Omurice

Omurice is a short form of omelet and rice, the two essential ingredients of this Japanese fusion dish. The rice is usually pan-fried together with chicken and ketchup, then wrapped in a thin omelet sheet. Finally, the dish is generously covered with ketchup.

Occasionally, scrambled eggs can be put on top of the rice, and ketchup can be substituted with demi-glace sauce. Omurice is one of many Japanese dishes influenced by Western cooking techniques and ingredients. Although it has become a traditional Japanese dish, it is usually prepared at home or served in non-traditional Japanese restaurants.

There are two stories about the true origin and creation of this unusual fusion dish. One claims that it was created in Tokyo as a quickly-prepared dish to feed the restaurant staff. However, the other story tells that it was in fact invented in Osaka as a specially-designed meal for a particular customer who could only eat light food.

Whichever theory is true; it is certain that the dish has been present in Japanese cuisine since the beginning of the 20th century. Nowadays, it is also commonly found in South Korea and Taiwan.