Grain
Rice isn't a vehicle.
It's the point.
We started Grain because we were tired of rice being an afterthought — a blank canvas underneath the "real" ingredients. We source single varietals from named farms. We cook each one differently. The grain is the story.
— Marcus Thao, Founder
Thai Jasmine, Lot 26
Long-grain, floral, slightly sticky when fresh. We source exclusively from a single paddy plot — same soil, same water, every season.
Kanya Srisombat
Third-generation rice farmer. Her family has grown jasmine on the same 12-acre plot since 1968. We pay 30% above market rate — always.
The rice is never an accident.
Every bowl starts with a deliberate choice. Three varietals, three entirely different experiences — each one named, sourced, and cooked its own way.
Thai Jasmine
Steamed in Pandan
Floral, slightly sticky, faintly sweet with a clean finish
3 pandan leaves per pot, rested 8 minutes before service
Japanese Short-Grain
Seasoned with Black Vinegar
Chewy, umami-forward, pleasantly tart from the vinegar finish
Aged black vinegar folded in at 60°C — not before, not after
Forbidden Black Rice
Cracked Open Like Dark Earth
Nutty, earthy, with a deep purple stain and a firm bite
Soaked 4 hours, cooked low and slow — never rushed
Four bowls.
Infinite reasons.
Every bowl lists its rice varietal, its protein, its pickles — because you deserve to know exactly what you're eating.
The Pandan Bowl
Fragrant. Light. Instantly familiar.
Lemongrass chicken thigh, slow-braised 4 hours
- ✦Pickled cucumber
- ✦Crispy shallots
- ✦Fresh cilantro
- ✦Nuoc cham drizzle
The Dark Earth
Bold. Earthy. Unapologetically filling.
Braised pork belly, 6-hour soy-ginger braise
- ✦Pickled daikon
- ✦Sesame oil
- ✦Scallion
- ✦Soft-boiled egg
The Vinegar Bowl
Tart. Umami-forward. Craveable.
Miso-glazed salmon, broiled to order
- ✦Pickled red cabbage
- ✦Edamame
- ✦Toasted sesame
- ✦Ginger-miso dressing
The Market Bowl
Seasonal. Rotating. Always worth it.
Rotating protein — today: spiced lamb shoulder
- ✦Whatever's peak season
- ✦House-made pickle of the week
- ✦Herb oil
The people who come back
every single week.
I've eaten here every Tuesday for three months. The pandan bowl is the only lunch that doesn't make me regret spending money downtown.
Finally a place where 'healthy' doesn't mean sad. The dark earth bowl hits different — I actually look forward to Mondays now.
We bring the kids every Sunday. They point at the menu and say 'one of each.' That's how good it is.
Find Grain today.
412 Market Street, Suite 101
San Francisco, CA 94105
(415) 882-3140
Today: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Online orders ready in 12 minutes · Counter pickup only