Sosaku Onigiri: Best Onigiri in London at Shepherd’s Bush Market

You know when you stumble across a spot that feels like a proper hidden gem. That’s exactly how I felt about Sosaku Onigiri in Shepherd’s Bush Market. Tucked away at Stall 6a in West London, this tiny stall is serving up some of the most authentic, generously filled onigiri I’ve had in London and at an affordable price

If you’re not familiar, onigiri are Japanese rice balls, traditionally filled with savoury ingredients. They’re simple, comforting, and wildly satisfying when done right. Sosaku Onigiri doesn’t just do them right, they do them with heart, creativity, and serious flavour. From vegan-friendly options to bold truffle twists and even a Bulgogi-inspired special, this place brings a taste of Japan to London in the most approachable way possible.

Let me tell you why this stall deserves your attention.

About Sosaku Onigiri

Sosaku Onigiri first opened in 2023 and has been at Shepherd’s Bush Market ever since. The name “Sosaku” means “creative” in Japanese, which perfectly reflects the concept behind the stall. This isn’t just traditional onigiri copy-pasted into a London market setting, it’s thoughtful, intentional fusion that blends Japanese roots with ingredients and flavours that resonate locally.

The owner, Masami, is originally from Japan and brings that authenticity with her. What really struck me is how passionate she is about sharing onigiri culture with London. She explained that not many people here truly know what onigiri is and she wants to change that. For her, this isn’t just food, it’s about storytelling and introducing people to a staple of Japanese everyday life.

And when I say dedication, I mean it. Masami makes everything fresh from scratch every single morning. By the time the stall opens at 12pm, each onigiri has been carefully hand-shaped and filled. That level of care? You can genuinely taste it.

What is Sosaku Onigiri Known For?

Sosaku Onigiri is known for three big things: authenticity, creativity, and generosity.

First, authenticity. These are proper Japanese onigiri, not oversized rice triangles with a teaspoon of filling hiding in the middle. The rice texture is spot on: soft but structured, lightly seasoned, and never dry.

Second, creativity. Masami blends traditional Japanese ingredients with London-inspired touches. You’ll find classic umeboshi alongside black truffle sauce. There’s teriyaki tofu elevated with truffle. Even a Bulgogi beef special makes an appearance. It’s thoughtful fusion rather than gimmicky mashups.

And third, the fillings. This is huge. I’ve been to places where you bite into an onigiri and it’s 80% plain rice with a tiny dot of flavour in the centre. Not here. Across all six flavours, the filling runs through the entire onigiri. Every bite actually tastes like what it says it is. It sounds basic, but trust me, it makes all the difference.

It’s honestly one of the best spots for onigiri in London right now.

What is the Experience Like at Sosaku Onigiri?

Shepherd’s Bush Market has a mix of food stalls, fresh produce, and regulars popping in for their usual. Stall 6a feels like a calm little pocket of Japan.

The setup is simple and cosy. It’s very much grab-and-go, but not rushed. Masami is warm, happy to explain the flavours, and clearly proud of what she’s created. You can feel the passion when she talks about onigiri. She genuinely wants people to understand what they’re eating and appreciate the craft behind it.

There’s something really comforting about ordering from someone who’s been up early in the morning making each piece by hand. It doesn’t feel mass-produced. It feels personal.

Because it opens from 12–6pm (Monday to Saturday), it’s perfect for a lunch stop or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. And since everything is made fresh that morning, you know you’re getting quality.

What is the Food Like at Sosaku Onigiri?

Each onigiri is priced at £3.80, and there are six main flavours, plus a comforting Miso Potage Soup (£4.50). Across the board, they are generous, balanced, and genuinely satisfying.

Uma (£3.80)

This one includes Japanese salty plum (umeboshi), yuzu miso, perilla (shiso leaves), Japanese pickled mooli (takuan), and roasted sesame. It’s vegan and halal-friendly. The salty plum and yuzu miso balance each other beautifully, tangy, slightly sharp, but surprisingly refreshing. It’s bright and layered without being overpowering.

Teriyaki (£3.80)

Teriyaki tofu, truffle sauce, pickled mooli, parsley, mayonnaise, and sesame. Vegetarian and halal-friendly. I’ll admit, I had no expectations for teriyaki tofu, I’ve never really gravitated toward it before. But this completely won me over. The truffle sauce adds depth and richness that elevates the tofu. I can absolutely see why this is a local favourite.

