THE BEST PLACE TO GET RICE BALLS IN THE BAY Hot. Fresh. Fragrant. Delicious. I wish I could get these on the streets. I usually get the mushroom one. The lines can be long, but it's worth it. Dango is also delicious here! read more

kissako tea is a small japanese snacks stand located on the bottom floor of the east mall in sf's japantown. there's always a short line, but it moves quickly. the daily selection of mochi is on display at the counter, and there's a decent selection of onigiri on their menu that's freshly made to order. each onigiri is made with a good amount with piping hot rice, so it was a treat to eat them right away. I ordered the fruit mochi, and although it was very pretty & the texture of the mochi itself was perfect, the fruit flavor tasted really artificial. in the future, I'd stick to only ordering from the mochi with bean filling. as for the onigiris, the mentaiko was by far my favorite!! there was a generous amount of mentaiko, and it was so savory. the beef sukiyaki onigiri was delicious too, but I wish there was more filling because the rice-to-meat ratio was off. the spicy furikake spam musubi was fine. it was good, but it didn't stand out as much as the first two read more

Located on the bottom floor of the East Mall in Japantown, this small stand offers a wide variety of drinks, mochi, onigiri, and other snacks. I've tried their onigiri in the past, and enjoyed them, so I figured I'd have one for an afternoon snack. My order: Unagi Onigiri ($4.50): +Rice was well cooked. +Good amount of boneless unagi +Nori was crispy. Mitarashi Dango ($3.15): -One of my friends raved about this, but I thought it was just okay. It was served cold, and I would've preferred it warm or at room temperature. In addition, the soy sauce glaze was more sweet than savory. *Verdict: I love how they make the onigiri fresh to order so will be back when I'm in the mood for a savory option. read more

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Very affordable Japanese cafe that makes great onigiri and mochi! They make their onigiri to order so it's served warm. They have a bunch of different flavors too but my favorite are the sake (spicy salmon) and the enoki mushroom. read more

Thank you, Yelpers, for steering us to this yummy onigiri spot on the first floor of the Japan Center Kinokuniya Mall in Japantown. My hubs and I were tired, hot, and needed sustenance quick. We ordered two spam onigiri ($3.35 each), one chicken teriyaki onigiri ($3.15), and one beef sukiyaki onigiri ($3.15). We also got two skewers of three little mochi each ($4.35 per skewer). We sat down at one of the tables next to the place. (Many places in the mall are takeout but some restaurants have their own seating.) Our order came out in about five minutes since there was hardly anyone in line (surprising for a Friday around 12:25 pm). When I opened the box, I was amazed at Japanese ingenuity once again. The plastic wrap around the onigiri is so the toasted seaweed doesn't touch the rice ball and it stays crisp. So great. The spam onigiri was salty, fatty, yummy. If you don't like spam, don't get it, but if you know, you know. The beef sukiyaki was a flavorful chipped beef and onion filling. The chicken teriyaki was less flavorful but I liked it because I needed something plain after having the spam. I ate two of the matcha mochi, one with red bean and one with white bean mixed with green tea. Both were fresh, soft, delicious. Saved the rest for a treat later. Kissako Tea was affordable and tasty. We will definitely come back here next time we're in SF! read more

Kissako Tea - Haru Mochi and Matcha Mochi ($4.35 each) = delish - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is the Japanese cafe inside Japan town , San Francisco. It sells freshly made rice snacks and drinks . We ordered a spam onigri and a beef sukiyaki onigri one hour before dinner . They were perfect because the portion was a small snack that would solve the hunger immediately but not ruin the appetite for the dinner . It has table and chair to rest and eat next to the shop. There is always a line . Since the snacks are handmade when orders are placed so it has 5 minute waiting time . The onigri is very hot and the rice tastes good and lots of spam in it . We did not find much beef until we ate half of the onigri and discovered the beef was inside the other half of the rice ball . Taste was good and fulfilling. Like to come back and try other menu items. read more

