What is it about Japanese rice balls that makes them so popular with the French?

Samuel Trifot, owner of an onigiri shop (left), gives rice to his customers - Photo: Kyodo News

According to Kyodo News , at Gili-Gili - a shop specializing in Japanese rice balls in central Paris owned by Samuel Trifot, a Frenchman and his wife - customers began lining up at noon to buy rice balls filled with "kombu" (kelp), "umeboshi" (pickled Japanese plum) and other fillings.

The price of a portion of rice ball is from 3 - 4 euros (about 490 - 650 yen), which is considered expensive in Japan.

But in Paris, the French capital, the price is competitive. Buying three rice balls can cost less than a single person's lunch.

The French love Japanese rice balls because they are convenient and healthy.

“It’s healthy and easy to eat,” said a 28-year-old woman who works in publishing who bought a tuna and mayo-filled rice ball at Mr Trifot’s shop. “For me, it’s probably better than a baguette.”

In addition to being able to be enjoyed while traveling by train or car, Japanese rice balls are also popular among many French people because they do not contain gluten, a substance that can damage the lining of the small intestine in people with Celiac disease.

The variety of fillings available in Japanese rice balls creates a wide range of choices for diners, including those on a vegan diet.

Onigiri have also become a popular food in supermarkets and grocery stores over the past two years and are gaining wider recognition among Parisian diners.

Promoting Japanese rice exports

According to Kyodo News , the popularity of Japanese rice balls in Paris is thanks to the specialty restaurant Omusubi Gonbei.

The restaurant chose Paris as its first stop in Europe because they believe many people here have "sensitive" taste buds and love the taste of rice balls.

Omusubi Gonbei restaurant opened a second branch in Paris last February and is still very popular.

A portion of Japanese rice balls can be mixed with many different ingredients - Photo: Moshimoshi

Daisuke Sato, 51, a representative of the local Omusubi Gonbei restaurant, said Japanese rice balls are a food that fits the modern era because of their versatility, the healthiness of the ingredients, and their suitability for vegans and Muslims.

Almost everyone of all religions can enjoy Japanese rice balls.

Daisuke Sato said the reason the restaurant Omusubi Gonbei sells rice balls well in France is thanks to the unique flavor of Japanese rice, the main ingredient of the dish.

"The brown rice is imported from Japan, milled and processed at the store in France. The best rice balls are made from Japanese brown rice," he said.

With the boom of this homegrown specialty in France, the Japanese government also hopes that rice balls will "pave the way" for increased Japanese rice exports.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/com-nam-nhat-ban-co-gi-ma-duoc-nguoi-phap-ua-chuong-20240602123341621.htm