If you've ever had the opportunity to travel to Japan, then you've surely noticed the rich gastronomy of the Land of the Rising Sun, whether it's dishes that require years of training to perfect, such as sushi and sashimi, or simpler but equally tasty dishes, such as onigiri.
A small, triangular or oval-shaped ball of unseasoned rice, usually wrapped in a sheet of nori seaweed,onigiri is one of the most famous and widely consumed Japanese snacks. Eaten on the go, onigiri are filled with a wide variety of recipes and ingredients, such as grilled salmon, tuna mayonnaise, mushrooms, pickled vegetables, fish roe, and marinated meats.
Easy to prepare and transport,onigiri is also considered a particularly healthy and balanced snack—it contains no fat and is ideal for a quick, tasty, and affordable lunch. In Paris,onigiri has become a staple on the menus of Japanese restaurants and izakayasin the capital over the past few years, and there are even counters and stalls entirely dedicated to these small stuffed rice balls.
So, to find out where to enjoy delicious onigiri in Paris, check out our top picks!
Ukiyo Ramen, the cozy spot serving homemade ramen in Pigalle, 9th arrondissement of Paris
Just a stone’s throw from Pigalle in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, UKIYO Ramen serves up bowls of ramen and donburi crafted with homemade noodles and flavorful broths we absolutely loved. Recently opened by the young duo Céline Li and Guillaume Lam, this vibrant eatery puts a creative twist on Japanese cuisine with style and sophistication. We went to try it out, and here’s what we discovered. [Read more]
O-Komé, quality onigiri and Japanese grocery in Saint-Germain-des-Prés
At O-Komé, onigiri are meticulously prepared, and grocery products direct from Japan are easy to take home. [Read more]
Le Renard Café, the bookshop-cafe dedicated to Japanese culture in Paris
A few steps away from the Renard Doré bookstore, in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, the Renard Café has opened, highlighting Japanese culture, between mangas, bubble tea and quality pastries. [Read more]
Mochi Mochi Aki, the new gourmet store of Aki Paris
Mochi Mochi Aki is the name of the new boutique just opened by Aki Paris. Following in the footsteps of Aki Boulangerie and Aki Café, Mochi Mochi Aki has also set up shop on rue Saint-Anne to delight fans of mochi, melon burgers and other sweet treats. Find out what's in store. [Read more]
Find the location of all these places by clicking on the map at the bottom of the article.
Perfect places to enjoy onigiri just like in Japan!
