Taste Test: Bangkok's best (and worst) onigiri
When it comes to pre-packaged onigiri (Japanese rice balls), Bangkok’s spoilt for choice. But are they actually any good? We put 10 brands’ salmon selections to a blind taste test.
9 years ago
A.) Lawson 108’s grilled salmon with salt (B30) (Runner Up!)
The taste is mild and satisfying overall. The rice is a bit dry and there’s very little filling compared to the amount of rice. The salmon’s a bit salty, though.
Verdict: The Japanese mega-chain just about gets the job done.
Lawson 108 near you
B.) Family Mart’s salmon teriyaki (B25)
The thinnest of the batch. It tastes like there’s some vinegar seasoning to the rice, which would also explain why it’s a bit soggy. The filling doesn’t look or taste like salmon, and is overwhelmed by sweet soy sauce.
Verdict: Sad stuff.
Find it at Family Mart near you
C.) MaxValu’s grilled salmon (B25) (Yuck!)
This is the only rice ball with seaweed already attached to the rice, and that’s actually the problem. The little piece of seaweed is barely enough to encase the rice, and the taste is as bad as it looks. There’s a slightly industrial taste to the petite salmon flakes—or should we say salmon powder.
Verdict: No words
Max Valu near you
D.) Nippon Kai’s salmon mayonnaise (B50)
The seaweed is plastic-y. The whole thing is overwhelmed by overly sweet, salad cream-like (if not fake) mayo. Plus, the price is far higher than the size warrants.
Verdict: Gimme real mayo
Gourmet Market, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd. BTS Siam
E.) Sake’s grilled salmon (B35)
The seaweed has the worst taste of all—artificially chewy. When combined with the mushy rice, this is one unsatisfying ball.
Verdict: Is this even onigiri?
Some Max Value branches. Try B1/F Erawan Bangkok, 494 Ploenchit Rd. BTS Chit Lom
F.) Pran Talay’s salmon mayonnaise (B35)
Though this is the thickest and densest onigiri here, it doesn’t really seem to justify the price. The rice is hard and dry, as if uncooked, while the filling is a whole lot of nothing.
Verdict: Big and bland
Tops Supermarkets near you
G.) 7-Eleven’s salmon teriyaki (B27)
This piece has the mushiest rice with a rather sweet flavor. There’s a shoyu smell which matches the dark brown look of the filling, but the taste is bland with only a short, sharp sweet note.
Verdict: Only for desperate
7-Eleven near you
H.) Peco Peco’s salmon (B40)
This rice ball is dense, while the fish inside is super flaky and pale. Despite the looks, we do detect a subtle salmon aroma.
Verdict: Don’t judge it by its looks
Several branches in Bangkok. Try Mega Bangna, Bangna Trat Rd. www.fb.com/pecopeco.onigirideli
I.) Nagomi’s salmon mayonnaise (B35)
The rice is loosely balled with just the tiniest hint of salmon inside. The only saving grace is the seaweed, which holds it in shape and adds a satisfyingly natural aroma.
Verdict: Seaweed surprise
Central Food Hall, Central Chidlom. www.fb.com/Nagomi.Sushi.2002
J.) Onigiri’s grilled salmon (B60) (BK Pick!)
The only one that has some chunky bits of salmon and the rice is well-cooked. However, the taste is still bland. There’s pretty much no seasoning at all.
Verdict: Best of a questionable lot
Find it at the Oigiri stall, in front of Thaniya, Silom Rd.
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