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Handmade onigiriMontréal

Handmade onigiri, the Japanese way

An onigiri is Japanese rice pressed by hand around a filling, with a sheet of nori. At Musubi, we make them at Le Central, right downtown, all year, and at Jean-Talon Market from May to October.

See the menus of both counters Catering

RestoMontréal lists Musubi among its places for onigiri in Montréal. Read the article (in French)

Onigiri topped with salmon and green onion on a cream plate, in the sun

What is an onigiri?

The word comes from nigiru, to squeeze in your hand: an onigiri is a handful of pressed rice, usually a triangle, with a filling in the middle and a sheet of nori seaweed around it. In Japan it is also called omusubi, the word that gave Musubi its name.

It has been the meal people carry with them for centuries: samurai kept their rice balls in bamboo leaves. Today you find them everywhere in Japan, from corner stores to train stations. You eat it with your fingers, like a sandwich, with no plate or cutlery.

How we make them

Japanese rice, pressed by hand, and a crisp sheet of nori. The fillings are a chef’s: salmon with dashi sauce, egg marinated in soy and mirin, grilled eel with yuzu zest, tempura shrimp.

A Japanese recipe, local ingredients. At the market, the market onigiri changes with whatever our neighbouring stalls have that is best this week.

Our onigiri

At Jean-Talon Market, from May to October, add the market onigiri, which changes every week, and the chef’s onigiri: Québec lobster when it comes in, and snow crab.

See Le Central’s menuThe Jean-Talon Market menu

Catering Onigiri platters for office lunches and events Ask for a quote

Musubi IzakayaAt Le Central, all year

  • Salmon$7.80Cooked salmon, dashi sauce, Japanese mayonnaise.
  • Spicy tuna$6Tuna, Japanese mayonnaise, sriracha, fried onions.
  • Ajitama$6Organic egg marinated in soy and mirin, soft centre, bonito.
  • Chicken karaage$7Yuzu kosho mayonnaise.
  • Umami tempura shrimp$7
  • Grilled eel$9.50Yuzu zest.
  • Shiso & pickled cucumbervegan$6
  • Avocado & wasabivegan$6Fresh smashed avocado, wasabi.

Where to find them

Two boxes of Musubi onigiri in front of the picnic tables at Jean-Talon Market

Winter break

Onigiri counterMay to October

Jean-Talon

Back together on 1 May.

Kiosk 234 is taking a winter break, until Saturday 1 May. The connection carries on at Musubi Izakaya, at Le Central: ramen, gyoza and sake, a short walk from Place des Arts.

  1. Monclosed
  2. Tueclosed
  3. Wedclosed
  4. Thuclosed
  5. Friclosed
  6. Satclosed
  7. Sunclosed

From November 1 to April 30, 2027 · Fermé pour l’hiver

Go to the izakaya Email me when it reopens
The whole Musubi Izakaya counter at Le Central: paper lanterns, the red-seal sign, the wooden counter and stools

Izakaya counterAll year

Le Central

  • Asari shio ramen $22.95
  • Pork or vegetable gyoza $8
  • Chicken karaage $15
  1. Mon11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  2. Tue11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  3. Wed11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  4. Thu11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  5. Fri11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  6. Sat11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
  7. Sunnoon to 8 p.m.
30, rue Sainte-Catherine OuestMontréal, QC H2X 0C8 Directions
See the counter

Questions about onigiri

  • Where can I eat handmade onigiri in Montréal?

    At Musubi, in two places. At Le Central, 30 Sainte-Catherine Street West, downtown, all year. And at Jean-Talon Market, kiosk 234, from May to October.

  • How much is an onigiri at Musubi?

    From $6 to $9.50 at Le Central, depending on the filling. Current prices are on our menus.

  • Do you have vegetarian onigiri?

    Yes: shiso with pickled cucumber, and avocado wasabi, at both counters.

  • What is the difference between onigiri and sushi?

    Sushi is made with vinegared rice, often with raw fish, and eaten in bites. An onigiri is a handful of rice you hold in your hand, with a filling in the middle and nori around it. No chopsticks needed.

  • Can I order onigiri for a group?

    Yes. For an office lunch, a film shoot or a party, we make onigiri platters. Describe your event on the Catering page and we will send you a quote.

  • Is the market counter open in winter?

    No, the Jean-Talon Market kiosk closes from November to April. Onigiri stay on the menu at Musubi Izakaya, at Le Central, all year.