Rice is something many Japanese people eat almost every day, and it is hard to imagine a meal without it.

In Japanese cooking, rice is always served with other dishes. It plays a supporting role, but at the same time, it sits at the heart of the meal.

If you are cooking Japanese food in Australia, the good news is that it is quite easy to find rice that works well. This guide will help you choose the kind of rice used in everyday Japanese meals.

What Kind of Rice Is Used in Japanese Meals?

Japanese meals are built around rice.

Short grain rice is used, which has a slightly sticky texture when cooked. This helps it hold together while still staying soft.

You may see it labelled as:

• Japanese rice
• Sushi rice
• Short grain rice

All of these can work well for Japanese meals.

Sushi Rice vs Japanese Rice

This can be a little confusing at first.

In many supermarkets in Australia, “sushi rice” is often the easiest option to find. It works well for most Japanese meals.

Japanese rice tends to be a little softer and stickier when cooked. If you have a chance to try it, you may notice a slightly different texture.

You may also come across medium grain rice in Australia. It has a slightly different texture and a subtle grain-like aroma, which can work well for dishes like Japanese curry.

Where to Buy Japanese Rice in Australia

You can find rice for Japanese meals quite easily in Australia.

• Supermarkets (Coles, Woolworths, IGA): sushi rice is widely available
• Japanese grocery stores: a good place to find Japanese rice such as Koshihikari

The King of Japanese Rice: Koshihikari

There are said to be more than 300 rice varieties in Japan, grown across different regions.

Among them, Koshihikari is one of the most well known.

It is widely grown across Japan and is known for its soft texture and gentle stickiness when cooked. Because of this, it works well for everyday meals and is often served with a variety of dishes.

Koshihikari has been widely enjoyed in Japan for many years, and many people are familiar with its texture.

There are also other popular types of Japanese rice, such as Akitakomachi and Hitomebore. Each variety has its own small differences, but they are all enjoyed as part of Japanese meals.

If You Want to Try Japanese Rice

If you come across Japanese rice such as Koshihikari at a Japanese grocery store, it can be a nice option to try.

You can also find Japanese rice such as Koshihikari online in Australia.

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The “Triangle” Style of Eating in Japanese Meals

In Japanese meals, rice is served as the staple, alongside a main dish and side dishes such as soup and vegetables.

Rather than eating one dish at a time, it is common to eat a small amount from each dish, moving between rice, the main dish, and the side dishes.

This style of eating is sometimes described as a “triangle” pattern, as the chopsticks move between the different dishes in a balanced way.

It is a natural part of Japanese food culture, and many people learn this way of eating from a young age.

Next Step: How to Cook Japanese Rice

Once you have chosen your rice, the next step is learning how to cook it well.

Read the full guide: Why Cooking Japanese Rice Properly Makes a Difference