The Difference Between Onigiri and Sushi
Sushi (also spelled Sushi) is one of the most beloved traditional foods in Japan. The Japanese often say, "Where there are fish, there is sushi." This food is said to have originated in subtropical regions, where people discovered that by placing cooked rice inside the clean cavity of a fish and burying it in a jar underground, the food could be preserved for a long time. Furthermore, the food would develop a slightly sour, umami flavor through fermentation, which is considered the prototype of sushi.
Today's Japanese sushi is primarily made and sold in specialized sushi shops. Chefs in white uniforms will slice fresh, skinless fish and arrange it along with other fine ingredients on blocks of rice of equal width, according to customer requests. Due to the different colors of raw fish and shellfish, sushi is also very colorful and beautiful.
In addition, Japanese families also make their own sushi to entertain guests on special occasions. However, the preparation methods are relatively simple, and ingredients such as roasted seaweed or egg slices, and pickles can be added while rolling the rice.
Onigiri has long been a popular choice for Japanese people's picnics and lunchboxes. The triangular rice ball is wrapped in seaweed on the outside, and the filling is typically pickled plum and a piece of grilled fish. Making onigiri is very simple and quick, making it very suitable for eating on the go. There is evidence that as early as the Heian period (794-1192), soldiers carried onigiri with them, so onigiri has a long history. The appearance of onigiri is mostly triangular, and this has not changed. However, consumption patterns have undergone significant changes recently. In the past, onigiri was often a food made at home for family enjoyment, but now they are the best-selling items in convenience stores, and some cafes even feature onigiri as their signature dishes.