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Just popped in for a small snack but the mochi here is so soft and chewy and delicious! I recommend both the sakura and kinako. Great treat in between browsing the cutesy shops at Japantown. read more

Kissako Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Cute little stand in Japantown that sells drinks and onigiris I think i got a roe and tuna onigiri. Great flavor on both! Not sure if it's mostly just the sauce or if they gave a decent amount of filling, but I would get it again. read more

Kissako Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I bought the red bean snack. I also tried a piece of mango mochi because my friend bought fruit mochi. It was very yummy. I would like to come back to try other items on their menu. There are tables and seats next to this food vendor stand inside the mall to sit down. read more

Kissako Tea - Menu - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Fresh onigiris made to order. There's something about having hot rice that makes it worth getting as a snack. It is true that there a high ratio of rice to filling, but there is a reasonable amount of filling nonetheless. Crispy seaweed to surround the rice. The onigiris are only a few bucks each, so it's hard to ask for too much. My favorite was the unagi eel! read more

Kissako Tea - Onigiri - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Honestly, I was super disappointed with the onigiri here, there was barely any filling inside. I feel like they totally ripped me off. The reviews generally looked good, so I was excited to try this place but then when I got my order, I was really disappointed as there was barely any beef in it. I felt like I was eating straight rice. I definitely like onigilly downtown better. read more

Kissako Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Every time I visit Japantown in SF, I always make a stop at Kissako Tea's cart for their hot, savory onigiri and soft, delicately sweet mochi and dorayaki. They also offer a variety of entrées, snacks, and drinks, though the only one I've tried outside of their rice balls and sweets is the takoyaki, which I personally think is even better than Takoyaki Yamachan. My go-to onigiri flavors are tuna and mentaiko, while my favorite sweets include the yomogi mochi, mitarashi dango, and the Mont Blanc. Whether you're looking for a quick snack or a light meal, this spot is a must-stop. They have a handful of tables right next to the cart, as well as additional seating upstairs, making it easy to sit down and enjoy your food. read more

Came by on a Saturday in the late afternoon and the place was busy. There was a pretty long line, and since the rice balls are made to order, be prepared for a bit of a wait. It took about 10 minutes to order and another 20 minutes for our food to be ready. I tried three flavors: Spicy Tuna, Spicy Salmon, and Beef Sukiyaki. All were solid, especially for the price. The spicy tuna had a little too much mayo for my taste, but the flavor was still good. The fillings aren't super generous, but for how affordable everything is, I really can't complain. What I love most is that the rice balls come out hot and fresh--definitely worth the wait. I'll be back for sure to try more flavors! read more

Kissako Tea - Onigiri - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

This place is a great little spot right in the middle of the Kinokuniya Mall in Japantown. It is super easy to find, and there are plenty of tables in the public seating area right next to it, which makes it perfect for grabbing a quick bite. They have a really nice mix of sweet and savory options, plus drinks and even full meals that are made to order, all at very affordable prices. The staff are always friendly and helpful, and the ordering process is simple. You place your order at the front window and pick up your food at the side, which keeps things moving smoothly even when it gets busy. I love their onigiri, and the beef sukiyaki one is my favorite so far. I also tried the haru mochi and thought it was delicious with the sweet red bean inside. Everything comes out hot, fresh, and fast, which is always a plus. Whether you are looking for a quick snack or something more filling, Kissako Tea is a great choice. It has become one of my favorite places to stop by whenever I am in Japantown. read more

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I was in Japantown for lunch but the place I wanted to go to had too long of a line and I was starving, so I decided to check out this place instead. Kissako Tea's main feature is the onigiri, but they also sell mochi, don bowls, noodles, and drinks. I tried the spicy salmon and spicy tuna onigiri, as well as the fruit mochi. The fruit mochi was BANGING, I don't like when mochi is too soft but this was perfectly chewy without caving in or falling apart. 5 stars for the mochi!! The onigiri came out freshly made and super warm, I typically purchase refrigerated onirigi from the 7/11s in Asia so these were a pleasant surprise. They are filling enough for a snack, but would probably not fill you up for a meal. Would come back if I'm in the area and in need of a quick snack! read more

