Try Japanese rice balls for an inexpensive, quick lunch or snack. Buy a few and head for the nearest park. Eat while watching the scenery and people.

A Japanese rice ball(onigiri) is triangle-shaped. They consist of rice, salt and a filling wrapped in sea weed(nori). The filling may be cooked vegetables, fish, meat or egg. Some fillings consist of pickled fruit or vegetables. Pickled plums(ume) are the favorites.

This Japanese fast food is available in convenience stores. Lawson Station, Family Mart and 7 Eleven carry the delicious treat. Onigiri-ya shops provide take-out. The convenience shops and onigiri-ya are everywhere, therefore easy to find. They play a major role in the Japanese daily life.

Japanese rice balls(onigiri) have a long history in its culture. Warriors ate the balls as a quick lunch in the 1600s. The balls were wrapped in bamboo leaves.

Budget travelers buy this traditional Japanese food. It is a cheap, portable meal. There is no reason to go hungry.

Try to make onigiri at home. Use very warm rice. Add salt to taste or diet. Place an ice cream scoop of rice in the palm of the hand. Roll the rice around the filling. Shape into a triangle. Wrap in moist seaweed(nori) and enjoy.

All ingredients are available in local large supermarkets or Asian markets.
Budget travelers visit the links for other cheap eats in Japan. Southeast Asia has several articles more than the ones listed. They are in the archives.

Sign up for the free Southeast Asia Travel newsletter. Do not miss any forthcoming articles.

“A happy thought can lift your spirits on the cloudiest days.” -Unknown

Minato Roasted Seaweed Nori Sheets

These Nori Sheets are the same that are found in the best Japanese Restaraunts across the country. Simply add your sushi rice and fillings then roll and cut and you have your own authentic sushi rolls at home. Brand Minato Size 10 Sheets Product of Korea

ID #: 4002002A Price: $2.99 Quantity: