Great takeout spot in the Mission! Aedan Koji Kitchen is a small storefront that serves traditional-style Japanese bentos and specializes in traditional fermentation techniques. I came to order a bento for lunch and to browse their fermented items for sale. The staff members were super sweet and took the time to explain the menu and their products to me. Each bento includes one entree, four sozai (side dishes), pickles, an amazake sweet, and your choice of miso soup or an amazake drink. This is easily one of my favorite types of meals--a well-balanced meal where you can try a large variety of their side dishes. I opted for the Salmon Bento and absolutely loved it! The salmon was simple yet delicious, and everything tasted super fresh. Highly recommended! read more

Aedan Koji Kitchen - Salmon Bento - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Aedan Koji Kitchen is a tiny takeout spot serving Japanese homestyle bento boxes inspired by traditional fermentation techniques. I always go for whatever special they're serving that day, whether it's juicy wagyu beef meatballs or buttery miso-glazed salmon. The fermented sides are packed with so much flavor and made with whatever California produce is in season. Every bento comes with miso soup or amazake, and if you can't make it to the shop, you can also find them at the Ferry Building Farmers Market on Saturdays. read more

This is an amazing hidden gem in the mission. If I were to buy miso paste anywhere in the city, I would buy it from here. You can also purchase bento boxes, small drinks, and desserts, and a few other things like tea, but I would personally just focus on the miso itself, which is their specialty. I do love that. The bento boxes are fairly healthy, but I wouldn't order those again. read more

I've been wanting to try this place for forever cause I always walk by it when walking my dog. The day has come! I have tried it! Aedan Koji Kitchen is so good! The cashier was so nice and offered to bring us barley tea since we were sitting outside. It's also so cute inside and I appreciate that you can purchase miso, koji, merch, desserts, and pickled veggies. I've bought the white miso and used it to mix a marinade for salmon and it was so good! I was able to try their Bento I got their salmon miso one that was the special. Their bento is so cute and I loved all the veggies in it. The salmon, pickled veggies, seasoned veggies and lil dessert were all so good. I did wish the salmon was a lil more sauced up tho. Overall, this is such a gem and a great lunch spot because the bento was so refreshing, not too heavy and hella nutritious. read more

Friendly service! Complimentary koji drink with my bento was delicious, in my shallow palate I dare say it has hints of a mango lassi or a sweetened kefir. No seating inside, but a small bench or two outside the store if you want to enjoy your food right away. read more

This place has been on my list for a while, but I don't usually find myself in the Mission for a weekday lunch. On Memorial Day, I finally found an opportunity to walk over, and alas, it was CLOOOOSED. NOOOOOOOO, I HAD SUCH MISO PLANS! So, the next day, I worked from home so I could try it out. I ordered a salmon koji bento with amazuke, and after I mentioned I wanted to buy some miso, I was explained the differences between their offerings i.e. flavor, process, uses, etc. I picked up a container of the chickpea miso. Was in and out of there very fast. Great lunch pickup! The bento was very light and came with a nice variety of healthy vegetable sides. The amazuke was amazing! I've never had anything quite like it, and the turmeric added a nice note to the flavor. Not too sweet! Would consider coming here just for the amazuke. I still have to execute the rest of my miso plans, but made a quick pasta with the chickpea miso a few days later, and it was a success. read more

I had the salad and my daughter had the bento box. I didn't like anything in the bento box, but the salad was great! Very nice staff read more

Updating my review- my husband made multiple dishes with their dark umami miso and they all came out delicious! Such a versatile and fresh ingredient- really a gem of an ingredient that you can't get elsewhere. Fresh Miso hotpot, miso soup or any miso salmon fishes the miso paste (although higher in cost than ordinary miso) is worth every penny for the depth of umami wow wow! Will be back anytime I'm in the city to pick up some of the miso paste read more

Aedan Koji Kitchen - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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A must-try for Japanese food lovers!! Whether you're visiting or live in the city, this cute, authentic japanese bento shop absolutely should be on your list. The Food: Healthy (no preservatives or added sugars), creative and just DELICIOUS! I swear you can't get this kind of homemade bento taste anywhere else outside of japan! I tried the poke special and it was the best poke i've had in cali. Everything is fresh and perfectly seasoned! The Service: The staff here are all friendly and sweet! Mariko the owner has a true passion for fermenting with Koji and it really shows through in both the food and service. The Ambiance: The shop doesn't have any seating, but we sat on the bench outside and they gave us complimentary tea **Bonus: They also are at the Ferry Building farmers market on Saturday!! I'll be back and will be recommending Aedan to literally everyone XD read more

