Onigiri with a side of bread
This is a simple, satisfying Japanese-style meal featuring a classic onigiri (a triangular or cylindrical rice ball, often wrapped in seaweed and filled with savory ingredients like umeboshi pickled plum, salmon, or tuna mayo) paired with a slice of bread. It's a common, quick lunch or snack combination found in Japanese convenience stores and home kitchens, blending traditional rice-based food with a Western-influenced staple.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This meal is primarily high in carbohydrates from both the rice and bread, providing a quick source of energy. It offers moderate protein from the rice and any filling, and is relatively low in fat unless the filling is mayonnaise-based; key nutrients include B vitamins, iron, and selenium from the rice.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 290 kcal |
| Protein | 5.5 g |
| Carbs | 60 g |
| Fat | 2.5 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Thiamin (B1) | 0.2 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 2.5 mg |
| Folate | 45 mcg |
| Iron | 1.8 mg |
| Magnesium | 20 mg |
| Phosphorus | 70 mg |
| Selenium | 12 mcg |
| Manganese | 0.8 mg |
Per 1 medium onigiri (110 g) with 1 slice of white bread (35 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
This combination is a fascinating example of 'Yoshoku'—Western-influenced Japanese cuisine—showcasing how Japan has adapted and integrated foreign foods into its daily diet. Nutritionally, it's a very energy-dense, portable meal, historically designed to fuel a busy day.
