Rice balls

Zongzi, opened with filling (left) and still wrapped in bamboo leaves (right)

Onigiri

A rice ball may be any kind of food item made from rice that has been shaped, condensed, or otherwise combined into a ball shape. Rice balls exist in many different cultures in which rice is eaten, and are particularly prevalent in Asia. Rice balls are a convenient and portable food that can be eaten on the go, making them a popular choice for picnics, road trips, and packed lunches. They are also often enjoyed as a snack or side dish with meals.

The rice may be seasoned with a variety of ingredients, such as salt, furikake, or other seasonings, and may also be filled with a variety of fillings, such as fish, meat, or vegetables.

Types of rice balls

Types of rice ball include:

• Arancini, an Italian fried rice ball coated with breadcrumbs.
• Jumeok-bap, a Korean rice ball from cooked rice formed into oval shapes.
• Omo tuo, a Ghanaian staple food that is more smooth and soft due to its higher volume of water, usually eaten with peanut soup.
• Onigiri (お握り), a Japanese rice ball made from white rice formed into triangular or oval shapes.
• Pinda, rice balls offered to ancestors during Hindu funeral rites and ancestor worship.
• Supplì, an Italian fried rice ball coated with breadcrumbs.
• Tangyuan (汤圆), a Chinese rice ball made from glutinous rice flour.
• Zongzi, a Chinese rice ball with different fillings and wrapped in bamboo or reed leaves.
• Khao tom, a Thai rice ball made with cooked rice and various fillings, wrapped in banana leaves.