What Is Mochi? – A Beginner’s Guide To Japan’s Favorite Snack!

No doubt you will have heard of Mochi when it comes to all things Japan. The traditional snack is based around the rice cake, and has been around for years. 

While the actual date cannot be pinpointed, there have been archaeologists who have found steaming tools which were used to make Mochi. They have been dated to be from the Kofun period (250 AD to 538 AD).  

Mochi is often chewy and squishy, though you can find hard Mochi too. It all depends on what ingredients have been added to the rice cake. 

So, if you are curious to find out more about Mochi, then read on! If this article whets your appetite, then there is no time like the present to try your first delicious Mochi. 

What Is Traditional Mochi?

Mochi is heavily rooted within Japanese culture. Having been around for thousands of years, it is still enjoyed today in Japan. 

Made from glutinous rice, often a short grained japonica, it creates what is called a rice cake. It is often put with water sugar, however this is sometimes cornstarch. 

The rice is mashed together in order to create a paste. Once this has been done, it will be shaped into the ball that it is famous for. In Japan, the ritual of doing this is called ‘mochiitsu’. 

Once created, they are gooey and chewy. You may even find that they have been flavored too, and filled with a different ingredient on the inside. 

For example, it may have a food coloring to make it appear green, but be filled with matcha on the inside. 

Why Do They Eat Mochi In Japan?

Mochi is a popular food snack in Japan that was once believed to be a holy item of food. They believed that eating Mochi would protect a person and help them to be successful within their life. 

While this is not the reason people eat Mochi today, it is still thoroughly enjoyed. It is also often eaten during certain events too. One of these is at the celebrations for the New Year. 

How Do People Make Mochi?

To really understand what Mochi is like, you will want to know the process of how it is made. Traditionally it is a lengthy process, and involves manual work by two people.

Mochi is made from a type of mochigome (short grained) rice to achieve a chewy texture. The rice is left under water for around two or three hours to fully soak.

Once the time is up, the rice is then smashed and crushed using a mallet and mortar. These are heavier than what you would normally use in the kitchen.

This process, as stated before, is known as ‘mochitsuki’.

During this process, one person will be mashing the rice while another person will be turning the rice over and adding in water. They will be aiming for a paste-like consistency. 

While it would be great to always have this traditional practice be a part of Mochi making, it has been completely industrialized.

Obviously some people still make Mochi using this method, but it is unlikely to be how your Mochi was made. 

Is Mochi A Type Of Snack?

Mochi can be eaten whenever, though traditionally it is a type of dessert. Even so, you may find that it is served during particular events throughout the year in Japan.

There are also plenty of Mochi-based snacks available to eat. For example, some brands sell Mochi wrapped singularly within larger packaging to enjoy as a shareable snack. 

You might also find Mochi served as a dessert at an asian restaurant. Basically, enjoy eating Mochi whenever you feel like it!

What Flavors Might Be Inside A Mochi?

Traditionally Mochi is filled with a sweet tasting red bean paste. You may see this called ‘Anko’ – it basically means it is a red bean paste. 

While this is the most famous flavor of Mochi across Japan, it does not mean there are no other flavors of Mochi available.

Some of the fillings of Mochi include matcha, strawberry, chocolate, and mango – just to name a few. 

You might even find novelty flavors such as milk bubble tea and so on. 

Are There Different Types Of Mochi?

The Mochi you are likely to be familiar with will be ball shaped. However, there are other kinds too. Here are a few different types of Mochi:

Ice Cream Mochi

While the Mochi plays a role on the outside, inside you will find a cold layer of ice cream and then something like a slice of fruit.

It is sweet and delicious along with the chewy membrane of Mochi. It makes a unique dessert. 

Isoba Maki

Often colored green, Isoba Maki is a type of Mochi which is grilled along with Nori seaweed and then drenched in soy sauce. 

While it is a simple snack, it is also very delicious. It is said to be best served cold. 

Bota Mochi

Often a Mochi ball with a red bean paste filling, they are put in a line on a stick. Normally eaten during the Ohigan, they can also be enjoyed whenever. 

Daifuku

This kind of Mochi looks incredible on the plate. Cut into soft rectangles and placed with seaweed, it often includes a sweet green bean powder (anko). 

You can eat Daifuku with other flavors too such as soybean powder (kinako mochi) and strawberry (ichigo).

Final Thoughts

Whether you have eaten Mochi before, or want to try some, you will find it is delicious and sticky. The texture is created by using a specific short grained rice.

It is then mashed to form a paste while water is being added. It is then often shaped into a ball after the filling has been put into it.

Mochi is ingrained within Japanese culture, and it is still a snack (or dessert) that is enjoyed today. No wonder either, because it tastes amazing. 

Go on, try some Mochi!