Founder Vivien Bang draws inspiration from her childhood, the rice-and-seaweed snacks her mother would make before dinner. Now, Lei Musubi’s food truck can be seen around town, most recently in places like Fresh Farm Dupont, Union Market, 3 Stars Brewing, or at the Monroe Street farmers market in Brookland for the rest of the season. Musubi offerings are unique and expansive. Try a Gyeran Bap ‘subi made with miso butter shiitake and tamari cured confit egg yolk, the Crazy Mexi Elote ‘subi with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos sprinkled on top, and the OG made with caramelized spam and homemade furikake (and a vegan counterpart). Flavors change almost as often as the food truck’s locations.

It’s all in the name: Capital Musubi may have other Hawaiian offerings, but the musubi reigns supreme. Home of the “Supersize” musubi, the best-seller is the spicy salmon musubi, but coming in close is a kimchi musubi made with egg, a chicken musubi made with pickled cabbage, a shrimp tempura musubi, and an el diablo musubi made with serrano peppers and fiery mayo. But the list doesn’t stop there. With two locations — one in Chantilly and another in McLean — a designated musubi day trip is merited. 

Price: Starts at $8.50

The downtown fast-casual puts an emphasis on the healthy side of poke. Bowls full of sustainably-sourced proteins, fruit, vegetables, and rice check multiple food group boxes. Guests can create their own bowl, choose from signature works, or wrap their choices in a sushi burrito. For sides, there’s miso soup, spicy edamame, and Pokeworks’ take on musubi. In the tradition of Japanese onigiri, this musubi is flavored with sweet shoyu sauce and garlic crisps. 

Price: $2.95 per piece

Located right in the heart of Chinatown, Poke Papa lets guests create their own poke bowls or stick with pre-set options. Extras include miso soup, mango snow ice, and musubi in two different styles. That includes the Original, a seared Spam and sushi rice wrapped in nori, or the spicier Volcano, made with scallion, crispy fried onion, and a spicy aioli. As one of the cheapest on this list, musubi is a no-brainer poke bowl addition or takeout snack by itself.

Price: Starts at $3 per piece

The Wharf’s waterfront tiki bar serves snacks that nicely complement its rum drinks. Guests can sip from wine glasses or “big ass bowls” and enjoy tiki tots, coconut shrimp, and conch fritters while looking out over the Potomac. Tiki TNT twists their musubi, but only slightly; topped with an egg, the dish is leveled up with an even more savory umami flavor. 

Price: $7 per piece

Fairfax’s hit ramen spot also has sushi hours during which musubi is served. While slurping original and specialty ramens like braised short rib or army-style (spicy kimchi broth with Spam, sausage, and pork shoulder), guests can also grab an OG musubi—wrapped in nori and rolled in furikake—or add spicy tuna for an extra kick. Marumen tasked themselves with bringing “Asian comfort food to Virginia,” and their fare delivers.

Price: $10 for four