Takana (£3.80)

Spicy pickled mustard leaves with kimchi, smoked garlic miso, Japanese pepper (shichimi), mayonnaise, and sesame. Vegetarian and halal-friendly. If you like a bit of heat, this one’s for you. The kimchi gives it a satisfying kick, and the smoked garlic miso rounds it out nicely.

Kombu (£3.80)

Kelp seaweed with black truffle sauce, mayonnaise, cabbage, and sesame. Vegetarian and halal-friendly. This was one of my personal favourites. The strong truffle flavour paired with the umami depth of kombu is honestly such a nice combination. I love the concept, seaweed and truffle doesn’t seem like it would work this well, but they really do.

Gimbap (£3.80)

Filled with bulgogi beef, organic carrots, parsley, Japanese pickled mooli (takuan), and roasted sesame, this is the perfect choice if you’re after a meat option. It’s savoury with that signature slight sweetness from the bulgogi, making it really satisfying and comforting.

This flavour was created in collaboration with @Rollinjoint1, a Korean food blogger, which explains the thoughtful fusion. It brings together the classic Korean flavours of gimbap and bulgogi, reimagined inside a Japanese onigiri. It’s a really fun cross-cultural twist that actually works, familiar if you love Korean food, but still true to the onigiri format.

Tuna (£3.80)

Tuna, sweetcorn, shiso leaves, mayonnaise, and sesame. This is the “safe” option in the best way. If you’ve had tuna sushi before, it’ll feel familiar and comforting.

Miso Potage Soup (£4.50)

Comforting, creamy, and warming. The potato and miso together are such a simple but satisfying combination. It’s vegan-friendly and pairs perfectly with an onigiri or two.

Overall, Kombu and Teriyaki were my standouts but honestly all of them were so good. Each one had its own personality and flavour profile.

What is the Price Like at Sosaku Onigiri?

Let’s talk value, because £3.80 per onigiri in London right now feels almost unbelievable.

Considering the generous fillings, the quality ingredients, and the fact that everything is handmade fresh daily, it’s incredibly affordable. You could easily grab two onigiri and feel fully satisfied for under £8. Compare that to most central London lunch spots and it’s genuinely refreshing.

The soup at £4.50 is also fairly priced, especially for something made fresh and comforting.

It’s rare to find food that’s both authentic and creative while still being accessible price-wise. Sosaku Onigiri manages to do both.

Final thoughts on Sosaku Onigiri

Sosaku Onigiri is more than just a market stall, it’s a passion project rooted in culture, creativity, and generosity. Since opening in 2023, it has quietly built a reputation as one of the best places for onigiri in London.

From Japan to Shepherd’s Bush Market, Masami has brought a genuine taste of Japan while adapting flavours in a way that feels perfectly suited to London. The concept is thoughtful, the execution is consistent, and the value is hard to beat.

It’s authentic Japanese onigiri, made fresh every morning, sold by someone who truly cares about what she’s serving.

If you’ve never tried onigiri before, this is the place to start. And if you have, but you’ve only had the under-filled, dry versions, Sosaku Onigiri will completely change your perception.

The generous fillings, balanced flavours, and creative combinations make each one feel intentional. Add in the affordable pricing and the story behind it, and you’ve got something really special.

Kombu and Teriyaki are absolute must-orders in my opinion, but honestly, you can’t really go wrong. It’s comforting, satisfying, and refreshingly different from your typical lunch options.

In a city packed with food trends and flashy openings, Sosaku Onigiri feels grounded and genuine and sometimes that’s exactly what you want.

Next time you’re around Shepherd’s Bush Market between 12 and 6pm, Monday to Saturday, make your way to Stall 6a. Grab a couple of onigiri, maybe the miso potage soup, and take a moment to appreciate something simple done exceptionally well.

Sosaku Onigiri might be small in size, but it delivers big on flavour, heart, and authenticity. And honestly? London needs more spots like this.

Highlights of Sosaku Onigiri

• Authentic Japanese onigiri made fresh daily
• Opened in 2023 at Shepherd’s Bush Market
• Owner Masami is from Osaka and hand-makes everything
• Creative flavour combinations blending Japan and London
• Generous fillings in every onigiri
• Affordable pricing at £3.80 each
• Vegan, vegetarian, and halal-friendly options available
• Favourites: Kombu and Teriyaki onigiri
• One of the best spots for onigiri in London

Sosaku Onigiri Details

• Location: Shepherd’s Bush Market, Stall 6a (about 8 minutes walk from Shepherd’s Bush Station)
• Opening Hours: Mon – Sat (12–6 pm)
• Price: £3.80 per onigiri

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