You already know that Japanese people commonly eat rice.
Curry rice,Hayashi rice, rice ball, there are many foods using it.
But in this article I want to introduce new Japanese rice food. That is Omurice.
Omurice is a popular Japanese dish that combines Western omelette-style cooking with Japanese fried rice. The name “omurice” is a portmanteau of “omelette” and “rice” in English.
Traditionally, omurice consists of fried rice (often mixed with vegetables, chicken, or other meats) that is wrapped in a thin sheet of egg omelette. The omelette is usually cooked so that it’s slightly runny inside, giving it a creamy texture when sliced open.
Omurice is often served with ketchup drizzled on top or alongside for added flavor and color. It’s a comfort food enjoyed by people of all ages in Japan and has variations that may include different fillings or sauces.
The history of omurice dates back to the early 20th century in Japan. While the exact origin of the dish is not definitively known, it is believed to have been influenced by Western cuisine, particularly French cooking techniques introduced to Japan during the Meiji period (1868–1912).
During this time, Western-style cooking, including omelettes, became increasingly popular in Japan. Omurice is thought to have emerged as a fusion dish that incorporated elements of Western omelettes with Japanese fried rice.
One popular theory about the origin of omurice suggests that it was first created in a western-style restaurant in Tokyo, possibly in the early 1900s. As Western-style cuisine gained popularity among Japanese diners, chefs began experimenting with incorporating local ingredients and flavors into familiar dishes. The combination of fluffy omelette and savory fried rice proved to be a hit, and omurice quickly became a staple comfort food in Japan.
Over the years, omurice has evolved and adapted to suit different tastes and preferences. Today, it is commonly found on the menus of family restaurants, cafes, and izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) throughout Japan. It is also a popular home-cooked meal and is often enjoyed by children and adults alike for its comforting taste and nostalgic appeal.
Here’s a basic recipe for making omurice
- １ Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Add the diced chicken (or other protein) and cook until it’s no longer pink. If using shrimp, beef, or pork, ensure they are cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the pan and set aside.
- ２ In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, then add the chopped onion and carrot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- ３ Add the cooked rice to the pan with the vegetables. Stir well to combine and break up any clumps of rice.
- ４ Add the cooked chicken back to the pan along with the frozen peas (if using). Stir in the ketchup, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until everything is heated through and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- ５ Once the rice mixture is ready, divide it into individual servings on plates and shape each portion into a mound or oval shape.
- ６ In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well mixed but not frothy.
- ７ Heat a bit of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Pour a quarter of the beaten eggs into the skillet and swirl to coat the bottom evenly. Let the eggs cook for a few seconds until they start to set.
- ８ Place one portion of the rice mixture onto the partially cooked egg in the skillet. Fold the sides of the egg over the rice to encase it completely, forming a neat parcel or omelette shape.
- ９ Carefully slide the omurice onto a serving plate, seam side down. Repeat with the remaining eggs and rice to make the other servings.
- 10 Garnish the omurice with chopped green onions or parsley, if desired. Serve hot, optionally with additional ketchup drizzled on top.
In the 10th step, we draw some pictures like cats or dogs on the top with ketchup.This omurice with pictures is famous for Akiba. Cute maids can draw some cute animals on the top of the omurice.If you want to see it, try to go 🙂
There are many omurice restaurants or cafes near Asakusa.Here are my recommendations.
①Coffee shop sunny
This Omurice makes me feel like something missed,the taste is like the one made by my mom.
Price is 750 yen. Even though it doesn’t use expensive ingredients, simple egg and ketchup rice collaboration enhance their taste .
This cafe is loved by local people, so you will enjoy hearing Japanese conversations and atmosphere.
And the special cake which is offered only on holidays is also good.With the omurice do you wanna try this？
〇Price: 750 yen
〇Egg: Well baked
〇Ketchup rice: Moderately wet parched rice with green pepper, onion and bacon
〇Character: kind,homey taste
Place : 〒111-0032 東京都台東区浅草２丁目７−１３
https://maps.app.goo.gl/HRez1RzpwiWZCWDn8
Time : Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm / Saturday and Sunday 7 am – 5 pm
②Yoshikami
This Omurice makes me full ,rich and happy.
Price is 1400 yen,which is a little more expensive than other Omurice. But the chefs who wear the white cook hat make it right in front of our eyes.They are full of energy and smell so good that it makes us more hungry.
And this restaurant is loved by famous people.When I went there, I could see a famous Kabuki actor .
Why don’t you try this?
〇Price: 1400 yen
〇Egg: Well baked
〇Ketchup rice: wet,tightly wrapped in egg
〇Character: little sour by the ketchup, authentic
Place: 〒111-0032 東京都台東区浅草１丁目４１−４
https://maps.app.goo.gl/FBxxP58HKgUSZ4jR8
Time: Except on Thursday, 11:30 am – 9:30 pm(L.O. 21:00)
③Risubon
This is the best omurice near Asakusa! Price is 1000 yen.
The moment I had a bite,I ascended to egg’s heaven.Really soft and fluffy egg with butter, and good wet for the tongue ketchup rice.Their mariage ascended me to deeper heaven.
Perfect omurice here.
Do you wanna go to omurice heaven with me?
〇Price: 1000 yen
〇Egg: soft and fluffy
〇Ketchup rice: Moderately wet parched rice with onion and bacon
〇Character: perfect butter smell, perfect egg state
Place:〒111-0032 東京都台東区浅草１丁目２５−１７
https://maps.app.goo.gl/99reewrUi2jFhNHD7
Time: Except Tuesday, 11 am~2:30 pm and 5 pm ~7:30 pm
Omurice is simple, but deep.
It will be different if the cooks are different.
But one thing I can say is Omurice is a wonderful Japanese dish.
Why don’t you be wrapped in this delicious Japanese dish like Ketchup rice wrapped in eggs?
