What Is a Shamoji?
A Simple Tool Used in Japanese Kitchens
A shamoji is a traditional Japanese rice paddle used to serve cooked rice from a rice cooker or pot.
Unlike spoons or spatulas, shamoji are specially designed to handle sticky Japanese rice without crushing the grains.
In Japan, a shamoji is used every day at almost every meal.
Because rice is sticky, a good rice paddle needs to prevent rice from sticking, be easy to clean, and stay hygienic.
That’s where this product comes in.
Marna Standing Rice Paddle Review
Simple, Smart, and Surprisingly Useful
The Marna Standing Rice Paddle is one of those kitchen tools that looks simple—but once you use it, you wonder how you lived without it.
I originally bought it because I didn’t want to deal with a separate rice paddle holder.
This one stands on its own, so a holder is completely unnecessary.
After using it daily, here’s why I genuinely recommend it.
1. Self-Standing Design (No Holder Needed)
The biggest advantage of the Marna rice paddle is that it stands upright on its own.
- No rice paddle holder required
- Easy to place down while cooking
- Keeps your counter clean and organized
Instead of managing two items (paddle + holder), this single tool does everything.
2. Rice Doesn’t Stick (Textured Surface)
The surface of the paddle has a fine textured pattern, which helps prevent rice from sticking.
- Freshly cooked rice releases easily
- Serving rice is smooth and stress-free
- No need to scrape rice off the paddle
A quick rinse with water before use makes it even more effective.
3. Easy to Clean and Hygienic
Despite the textured surface, the paddle is very easy to clean.
- Rice doesn’t get stuck in the texture
- Washes clean with a sponge
- Stands upright for quick drying
Because it doesn’t touch the counter when placed down, it feels more hygienic than flat paddles.
4. Who Is This Rice Paddle For?
This rice paddle is perfect if you:
- Cook rice regularly
- Want fewer kitchen accessories
- Prefer clean, minimal kitchen tools
- Care about hygiene and easy maintenance
If you’ve never used a shamoji before, this is a great first one to try.
Final Thoughts
The Marna Standing Rice Paddle isn’t flashy, but it’s incredibly practical.
✔ No holder needed
✔ Rice doesn’t stick
✔ Easy to clean and store
It’s a small upgrade that makes daily cooking noticeably easier.
