Parami led Sydney’s growing onigiri trend, opening at the end of 2022 in the same location previously occupied by one of Sydney’s earliest Japanese cafes, the relocated Cafe Cre Asion.
At Parami, there is an impressive selection of fillings, including various vegetables, seafood, and meats. They also offer sweet and savoury buns, cookies, and mochi. All of these are served alongside coffee and tea, including matcha, hōjicha, and genmaicha lattes.
Ume & Kombu ($5.00)
This onigiri featured salt-pickled plum, soy-braised kombu, roasted sesame seeds, and yukari. The braised kombu provided a deeply savoury flavour, complemented by the subtle fruity brightness of the umeboshi and the fresh sharpness of the yukari. The soft strips of kombu blended well with the individual grains of rice, while the sesame seeds added a subtle crunch. This simple yet perfect combination of tastes and textures made for a delightful snack.
Charcoal Grilled Mackerel Onigiri ($6.00), with mackerel, yukari, and roasted sesame seed.
This onigiri included mackerel, yukari, and roasted sesame seeds. The flavour was similar to the Ume & Kombu onigiri, but the smoked mackerel added a bolder savoury flavour and a meaty, flaky texture. The unseasoned rice offset the saltiness of the mackerel well, as did the subtle sharp acidity from the yukari, while the sesame seeds provided a toasty crunch. However, the flakiness of the fish meant the onigiri did not hold together as well as others.
Wagyu Beef Onigiri ($6.50), with ssoy braised wagyu beef and nori.
This onigiri featured soy-braised wagyu beef and nori. The beef had a rich flavour with a balanced sweet and savoury profile, which was well offset by the unseasoned rice. Despite being wagyu, the beef was not particularly tender, more akin to slow-cooked regular beef. The nori was not crisp, which was disappointing, as crisp nori would have added a pleasant texture. In Japan, onigiri packaging keeps the nori separate from the rice until opened by the consumer, preserving its crispness.
Genmaicha Latte ($7.00, lightly sweetened)
This latte was very thick and creamy, with a rich toasted nuttiness from the genmaicha. The powdered genmaicha also created a thick, slightly gritty foam. The genmaicha latte was well executed, capturing its rich flavour with a thick creaminess, yet without overt dairy notes.
The onigiri at Parami offered delectable comfort food, with a wide selection to satisfy any palate. One onigiri was the perfect snack, while a few made for a tasty lunch.
Parami is located at Shop 101/21 Alberta St, Sydney NSW 2000.