This popular Japanese item is starting to show up in 7-Eleven stores more than ever before — and Australians are hoping it’s a sign of more things to come.
One social media user took to Reddit to express his delight at finding teriyaki chicken onigiri at a 7-Eleven.
“Japanese food has been trending on 7/11 since Japan took over 7/11,” they wrote in the caption of the photo.
Others were overjoyed at the discovery.
“This is the best news I’ve heard in a while. The Japanese 7/11 is unbelievable,” one commented.
“It’s delicious,” said another.
However, it turns out that it has nothing to do with 7-Eleven International’s purchase of the new 7-Eleven Australia store.
Onigiri has been a staple at 7-Eleven stores in Victoria for years, and now this popular item is available all along the East Coast.
“7-Eleven onigiri, like our other sushi, is delivered fresh daily,” a 7-Eleven spokesperson told news.com.au.
“Onigiri costs $3.70 and comes in three flavours: spicy cooked tuna, chicken in Japanese sauce or sweet spicy salmon. It has been available in Victoria for several years and has been launched in NSW and Queensland (excluding Cairns and Townsville) in the past few months.”
7-Eleven International LLC announced in April that it had successfully acquired 7-Eleven Australia, adding 750 stores to its network.
Many expected the acquisition to transform the retailer’s food offerings, with social media users hoping the acquisition would follow the lead of the Japanese version of the chain.
“Bring the mini pies in a bag,” one social media user pleaded.
Another added: “I am very happy, and I hope Japan will cleanse the Australian market of unpalatable foods.”
A 7-Eleven spokesperson said the Australian chain had a “long-term focus on our food offerings”.
“Now part of the 7-Eleven international network, we look forward to working even more closely with our international counterparts to grow our food offerings,” they said.
“There is no doubt that 7-Eleven Japan has one of the best food offerings in the world, so their expertise will be invaluable in helping set a new standard for food here in Australia.”
