Spam and Egg Onigiri @ Pork Tamago Onigiri, Hakata, Fukuoka

 

Spam and eggs are probably the last two things that someone may think of in terms of Japanese comfort food. However, this could be farther from the truth. Originally brought over by American GIs during the occupation of Okinawa, the humble luncheon meat has infiltrated its local cuisine and can be considered a cornerstone of its local culture. And thus the spam musubi is born. The musubi is a simple onigiri dish whereby spam and sometimes egg is sandwiched between rice like a sandwich and eaten as a light meal. Although there is also a theory that this spam and rice combo was born out of necessity when the Japanese internment detainees needed some quick and portable sustenance. Despite its murky history, no one can doubt this is something to be reckoned with. 

Frozen brick, unfortunately. I had high hopes for this. 

Although I would like to dive into the establishment of the day, this is not my first time trying something like this. Family Mart once made something similar with a tuna mayo stuffing many months ago last year. It was dreadful. The rice was sticky and glue-like, everything was bland but somehow extremely salty. It also did not help I got this from the cold food section. My stomach felt very unusual after wolfing it down. It was very close to an instant regret after my first mouthful. 

Very well stocked in the "pork" department.

It was from that day onwards I vow myself to find the true musubi experience if possible. Now, vindication has come! This is where Pork Tamago Onigiri comes in.  Like many local establishments featured here, the name leaves nothing to the imagination. Egg, spam, and rice. What is there not to like? 

For something with only 3 main ingredients, the varieties are actually extensive!

They do, however, serve a variety of versions, with different toppings to suit your taste. From fried shrimp, bitter gourd, and even tofu, there is for sure something for your tastebuds. But I opted for the original classic. Despite being the basic essentials, it was so different from that prepacked nightmare I had months prior. 

Simple beauty

The first thing that caught my attention was it was warm to the touch, as it was made fresh on the spot. The porky patty in the center was crispy on the edges, and yet fluffy in the middle. The egg was akin to a tamagoyaki. However, it does not have the sweetness an average piece of tamagoyaki might have. This was a good choice, as it means that it will not have to clash with the flavour of the spam. The rice was also hot and fluffy, making it a very pleasurable experience. Holding all of them together is a piece of dried seaweed. Thin but sturdy, it held it all together. And standing at only 330 yen, this was an absolute steal. 

Just too good!

This simple rice sandwich was absolutely delicious despite its simplicity and put my initial experience to shame. It was miles better than the frozen brick from Family Mart. I am sorry FamiMa, I love you but these are trying times. Trust me it's not you, it's me. 

Tried the mentaiko mayo during a second visit. 
This was some soul food level of comfort. 

Although Pork Tamago Onigiri has a few branches, it should be noted that only 2 of them are outside Okinawa and they are both in Fukuoka. One is located in Akasaka, while another is in Hakata which is the one we are talking about right now. So if you would like to give the Hakata branch a visit, then the address is as follows:

3-15 Reisenmachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0039

Thank you for the meal! I will be coming again.