According to the chain, the new item draws inspiration from a savory mochi appetizer that was served to some employees at an udon bar on a trip to Tokyo. Kung Pao Chicken Mochi Balls feature chicken and veggies in a sweet and spicy Kung Pao sauce wrapped in mochi for a golf ball-sized snack.
You can find them at Trader Joe's in a 9-oz box for $3.99.
Mochi is more typically associated with desserts. In traditional Japanese cuisine, you'll find them plain or with various fillings including sweet red bean. Similar variations are also found in a number of the cuisines of other Asian countries. In more contemporary applications, you'll find mochi filled with ice cream as well as mochi donuts.
Photo via Trader Joe's.
