Private gatherings
A relaxed, hand-held Japanese food option for birthdays, celebrations and meals with friends.
Byron Bay & Northern Rivers
Onigiri catering for gatherings and events
Pocket Rice prepares fresh, hand-shaped Japanese rice balls for groups from 10 people. It is simple food made carefully, easy to hold and suited to sharing.
10+ people
Minimum group size
Made fresh
On the morning of your event
Flexible menus
Curated or tailored fillings
Japanese food for sharing
A portable meal, shaped by hand
Onigiri is everyday Japanese food: steamed rice, a little salt and a filling tucked inside. Each piece is individually portioned and made to be eaten by hand, without the setup of a formal meal.
If onigiri is new to your group, read our guide to the difference between onigiri and sushi.
Workplace lunches
Individually portioned onigiri that are easy to share at team lunches, meetings and studio days.
Local events
Fresh rice balls for community days and events around Byron Bay and the Northern Rivers.
What we can arrange
A menu shaped around your group
- A curated selection of Pocket Rice fillings or tailored filling choices discussed before the event.
- Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, depending on your group's requirements.
- Fresh onigiri made on the morning of your event and wrapped ready to share.
- Catering around Byron Bay and the Northern Rivers, subject to date, distance and availability.
How it works
From enquiry to event morning
01
Send the brief
Tell us the date, location, number of people, occasion and any dietary requirements.
02
Confirm the menu
We will confirm availability and discuss fillings, quantities and event handover details with you.
03
Made that morning
Your onigiri is prepared fresh on the morning of the event, ready for your group to enjoy.
Questions
Catering FAQs
- What is the minimum catering size?
- Pocket Rice accepts catering enquiries for groups from 10 people. Please contact us early for larger groups or events further from Byron Bay.
- Can you cater for dietary requirements?
- Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available. Include every dietary requirement in your enquiry so we can discuss a suitable selection.
- Can we choose the onigiri fillings?
- We can discuss tailored fillings or prepare a curated selection. Available choices depend on the event, group size, season and ingredient availability.
- How early should I enquire?
- As early as possible. Larger groups, events further away and tailored menus need additional planning time, and all enquiries remain subject to availability.
- Is onigiri the same as sushi?
- No. Onigiri is made with plain steamed rice, salt and usually a filling, while sushi uses vinegar-seasoned rice. Onigiri is a simple, portable Japanese meal made to be eaten by hand.
Planning a gathering?
Tell us what you have in mind
Include your date, location, group size and dietary needs. We reply within 1–2 business days.