Mochi

A soft, chewy Japanese rice cake made from glutinous rice that is steamed and pounded, or from sweet rice flour mixed with water.

Mochi: Soft round white mochi rice cakes dusted with starch, one pulled to show its stretch
  • Cakes, cookies, pastries and baked goods
  • Southeast Asia

Also called: glutinous rice cake

Traditional mochi is made by pounding steamed glutinous rice in a large mortar until it becomes a smooth, stretchy mass, a ceremony called mochitsuki held especially around the New Year. At home, mochi is often made quickly with glutinous rice flour, water and sugar cooked in a microwave or steamer.

Plain mochi is grilled, added to soups or wrapped around fillings. Sweet versions include daifuku, filled with red bean paste, and mochi ice cream. The dough is dusted with potato or corn starch so it does not stick.

Bake it at VanillaGoods

Related entries

Sources

Written by VanillaGoods in our own words from these sources. Last reviewed October 15, 2026.

  1. Unique Mochi Dishes from Around Japan, Japan National Tourism Organization (japan.travel)