Japantown is always a winner for Boba Tea. I stopped by because my daughter had a craving for Brown Sugar Milk Tea & Spam & Tuna Onigiri. The cashier was very friendly and helpful. It's a kiosk type of situation but they do have tables all around that the other places share The food and drink were great and will go back to try different flavors. read more

My mom and I have been coming here for their handmade onigiri since middle school. The mentaiko was super yummy but it could have had more filling. The spicy shrimp mayo onigiri was also good but it could have had more shrimp. The dango was quite delicious and chewy. The melon cream soda was good too although melon soda has a unique flavor so be wary! Their prices have increased over the years but the quality has stayed pretty consistent. Also expect to wait for your food to come out because there's only 1-2 people manning the stall at all times. read more

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My go-to place for quick and fresh onigiri. Pricing is decent for $3.50+ per onigiri. I got a spicy unagi one and a spicy spam one and they were both delicious, although I wish there was more filling in them. A little heavy on the rice to filling ratio but still a very delicious snack and quick bite. Staff is also very nice and wait time was less than ~10 minutes. They also carry a variety of other snacks and sweets as well. read more

Mochi was so soft, sweet, and delicious! Would pair nicely with tea. I love this place. They ran out of the dango which is my FAVORITE!!!!! Their dango is the best!! I always get it when I'm in Japantown. read more

Kissako Tea - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Classic and simple Japanese snacks and tea! Came to the quaint kiosk located in the 1st floor of Japan Center around noon on Friday. There was no line, and the cashier was amicable and patient as I decided what to order. I ordered: -lunch tea set (mugicha, mitarashi dango, spicy sake onigiri, unagi onigiri) -mango mochi (skewer) -matcha mochi (skewer) The matcha and mango mochi were standard. The onigiri were flavorful, but the unagi was lacking in filling compared to the spicy sake. The mugicha was warm, earthy, really refreshing, and paired well with the salty sweetness of the mitarashi dango. Overall, it's reliable, ordinary snack food which is just what I needed to relax and study in the busy Japantown mall. read more

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Ordered the beef sukiyaki and spicy salmon onigiris. I thought that both onigiris could have used a little more filling on the inside compared to the amount of rice it had. I liked the flavor of the beef sukiyaki more than the salmon but I loved how every onigiri was made to order so it comes out fresh! A must try if you're looking for a snack while in Japantown read more

got the beef sukiyaki onigiri ($2.90) and the salmon onigiri ($2.90) and they were made to order so they were piping hot and fresh. the rice was soft and the portion size was great for the price! I liked the beef sukiyaki filling better than the salmon but both were nice read more

Kissako Tea - Beef Sukiyaki Onigiri - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

tldr great spot for some small japanese snack foods esp the hot and fresh onigri ordered a beef sukiyaki onigri! came out piping hot and quickly even tho freshly made. filling wasn't too much but flavorful and rice was perfectly seasoned/cooked. i would come back in a pinch if i am just a little hungry for a snack as the price was reasonable at $3.15 service was really friendly and nice! you can eat next to the stand with a few tables available overall solid spot for a quick japanese snack foods esp that is freshly made! read more

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They have the freshest onigiris in SF! It's a great price, never fails to be yummy, and a perfect snack, lunch, or dinner! They also have warabimochi, udon, and gyudon. It's always a pit stop I make when I'm Japantown to grab a spicy spam onigiri :) read more

Good onigiris! They also come individually wrapped, just like typical Japanese konbini. Quick service and low price for a little snack. Beware it gets very busy! Came during a slow week day and even though they were churning onigiris left and right, I still waited ~10min to get mine (~10 customers before me). Super recommend! read more

