Meat-wrapped rice balls, famous nationwide, are a local B-class gourmet food in Miyazaki. They are loved by a wide range of people, from children to adults. They have become a part of Miyazaki's food culture, and some hotels even serve them as hors d'oeuvres.

Let's explore the characteristics and history of Miyazaki's meat-wrapped rice balls.

Characteristics of meat-wrapped rice balls

As you can see, meat-wrapped onigiri is rice wrapped in meat. It looks like a chunk of meat, and is both impactful and satisfying to eat.

Each restaurant has its own unique features and uses various ingenuity. Most restaurants use pork and rice produced in Miyazaki Prefecture. One item worth checking out is the Miyagi Prefecture brand of pork, "Rice Pork," which has won the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award.

Generally, pigs are fed corn and soybeans. However, rice pigs are fed domestically produced feed rice harvested mainly in southern Kyushu, mainly in Miyakonojo City. Seaweed powder is added to the domestic feed rice, so there is no odor that is typical of pork.

The meat of pigs raised on rice has a higher percentage of fat, and when grilled it has a juicy flavor. It is meat with a strong umami flavor and a clean aftertaste.

And what is essential to meat-wrapped rice balls is the secret soy sauce-based sauce that goes perfectly with the meat. The flavors of the meat and sauce soak into the rice, making it impossible to stop eating. Once you try it, you'll be hooked.

How to make meat-wrapped rice balls

Meat-wrapped rice balls may seem like a simple dish, but they are made carefully and with time.

To make meat-wrapped rice balls, first thinly sliced pork is marinated thoroughly in a soy sauce-based sauce. Then, carefully wrap each piece of meat around the rice so that it is evenly browned.
Finally, it is baked slowly in the oven. The position of the baking tray is changed depending on the doneness.

Once completed, Miyazaki meat-wrapped rice balls are wrapped in lettuce or sunny lettuce and served.

Depending on the store, there are various toppings such as cheese, shichimi togarashi, tartar sauce, etc. There is a wide variety, and all of them are recommended. Please try the authentic meat-wrapped rice balls.

The history of meat-wrapped rice balls

Meat-wrapped rice balls are said to have originated in 1994. They were served as a staff meal at a Miyazaki izakaya called "Zatsu Shokudo." The manager of Zatsu Shokudo made pork rice bowls for his staff as a staff meal. However, when the restaurant was busy, the staff didn't have time to eat the rice bowls.

Meat-wrapped rice balls were created for such staff members. Rice balls can be quickly eaten in between work, even when you're busy.
After that, when he offered it to his regular customers, it became so popular that he decided to open a shop in Miyazaki. The meat-wrapped rice ball specialty shop, Toriyo Tori Honpo (now Nikumaki Honten), opened in 1997.

Meat-wrapped rice balls were originally triangular in shape, but were changed to a cylindrical shape to make them easier to eat.
Also, sunny lettuce was added to give it a refreshing taste and color. Through these various improvements, meat-wrapped rice balls have taken on their current form.

Although the history of meat-wrapped rice balls is still short, they have become a very popular local gourmet food. After being featured on a television program as Miyazaki's B-class gourmet food, meat-wrapped rice balls became famous nationwide.

If you come to Miyazaki, you should stop by this mythical village

Miyazaki Prefecture has a warm climate and a tropical feel. The warm climate throughout the year makes it an ideal place for sightseeing. Miyazaki is also home to Takachiho, famous as the setting for Japanese mythology.

Takachiho is a "village of myths" where numerous myths and legends have been passed down. Many legends related to Amaterasu Omikami (Amaterasu Okami) remain in the surrounding area. The area is rich in nature and is also attracting attention as a power spot.

Takachiho Gorge, the symbol of Takachiho, is a gorge lined with high cliffs and has been designated as a national scenic spot and natural monument.

Within the gorge is Manai Falls, which has been selected as one of the "100 Best Waterfalls in Japan." The limited-time illumination is also popular. You can experience the powerful sight of the falls by renting a boat and getting close to them.

The nearby Takachiho Shrine is said to grant blessings for matchmaking and marital harmony, as well as granting wishes, agricultural industry, and exorcism.

Don't miss the sacred tree of Takachiho Shrine, the "Chichibu Cedar," and the giant "Meoto Cedar." It is said that if couples or friends hold hands and circle the Meoto Cedar three times, their wishes for a happy marriage, safety in the home, and prosperity of their descendants will come true.

You should also offer a prayer to the "Chinseki," which is said to calm not only personal anxieties but also world unrest.

How to get to Miyazaki

If you want to eat meat-wrapped rice balls, please come and visit us. There are various ways to access Miyazaki. Most people use JR or airplanes.

Here is an overview of the travel time required to get to Miyazaki from each region. Travel time may vary depending on the season and weather.

[Access by JR Kyushu (Limited Express)]

・From Hakata Station: Approx. 5 hours 30 minutes ・From Kokura Station: Approx. 4 hours 35 minutes ・From Kumamoto Station: Approx. 4 hours 15 minutes ・From Oita Station: Approx. 3 hours ・From Kagoshima Chuo Station: Approx. 2 hours

[Access by plane]

・Approx. 1 hour 50 minutes from Haneda Airport・Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes from Chubu Centrair International Airport・Approx. 1 hour from Itami Airport・Approx. 45 minutes from Fukuoka Airport・Approx. 1 hour 20 minutes from Okinawa Airport

[Access by express bus]
・From Fukuoka: 3:40 ・From Kumamoto: 3 hours ・From Kagoshima: 2 hours

[Access by ferry]

About 12 hours from Kobe Port

We've introduced how to get to Miyazaki by JR and plane, but we also recommend taking a leisurely drive to the area by car.

Location of Miyazaki Prefecture

summary

Even though they are called meat-wrapped rice balls, there are many variations, with different seasonings and toppings depending on the store. The sweet and spicy pork goes perfectly with the rice. The fragrant smell of it baking in the oven is irresistible.
Meat-wrapped rice balls are very filling and make a great snack or as a finishing touch to a night of drinking.

If you visit Miyazaki, be sure to try the meat-wrapped rice balls.

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