Imobota: Rice-and-Taro Dumplings | Nara

Nara imobota cooks rice with tubers and mashes them into small sticky dumplings; Ikoma uses taro with kinako or soybean coating. Tenkawa uses stored potato and Tottori uses sweet potato, so...

Imobota: Rice-and-Taro Dumplings | Nara
Illustration showing the defining features of the food.

At a glance

NameImobota: Rice-and-Taro Dumplings | Nara (Imobota)
PrefectureNara
RegionKansai
TypeMashed rice and taro shaped like botamochi

What is it?

Nara imobota cooks rice with tubers and mashes them into small sticky dumplings; Ikoma uses taro with kinako or soybean coating.

Tenkawa uses stored potato and Tottori uses sweet potato, so the tuber and grain ratio must remain regional.

History and local context

Ikoma links it to autumn offerings and the post-harvest celebration when mochi rice and azuki were costly.

Cut the sticky mass small, chew well and check soybean, nut-name and actual allergen ingredients.

How to enjoy it

Coat a small piece lightly with kinako, bean paste or sesame and chew it thoroughly.

Availability varies by maker, season, and destination.

Sources and further reading

Frequently asked questions

Where is Imobota: Rice-and-Taro Dumplings | Nara from?

It is associated with Nara, in the Kansai region of Japan.

What kind of food is Imobota: Rice-and-Taro Dumplings | Nara?

This guide classifies it as mashed rice and taro shaped like botamochi. See the overview for its defining ingredients and texture.

Can I order Imobota: Rice-and-Taro Dumplings | Nara online?

Use the Rakuten Japan search link on this page. Confirm the maker, ingredients, storage requirements, and international shipping before ordering.

Order from Japan

Search Rakuten Japan using the original Japanese food name. Search results and product pages may be available only in Japanese.

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