Mehari Sushi
- 千貼り寿司barizushi
- 大葉寿司oobazushi
- 芭蕉葉寿司bashoubazushi
- 高菜寿司takanazushi
Mehari sushi is a type of sushi that is particularly popular in the Wakayama and Kumano regions. This regional specialty consists of large onigiri (rice balls) wrapped in pickled leaves of the takana plant (a type of mustard leaf). The name derives from the idea of opening one's eyes wide (mehari) to enjoy the large bite. Traditionally, the rice balls were filled with white rice, but today they are often made with seasoned sushi rice. Mehari sushi is typically served with a variety of side dishes such as gari (pickled ginger) and umeboshi (pickled plums) and is an integral part of the local cuisine in Wakayama and beyond.
Mehari sushi has also made a name for itself outside of Wakayama and is now known throughout Japan. In some regions, it is sold as ekiben (train station bento), allowing travelers to enjoy it conveniently during their train journey. This type of sushi has even made its way into the shelves of supermarkets and convenience stores where it is available as a ready-made dish.
There are also regions where it is known as senbari, ōba, takana, or bashōba sushi.