Popular Onigiri Fillings: Classic to Creative Recipes You Can Make in HCMC

Onigiri is the most beloved everyday rice dish for Japanese people. Simple yet endlessly versatile, you can enjoy countless variations just by changing the filling. Even living in Ho Chi Minh City, you can make authentic onigiri as long as you have Japanese rice.

In this article, we rank 10 onigiri fillings, from classic Japanese favorites to creative options using ingredients you can find right here in HCMC.

Choosing Japanese Rice for Better Onigiri

The best Japanese rice for onigiri is a variety with strong stickiness that stays moist even when cooled. Koshihikari and Akitakomachi offer a great balance of stickiness and sweetness, making them ideal for onigiri.

Vietnamese indica rice (long-grain) is difficult to shape into onigiri, so the key is to use Japanese short-grain rice (Japonica). You can order the right rice for onigiri through the Farmi app.

Top 10 Popular Onigiri Fillings

No. 1: Salmon (Shake)

The ultimate classic that consistently tops onigiri rankings in Japan. Simply flake grilled salmon and mix it into the rice for a burst of savory, umami flavor. You can find salmon through Farmi in HCMC too.

No. 2: Tuna Mayonnaise

Its popularity comes from the simplicity of mixing canned tuna with mayonnaise. Loved by both kids and adults. Canned tuna is easy to find at supermarkets in HCMC.

No. 3: Umeboshi (Pickled Plum)

A traditional Japanese onigiri filling. The sourness and saltiness pair perfectly with rice. Umeboshi also has preservative properties, making it a safe choice for packed lunches in HCMC's hot weather.

No. 4: Kombu Tsukudani (Simmered Kelp)

Sweet and savory simmered kelp pairs wonderfully with rice. Just use store-bought kombu tsukudani as filling, making it a quick option even on busy mornings.

No. 5: Mentaiko and Tarako

A popular filling with an addictive spicy kick and saltiness. A bit harder to find in HCMC, but you may come across it in Farmi's frozen food section.

No. 6: Grilled Tarako

A filling made from grilled and flaked fresh tarako. Less spicy than mentaiko and easy for children to enjoy.

No. 7: Okaka (Bonito Flakes with Soy Sauce)

A simple filling of bonito flakes tossed in soy sauce. It captures the essential umami of Japanese cuisine in a small package. One of the easiest fillings to make if you have bonito flakes and soy sauce.

No. 8: Shrimp Mayo (HCMC-Style Twist)

Fresh shrimp is affordable and easy to get in HCMC. Boil the shrimp, toss with mayonnaise, and you have a luxurious upgrade from tuna mayo onigiri. A creative twist that makes the most of what HCMC has to offer.

No. 9: Yakiniku (Grilled Meat)

A clever idea to use leftover yakiniku from the previous night's dinner as an onigiri filling. The sweet and savory marinated meat with rice makes for a filling, satisfying onigiri.

No. 10: Cheese Okaka

A kid-favorite creative filling that mixes finely diced processed cheese into okaka. The richness of cheese combined with the umami of bonito flakes makes for a satisfying bite.

Tips for Shaping Onigiri Well

There are a few key points to making delicious onigiri.

• Wet your hands: Moisten your hands with water and apply a little salt before shaping so the rice doesn't stick
• Don't squeeze too hard: Two to three light squeezes are enough. Pressing too hard crushes the rice and ruins the texture
• Let the rice cool slightly: Allow freshly cooked rice to cool a bit before shaping. This also prevents burns
• Use plastic wrap: If you're not comfortable using bare hands, plastic wrap keeps things hygienic and makes shaping easier

Carrying Onigiri in HCMC: Things to Watch Out For

HCMC temperatures exceed 30°C year-round. Keep these points in mind when carrying onigiri.

• Carry in an insulated lunch bag
• Keep nori separate and wrap just before eating (to prevent sogginess)
• Onigiri with umeboshi or extra salt spoils less quickly
• Ideally, eat within 3 to 4 hours of making

Order Japanese Rice and Onigiri Ingredients on Farmi

Japanese rice and all the essential ingredients for onigiri can be ordered through the Farmi app. Search and order in Japanese, with refrigerated delivery to your door.

• Product ID 10084: Japanese short-grain rice perfect for onigiri. Sticky and delicious even when cooled
• Product ID 6397: Seasonings for flavoring onigiri and preparing fillings

Summary

With Japanese rice, you can easily make onigiri right here in HCMC. From classic salmon and tuna mayo to HCMC-inspired shrimp mayo, the possibilities for fillings are endless. Start with your favorite filling and give it a try.

Download the Farmi app and discover Japanese rice perfect for onigiri. You can enjoy the onigiri culture of Japan even in HCMC.

Note: This article and some images were created with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team before publication.