Zōni
In its own language: 雑煮
Japanese New Year soup with mochi rice cakes and seasonal ingredients
Zōni is a Japanese soup featuring mochi rice cakes, eaten especially during the New Year as part of osechi ceremonial foods. Its ingredients and preparation vary widely by region and household, with different stocks, vegetables, and proteins added to the mochi. Zōni is deeply tied to New Year customs in Japan.
- Zōni is always made with mochi rice cakes
- It is a traditional soup for Japanese New Year
- Recipes and ingredients vary widely by region
- Broth can be clear, white miso, red miso, or even sweet red bean
- Vegetables, chicken, fish, and yuzu peel are common additions
What is Zōni?
Zōni is a soup from Japan centered on mochi, which are chewy rice cakes. The soup is made with a clear or miso-based broth and can include a mix of vegetables, chicken, fish, or meatballs. Leafy greens like spinach or komatsuna, slices of kamaboko (a type of fish cake), and citrusy yuzu peel are often added. The look and taste of zōni change depending on the region: some versions are light and clear, others rich and savory. The mochi may be grilled or boiled, and the soup is often garnished with colorful vegetables or herbs.
Where does Zōni come from?
Zōni is believed to have started as a samurai field meal, where mochi, vegetables, and dried foods were simmered together. It was first served as part of formal samurai dinners and later became common among all classes. The tradition of eating zōni at New Year began by the end of the Muromachi period (1336–1573), when it was offered to the gods in ceremonies. Over time, zōni became a central part of Japanese New Year celebrations.
How is Zōni made?
The way zōni is made depends on the region and family. In eastern Japan, the soup is usually clear and flavored with dashi (a broth made from dried fish flakes and kelp) and soy sauce. In western areas, white or red miso is used for the base. The mochi may be cut into squares and grilled, or shaped round and boiled. Additions can include chicken, fish, meatballs, leafy greens, kamaboko, and sometimes yuzu peel for aroma. Some areas use taro or tofu instead of mochi.
How and when is Zōni eaten?
Zōni is traditionally eaten at home on New Year's Day, often as the first meal of the year. It is served alongside other festive foods known as osechi. The soup can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner during the holiday period. People may sprinkle shichimi (seven-spice chili mix) on top at the table. The dish is both a symbol of good fortune and a way to start the year with family.
Kinds of Zōni
Regional differences in zōni are strong. In Kantō, the broth is clear and the mochi is grilled and square. Kansai and Chūgoku regions use round, boiled mochi and a white miso base. Fukui Prefecture uses red miso, while Tottori-Izumo areas make a sweet red bean soup version. In places where rice is scarce, taro or tofu may replace mochi. Each area and household may add its own local vegetables, proteins, or garnishes.
What Zōni means
Zōni is more than just a soup; it is a key part of Japanese New Year traditions. Eating zōni is believed to bring luck and health for the coming year. The dish is closely linked to osechi, the set of ceremonial foods for the holiday. Its preparation and ingredients reflect local customs and family heritage, making it a dish full of meaning and memory.
When Zōni is on the table
Questions people ask about Zōni
What is zōni made of?
Zōni is a soup made with mochi rice cakes, a broth (clear, miso, or sometimes red bean), and often includes vegetables, chicken, fish, kamaboko, and yuzu peel. The exact ingredients depend on the region and family.
Where does zōni come from?
Zōni comes from Japan and has roots in samurai society. It became a common dish for all people and is now closely tied to Japanese New Year celebrations.
When is zōni usually eaten?
Zōni is traditionally eaten at New Year, especially on New Year's Day, as part of the osechi meal. It can be served at breakfast, lunch, or dinner during the holiday.
Are there different kinds of zōni?
Yes, zōni has many regional variations. The broth, shape and preparation of mochi, and added ingredients like vegetables or proteins change from place to place in Japan.
Is zōni always vegetarian?
No, zōni can include chicken, fish, or meatballs, but some versions use only vegetables and mochi. The diet depends on the recipe and region.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Zōni", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Thali rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes, and it is not dietary or allergy advice: recipes differ from cook to cook. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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