mochi Mochi is the Japanese name for cooked sticky rice that has been pounded until it is perfectly smooth. Though it is a traditional New Year’s food, it is also eaten year-round. Mochi is sold as a sweet treat to be eaten with tea. It comes in small balls or in fine smooth sheets that may be rolled or folded. It has a slightly sweet taste and a pleasantly smooth texture. Both white rice mochi and brown rice mochi are also sold in dried blocks in natural food stores. These blocks are cut into small pieces and toasted, broiled, or grilled until they puff up, then eaten with a simple dipping sauce.
