Long before it was the star of your favorite roll, sushi rice was a humble kitchen superhero. Over a thousand years ago along the Mekong River, short-grain rice wasn’t actually eaten, it was used as a natural blanket to preserve fresh fish. Packed with salt, the rice fermented the fish to keep it fresh, and once the process was done, the rice was tossed away.
Everything changed in medieval Japan, when impatient foodies realized they didn’t want to wait months or waste the rice. By the 17th century, clever Japanese brewers had a breakthrough: adding freshly made rice vinegar directly to cooked rice. This gave the grains that signature tangy kick instantly, creating modern sumeshi (vinegared rice) and saving months of waiting. By the 1820s on the bustling streets of Tokyo, a vendor named Hanaya Yohei realized the naturally sticky rice could be hand-pressed into neat little pads topped with raw fish. Just like that, street-side nigiri was born, transforming rice from a simple wrapper into the heart and soul of Japanese cuisine.
Boil on Stove Top
Add 1 cup of rice and 6 to 8 cups of cold tap water to a saucepan.
Leave uncovered and bring to a boil on a higher heat stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes until tender.
When desired texture is reached, remove from heat, drain in a colander and serve.
Absorption Method
Add 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of cold tap water to a saucepan.
Bring to a boil on a medium to high heat stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat and simmer covered for 10 to 15 minutes until tender stirring occasionally.
When desired texture is reached, remove from heat, stand covered for 3 to 5 minutes and serve.
Rice Cooker
Add 2 cups of water for every 1 cup of rice. This ratio may vary depending on your rice cooker. Please check the manufacturers instructions.
Tip: Use a large cooking pot with wider base giving rice maximum space to expand. Do not prepare large quantity of rice in small pot.Gently fluff rice with a fork before serving.
Returns & Refunds Policy
At The Spice People, we want every purchase to bring joy and inspiration to your kitchen. If for any reason you are not completely satisfied, we are here to assist.
Returns
Due to the nature of our spices and perishable products, we are unable to accept returns for opened items. If your order arrives damaged, defective, or incorrect, please contact us within 7 days of delivery at hello@thespicepeople.com.au with your order number and a photo of the item, and we will resolve it promptly.
Refunds
Once your claim has been reviewed, we will provide a full refund or replacement at no extra cost for eligible items. Refunds are returned to your original payment method and typically take 5–10 business days to process.
Exchanges
We do not offer direct exchanges at this time. If an item was sent incorrectly or is damaged, we will gladly provide a replacement.
Shipping Costs
Shipping fees are non-refundable, except where the return is due to our error (damaged, defective, or incorrect items).
Contact Us
For any questions or assistance, reach out to us at hello@thespicepeople.com.au. We are committed to ensuring your experience with The Spice People is seamless, satisfying, and flavorful.
Note: By shopping with The Spice People, you agree to this Returns & Refund Policy.