【Reading】どんしゃり

【English Name】Donshari

Don-shari is one of the insider terms (jargon) used in the sushi industry, referring to ordinary plain white rice as opposed to vinegared rice (shari). At sushi restaurants, rice seasoned with vinegar is called "shari," and to distinguish the unseasoned white rice used for rice bowls (donburi) and other dishes, this dedicated term became established.

As for its etymology, the "shari" part is said to derive from the resemblance between small white grains of rice and Buddhist relics (busshari, the cremated remains of Buddha). There are several theories about the "don" part, but the widely supported view is that the name "don-shari" arose from the fact that this rice is served in rice bowls (donburi).

In the world of sushi chefs, it is firmly established as a code word to prevent confusion when taking orders, and it is counted among the jargon devised so that its meaning would not easily reach customers' ears. The don-shari used for rice bowls is considered best when cooked to have reduced stickiness and a moderately firm bite.

Note that there is also a homophonous slang term "don-shari" in the world of audio, but this is a completely different technical term describing a sound quality in which the low and high frequencies are emphasized.