About Pocket Rice

Hand-shaped onigiri and Japanese tableware — everyday Japan, brought to Australia.

Pocket Rice is built around the quiet, hand-sized side of Japanese life: the things people actually reach for each day. Carefully made, carefully chosen, and brought to Australia in small numbers.

Onigiri, made by hand

Onigiri have travelled with people for over a thousand years — rice for the road, for the field, for lunch with a friend. Older and simpler than Sushi: no vinegar, no raw fish — just steamed rice, a pinch of salt, and a filling tucked inside.

Where Sushi is celebration food — carefully prepared, eaten at the table — onigiri is for the in-between. Held in one hand, eaten on the move. In Japan, daily life is called ke — the ordinary days, set apart from hare, the festive ones. Onigiri belongs firmly to ke: not for celebrations, but for the everyday rhythm. Quiet energy, hand-shaped, ready to carry.

You’ll find ours at markets around Byron and the Northern Rivers, wrapped warm and ready to go.

Onigiri catering

Onigiri catering is rare in Australia — most caterers stop at Sushi platters. We’re one of the few. If you’d like fresh, hand-shaped onigiri for your next gathering, please DM us on Instagram or reach out via the contact page.

We take orders from 10 people, and offer:

• Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
• Tailored fillings, or a curated selection
• Made the morning of your event, wrapped warm

Larger or further orders appreciate extra lead time — please get in touch as early as you can.

Tableware — tradition meets modern

Online, we carry a small collection of Japanese tableware that bridges centuries-old craftsmanship and contemporary forms. Pieces shaped by makers whose work carries the weight of tradition, in shapes that feel right at the modern table.

Chopsticks, cups, plates, and pieces for the everyday — sourced directly from Japanese makers wherever we can. Made for living with, not for the cabinet.

Different forms, the same idea: a little of Japan, in your pocket.

Where to find us

Through the year we set up across the Byron region:

• Byron Community Market
• Byron Beachside Market
• Byron Twilight Market — long summer evenings (October to April)
• Mullumbimby Community Market
• Bangalow Community Market

Our tableware ships Australia-wide via Australia Post. International shipping is not currently offered.