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Stopped by here for a quick bite! Loved everything I ordered here. I got the Chicken Teriyaki Onigiri, Berry Mochi (strawberry and blueberry flavored) and Matcha Tea. The flavor of the mochi was so good and the consistency was just right.. not too soft and not too hard! The onigiri's are made to order so you already know they taste fresh! I would've liked more chicken teriyaki in my onigiri but honestly for the price (everything was around $12), I can't complain! The matcha tea was delish and good quality - I didn't need/ care to add any sweeteners or add-on's! Kissako Tea is a kiosk located on the first floor of the Japan Center Kinokuniya Building! There are a few seating areas next to the kiosk as well as benches around the mall. Staff members were really nice as well :) Will definitely stop by again! read more

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I really wanted to like Kissako Tea given the buzz and long lines I've seen, but my visit left me underwhelmed and overcharged. What I ordered: Spicy unagi onigiri ($4.80) Fruit mochi ($4.35) The spicy unagi onigiri was essentially a $4.80 rice ball with a sprinkle of unagi somewhere hidden inside. The rice was fresh and nicely warmed, I'll give them that, but I found myself eating what felt like plain rice for most of it. For that price point, I expected a proper filling-to-rice ratio. When "unagi" is in the name, I shouldn't have to go on a treasure hunt to find it. The fruit mochi was a complete miss - tasted artificial and overly sweet. Definitely skip this one. I get that this place draws crowds, but after this experience, I can't justify standing in those long lines again. There are better onigiri & mochi options in the city that actually deliver on flavor and value. Maybe I caught them on an off day, but first impressions matter, especially at these prices. read more

Kissako Tea - Overpriced, there are barely any unagi in the onigiri. Fruit mochi tastes very artificial. - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

3.5 rounded up. Nice shop with tons of variety but the larger the menu, the lower the quality of certain items. Matcha Mochi - mochi was thick and doughy but very good. Worked out the jaw from all the chewing but well worth it. Inside was a rich filling, a generous amount of sweetness. Being matcha flavored however, I would expect some bitterness which was not present. Onigiri - we tried the spicy tuna, spicy salmon, and spicy furikake spam. Tuna and salmon onigiri lacked filling and wasn't spread well. Very inconsistent bites as some were flavorful and others bland consisting of just rice and seaweed. The spicy furikake spam had a solid piece of spam in the center that easily overshadowed the other two. Made to order, however, and the rice is warm. read more

Kissako Tea - Onigiri - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is my go to spot for a snack when I'm out and about in pac heights or Japantown! They serve hot onigiri with a variety of options. Service is quick and prices are very reasonable. read more

Kissako Tea - Unagi Onigiri - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

What a great grab and go snack! I ordered the Unagi Onigiri and it took a few mins to make but so worth it. The rice was warm and they gave a nice portion of Unagi. I can't wait to try the other flavors. read more

Onigiri place was exactly what I was looking for. Simple and quick meal/snack break. In an indoor shopping center, was not too busy. Ambiance? This spot was under the staircase by entrance. Nothing fancy, but many options. Service was simple and regular, he did a good job I would return here read more

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I like how this hidden food stand specializes in mochi and onigiri. It is perfect if you want to stop and grab something quick. It's located on the ground level, towards that one side of the mall. So many choices! Service was nice and friendly. I tried the Mitarashi Dango, but wish it was heated up since it was a little cold when I picked it up. I picked up the ume onigiri had the generous amount of filling and perfectly fluffy rice. I wished I had picked up another one! Overall, I was satisfied with my purchase. I'm not sure how busy it gets on weekdays, but expect a wait on weekends. It is worth the wait! read more

i don't know any other place you can get a cheap, quality onigiri in San Francisco anymore! this spot is conveniently located in japantown, and they have several ready-to-eat and made-to-order options. i went with the beef sukiyaki onigiri, and i loved how it came out so warm. there's a good amount of filling inside, and the size of the onigiri itself is pretty plump. there's also a good selection of mochis and drinks here you can check out as well. there's a little bit of seating in the middle of this square you can enjoy your snacks at. read more

