner.

Pull the number two and three tabs to remove the film and release the perfectly crisp nori.

Gently press the nori to finish

Gently press the nori into place to enclose the rice, and your onigiri is ready to enjoy!

A trick to keep your hands clean

If you’d like to be sure that your hands stay clean, reuse the corner film as follows. Invert the number two film, and reinsert the onigiri corner into the film. Then, remove the number three film and reinsert that corner, allowing you to conveniently open the onigiri without ever directly touching it.

How to open types that are not wrapped in nori

Some types of onigiri, such as sekihan (rice with adzuki beans), tori gomoku (chicken and vegetable), and chahan (fried rice) are commonly prepared without wrapping in nori. Most of these are designed to be simply enjoyed as an individual rice dish. But, how should you hold these rice balls while you eat them? A hint lies in the method to open the packaging.

Look for the mark in the middle

When you stand up this style of onigiri, you’ll notice a marked pull tab in the middle of the top side.

Find the tab, and pull it downwards.

Once you’ve reached the bottom, stop!

Leave a bit of the film in place at the base to hold the onigiri as you eat, keeping your hands clean.

Editors’ Picks: Our favorite onigiri fillings

At a loss to choose just one of the great variety of onigiri fillings on the shelves? Here are our editors’ top recommendations to help with your choice!

Salmon　鮭　Sake 

Stuffed with grilled, slightly flaked salmon, sake (salmon) is truly a timeless classic among all onigiri fillings. With each bite, the savoriness and sweetness of the steamed rice balances perfectly with the saltiness of the salmon.
商品名：手巻おにぎり　熟成紅鮭

Tuna & Mayonnaise　ツナマヨ　Tsuna Mayo 

Who doesn’t love mayonnaise? For children and grown-ups alike, tsuna mayo is a sure-fire combination.
商品名：手巻　シーチキンマヨネーズ

Spicy Cod Roe　明太子　Mentaiko 

The hint of heat from mentaiko (spicy cod roe) keeps us coming back to this classic! A convenient way to enjoy Hakata Mentaiko, a renowned product of Fukuoka.
商品名：辛子明太子

Kelp　昆布　Konbu 

Konbu tsukudani (thinly sliced kelp simmered in sweet soy sauce) provides a toothsome texture. This longtime favorite filling also boasts plenty of nutritional value.
商品名：手巻おにぎり　北海道産日高昆布

Rice with Adzuki Beans　赤飯おこわ　Sekihan Okawa 

Mochigome (glutinous rice) gives this rice ball a pleasant springy chew. In Japan, sekihan is often served on auspicious occasions, and indeed, this rice ball stands out from the rest.
商品名：赤飯おこわおむすび

Fried Rice　チャーハン　Chahan 

Rice with a variety of toppings, such as egg and spring onions, stir-fried in oil and shaped into an onigiri. The rice does tend to come apart more easily than other types, so please be mindful when eating.
商品名：焦がし醤油チャーハン

Chicken and Vegetable　とり五目　Tori Gomoku 

The traditional Japanese dish of takikomi gohan (seasoned rice steamed together with vegetables and other ingredients), in convenient onigiri format. The fragrance of dashi (Japanese stock) will whet your appetite.
商品名：直巻おむすび　鶏ガラ醤油仕立て　とり五目

Follow these tips, and you will soon be an onigiri master. Please try all kinds of onigiri fillings during your visit to Japan!

* The published information is current as of April 2023. Prices and other details are subject to change.