赤飯 （せきはん / Sekihan）
Red rice with adzuki beans
- Category
- Rice dish
- Main Ingredient
- Grains & Noodles
Sekihan is red rice cooked with glutinous rice and adzuki beans, traditionally served at celebrations. Today, it’s a common and beloved dish even sold at convenience stores.
When / How to Eat
Traditionally served at celebrations, but now commonly enjoyed as rice balls or in lunch boxes.
Cultural Background
Sekihan has been eaten in Japan since ancient times as a symbol of good luck and protection from evil. The red color represents purification and celebration for events like births, weddings, and graduations.
Cautions
Some may find the flavor of adzuki beans strong; sweetness and saltiness are often adjusted at home.