Onigiri Cafes: Japanese Comfort Food on the Go

Also known as omusubi, onigiri are made by shaping rice into balls or triangles. Many Japanese love them because they're cheap, simple, satisfying, and great for packed lunches. You'll find a wide range of onigiri fillings and flavors, from traditional to modern.

During cherry blossom season, onigiri are a popular snack to take to hanami (flower-viewing) picnics. Why not do as the locals do and buy some onigiri on your way to a park? The following onigiri cafes both have menus in English and takeout options.

Omusubi Cafe

Omusubi Cafe is a popular place to stop by on the way to see the cherry blossoms along the Nakamegurogawa. The onigiri here are made of a high-quality rice known as Ginga-no-Shizuku.
The fillings are preservative-free; popular choices include salmon, ikura (cod roe), and the owner's signature maruage miso (crispy fried soybean paste). The dine-in menu also has a variety of side dishes.

Omusubi-no-GABA

Omusubi-no-GABA's onigiri are as nutritious as they are delicious. They're made of GABA rice, which is fortified with amino acids and absorbs flavors well.

At this cafe with an inviting interior, you'll find not only the usual fillings such as salmon, but also unique ones such as foie gras. If you have time, enjoy a leisurely meal—the karaage (Japanese fried chicken) meals are especially popular.

Omusubi Cafe

Omusubi-no-GABA