A viral new food creation that has been taking over social media has finally arrived in the city.
If you’ve spent any time on TikTok or Instagram over the last few months, you likely saw the viral sensation overtaking New York City: giant, handheld push-pops packed with layers of sushi. Well, Toronto, it’s officially our turn to get a taste.
Omai Rice Bar, located in the heart of Baldwin Village, has brought the trend north of the border, introducing the city’s very first “sushi push-pops”.
The concept is a millennial-nostalgia play on the classic Flintstones ice cream treats from childhood. Instead of sherbet, however, these oversized cardboard tubes are stacked with freshly-made sushi. Diners simply push up from the bottom using their tube of soy sauce to enjoy a perfectly layered, bite-sized experience on the go, eliminating the need for chopsticks.
The restaurant’s push-pop menu that features an impressive range of flavours, backing up the social media hype with serious culinary execution. Omai Rice Bar breaks down whole fish in-house, pairs them with premium imported sushi rice, and whips up all their marinades and sauces from scratch. Every push-pop is also made to order.
What sets Toronto’s version apart from its NYC predecessors is its unique integration of Japanese and Korean flavours. Seafood lovers can opt for the buttery Bluefin Tuna or the classic Atlantic Salmon, while those craving savoury comfort can try the Korean BBQ Beef or Gochujang Pork Belly push-pops, packed with house-made pickles and Korean coleslaw. There are also plant-based options like Marinated Tofu, alongside a sweeter, fiery Spicy Shrimp Mango pop featuring cream cheese.
You can find Omai Rice Bar at 21 Baldwin St., with prices ranging from $15.00 for the Marinated Tofu pop to $23.00 for the premium Bluefin Tuna. Visit their website here to see the full menu.