Kissako Tea - Beef Sukiyaki Onigiri - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great service. For those who are gluten free, everything is clearly labeled GF. But let your cashier know that you want the onjgiri gluten free. They let the chef know for food prep purposes as the onigiri is made to order. Also not shown were butter mochi and strawberry mochi. Really tasty!! read more

Kissako Tea - Spicy tuna for the win - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

I got the Usagi and Spicy Tuna onigiri, it was freshly made so it was very warm and hot to the touch. It satisfied my cravings for a light snack and there's also a lot of places to shop around at the mall there. read more

Love stopping by to grab a quick onigiri filled with protein and carbs to get me thru walking the numerous shops offered in Japan Town. They're more like a kiosk but thankfully there is a seating area that is shared with the matcha cafe across the way. The menu is about 50/50 meat to vegetarian. They're generous with the fillings. Limited on vegan options as there is mayo, honey, and bonito flakes in options that people may assume are vegan. If there isn't a line, staff might be distracted and you may end up waiting for a moment before someone notices. Otherwise they're quick to make the fresh onigiri and answer questions. read more

Kissako Tea - Size of onigiri - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

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My daughter loves the mochi here at Kissako Tea (a tiny kiosk downstairs in the Japan Center mall). I don't like red beans (which usually limits my mochi adventures) but I like white beans so we usually order the dango and the kinako mochi. I'm happy to report there are plenty of non-red bean options at Kissako. Despite being an onigiri lover, my daughter has yet to let me get her one here (probably because we usually visit after slurping noodles at Udon Mugizo upstairs) but they look very good! read more

Stopped by here on a Saturday afternoon to pick up some onigiri to bring home. I had remembered the salmon being really good and decided to get one of those and a spicy tuna. After a little bit of a wait the order was called out and I was handed two onigiri wrapped in a white bag and closed. I asked to make sure "the salmon and tuna?" And was confirmed and thanked. I left Japantown and got back home to open the bag and found that they had given me a fried shrimp and a spam onigiri instead. What really was frustrating about this is that we can't eat pork so that had to go to waste, and while the fried shrimp was good, it wasn't what I ordered. I even double checked my receipt to make sure they had put in the correct order from the register and they had. I understand it gets busy and orders can get mixed, but maybe a better way to ensure customers are getting what they order then a closed blank white bag would help, especially when the customer asks to try to make sure it's correct. read more

Kissako Tea is a great stop if you're looking for a quick, affordable, yet healthy lunch. The menu is simple and satisfying. The lunch special comes with two onigiri of choice, soup or tea, and mochi of choice. An onigiri sticky rice shaped in a triangle, stuffed with something yummy, and wrapped in crispy seaweed. The packaging is a plastic wrapper that keeps the seaweed separate from the warm rice. You peel the plastic and wrap the seaweed around the rice when you're ready to eat it. The onigiri options vary from meat, seafood, and veggies. I ordered a pickled veggie and a mushroom onigiri. Both were tasty. I recommend some soy sauce on the side to dunk but that's my untraditional recommendation. The miso soup was served in a small to-go cup. For dessert, you get a choice of mochi. There's even a savory flavor with a soy glaze. I chose the cherry blossom mochi and it was outstanding. There are also lots of tea options to meet your needs. There's seating right next to the stand. What a lovely find! read more

Kissako Tea - $12 special - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California

Amazing service and price! I will definitely go to Kissako Tea again next time I'm in the area. The manju dango I bought here was super good. It was so smooth and soft that I wished I bought another one before I left. Located inside the Japantown plaza near Mai-do, this unassuming hole in the wall serves onigiri and manju at an affordable price that anyone can buy and enjoy. read more

Kissako Tea - Delicious Dango - Coffee & Tea Near Me - San Francisco, California