Pocket Rice
Japanese-inspired market and tableware in Byron Bay and the Northern Rivers
Curated Japanese culture for conscious living in Byron Bay.
Pocket Rice brings everyday Japanese culture to Byron Bay through food, craft and simple rituals. From freshly made onigiri and nourishing meals to tableware chosen for daily use, everything is selected to bring a little more care and enjoyment to everyday life.
Learn more about us →
Byron Bay Japanese food
Onigiri, markets, catering and tableware
Pocket Rice shares everyday Japanese culture with Byron Bay and the Northern Rivers through hand-shaped onigiri, gathering-friendly catering, and carefully chosen tableware for daily use. Whether you’re looking for a market meal, food for an event, or pieces that make meals at home feel more considered, you’ll find them here.
Find us
Markets & Events
See where we serve fresh onigiri across Byron Bay, Bangalow, Mullumbimby and Northern Rivers events.
What is onigiri?
Everyday Japanese snacks
Read how onigiri differs from sushi and why it is one of Japan's simplest everyday foods.
Catering
For gatherings and celebrations
Ask about onigiri for small gatherings, workplace lunches, private events and community days.
Shop Tableware
Bowls, cups & everyday pieces
Browse plates, cups, bowls, chopsticks and everyday Japanese homewares shipped within Australia.
Our producers
Local and Japanese food suppliers
Explore the Byron Bay and Northern Rivers suppliers connected to our market food and ingredients.
Journal
Stories from Pocket Rice
Follow stories about Japanese food culture, market mornings, tableware and life around Byron Bay.
Pocket Rice at the market
Pocket Rice serves hand-shaped onigiri at markets across Byron Bay and the Northern Rivers. Each market day we prepare a small menu of around six fillings, including vegetarian options, with recipes inspired by everyday Japanese cooking and local Australian favourites.
Alongside our onigiri, we offer seasonal specials such as miso soup and bento boxes. Everything is made to be easy to carry, satisfying to eat and suited to market events, beach days and life on the move.
View Byron market locations →Hand-shaped daily
Fresh onigiri prepared by hand for each market.
Six rotating fillings
A small menu that changes with the season.
Vegetarian options
Vegetarian choices available at every market.
Miso & bento specials
Seasonal extras available when ingredients and timing allow.
Japanese tableware for everyday meals
Our collection focuses on the pieces people reach for every day: rice bowls, cups, chopsticks, serving plates and simple kitchenware inspired by Japanese food culture.
We source thoughtfully from Japanese makers and suppliers whose work reflects our shared values for durability, simplicity and everyday use. They reflect a shared appreciation between Japanese culture and Byron Bay life: finding beauty in simple rituals and everyday meals.
Shop Japanese tableware →Frequently asked questions
- Where can I find Pocket Rice in Byron Bay?
- Pocket Rice appears at selected Byron Bay and Northern Rivers markets, including community, beachside, twilight and festival events. Check the Markets page for current location notes and official market links.View all market locationsRead the Byron Community Market guide
- Is onigiri the same as sushi?
- Onigiri is different from sushi. It is usually made with plain steamed rice, salt and a filling, then shaped by hand. It is everyday Japanese food rather than a vinegar-seasoned sushi roll.Read onigiri vs sushiLearn about Pocket Rice onigiri
- Do you offer vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free onigiri?
- Market menus change by season and event, but Pocket Rice offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options where possible. Ask at the stall or contact us before an event if you have dietary requirements.Check market detailsAsk about dietary requirements
- Can Pocket Rice cater private events?
- Yes. Pocket Rice accepts onigiri catering enquiries for groups from 10 people, including small gatherings, workplace lunches and local events around Byron Bay and the Northern Rivers.Send a catering enquiryRead about onigiri catering
- Do you only sell food?
- No. Alongside market onigiri, Pocket Rice sells a small online collection of Japanese tableware, chopsticks, cups, bowls, plates and homewares shipped within Australia.Shop Japanese tablewareMeet our suppliers