How to eat convenience-store norimaki | Our editing team’s tips on neatly opening these sushi snacks!
Japan’s convenience stores are perhaps best known for onigiri (rice balls), but don’t miss out on norimaki (seaweed rolls)! Norimaki consist of a central filling, surrounded by sushi rice and wrapped in nori seaweed, and are in fact a type of sushi. Let’s take a look at some tips from our editing team, and learn the smart way to open these satisfying snacks perfectly, every time!
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A closer look at convenience store norimaki
Need to satisfy a sudden craving for a bite of sushi? Look no further than the norimaki at your nearby convenience store. They are readily available, easily affordable… but can present a puzzle to open, even for locals. You’ll find that both the nori seaweed and the rice filling are shrouded in plastic film, leaving many consumers wondering how to remove the packaging without crumbling the delicate nori.
In fact, convenience store norimaki packages are numbered for just this purpose. Once you know the trick, it’s easy to open them perfectly, every time. Choose your favorite filling, and let’s give it a try!
How to open convenience store norimaki
First, find the tab labeled #1.
Once you find it, pull firmly, all the way to the bottom, to completely remove the strip.
Opening the outer layer, you’ll see the rice inside. The rice is also covered in film, so open it gently along the top and bottom.
Find tab #3, then, while holding the rice in your other hand, gently and carefully pull the film to remove.
Next, roll the rice over to the exposed side of the nori, then remove the film from the opposite side, revealing the remainder of the nori.
Once the film has been completely removed, gently wrap the nori around the rice, and enjoy a delicious bite of sushi!
Editors’ Picks: Our favorite convenience store norimaki flavors
Natto maki 納豆巻 Natto maki
The filling stands out, with each individual grain of natto (sticky fermented soybean) holding its own. A konbu dashi (kelp stock) based seasoning further brings out rich umami flavor. The classic, gentle flavor of natto maki is popular among norimaki aficionados and welcoming to first-timers alike.
商品名：北海道産大豆の納豆巻
“Sea Chicken” (Tuna) Mayonnaise シーチキンマヨ Shichikin mayo
While the mayonnaise is extra rich, the overall flavor profile is light and inviting. The addition of soy sauce gives a distinctly Japanese touch. If you enjoy mayonnaise, you’re sure to love this norimaki.
商品名：シーチキンマヨネーズ
Negitoro maki ネギトロ Negitoro
This norimaki includes wasabi, bringing a hint of heat and a touch of freshness to your nostrils after each bite. Personally, we preferred just a bit more soy sauce, so we’d recommend having some soy sauce handy to customize the taste to your palate.
商品名：鮪と特製たれのうまみ ねぎとろ
Please keep an eye out for our favorite norimaki the next time you visit a Japanese convenience store!
* The published information is current as of May 2023. Prices and other details are subject to change.
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