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This place is an absolute gem! I am so lucky that my work is walking distance from here. Only problem is that I want to eat here every day.  Imagine if you had a Japanese mom or grandmother and say their love language is food, it would literally manifest itself as an Aedan bento box.  Aedan how do I love thee? Let me count the ways.  The menu is small. You pick your choice of protein. They have tofu, chicken, salmon, and usually one specialty item. Last time I went the special was a miso buttered salmon with mushrooms. I'm a huge fan of the salmon. Get those omega-3s in. The side dishes that come with the bento are often marinated in their magical miso sauce and it is so flavorful! Each bite is an absolute delight! If you are starving, an Aedan bento box might leave you wanting. Get double protein for an extra $6. I think the box is the perfect amount for a bit of a lighter lunch and will leave you feeling nourished from the inside.  Bento boxes also come with a choice of miso soup or a mini cup of a sweet turmeric drink called amazake. Both are delicious! Amazake is something unique and special I've never seen anywhere else but Aedan so I usually go with that.  There is no seating inside but there is a little bench outside that wraps around a tree. I've sat there before with coworkers and the Aedan ladies would offer us complimentary cold tea. Every time I stop by this place looks a little bit busier than the last. I think the secret is getting out but service is always top notch here and so friendly, I'm so happy to see it! They also host miso making classes so you can attempt to replicate some of their dishes at home.  Highly highly recommend! read more

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It's real real Japanese food. Puriod. Highly recommend for a healthy and filling lunch. read more

One of the best bentos I've had in the City in a long time. The owner's approach to creating an incredibly well balanced lunch (flavors, textures, proportions, as well as rice to protein and veggie ratios) are incredible. Her cooking tastes exactly like some of the meals I've had in Japan. Nourishing. Lean. Flavorful. If you're looking for a probiotic filled lunch, this is an amazing option. P Aedan is a SF gem. We are lucky to have an establishment that still cares about the culinary craft of koji. read more

This amazing little spot specializes in koji and other fermented foods. I've eaten here numerous times and taken a miso-making class. The owner is very passionate about her craft, and about sharing it. She's also very kind and generous. I should mention that everything they make and sell is delicious, and most things are quite delicately flavoured. Aedan is a true SF gem. read more

Cute spot that looks like they take a lot of care in their craft. You can buy some ingredients like miso for cooking. Their focus seems to on making food with no additives or preservatives, and low sugar. You get a good variety with your bento and the food tastes like a bit like a home cooked meal. Keep in mind it's a light, not hearty, bento box. Tbh, it's not really for me, but I'm glad I came to check it out and I am rooting for this new spot. read more

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Great bento for lunch. Good service. Shaded tree outside to sit and eat. Recommend if you're in the area! read more

Aedan Koji Kitchen - Salmon Loki - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

So glad this takeout spot opened up! I was so excited for some fresh and authentic bento for lunch and have passed by this spot at the Ferry farmers market but never ended up trying it. We ordered the salmon egg bento and the chicken bento with added salmon. Each came with a set of pickled vegetables, fresh miso soup, sweet mochi, and tamago. While we waited for our food, we chatted with the owner who was so friendly and gladly shared their story. The food was perfectly cooked and very flavorful - simple but filling! read more

Aedan Koji Kitchen - Fresh combo salmon/chicken bento and salmon egg bento - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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wait this place is actually such a gem. I was walking in the mission and my friend rec'd we try this bento place and we went there right before closing and were able to snag their last roast beef bento and also a salmon bento. both were so incredibly and thoughtfully made. there was the option for either this tumeric drink v pumpkin soup so we got one of each. both were incredibly unique and divine and apparently good for our gut health. we also got some delicious barley? tea and the bento itself was immaculate. the whole experience was very lovely and just browsing thru their fridge cases i know i def have to come back soon!! read more

Aedan Koji Kitchen - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Newly opened in late spring, finally had a chance to try them (due to a lunch bag mishap). A few coworkers have made this spot part of their regular lunch time rotation. Simple menu, choice of bento box ($20) and donburri ($15) with choice of salmon or chicken, miso and drinks. A little pricier lunch but I'm treating myself today. To-go only. Chose donburri with miso marinated chicken, which came with small miso soup (rich, had pieces of kabocha). Tasty selection of sides (pickled carrot, guacamole mix, egg, eggplant and red.pepper). Wished there was brown rice option (staff said they're discussing it) and less rice/more veggies! Am curious about the amazake drink - next time. They offer various misos and Koji for sale, and miso making classes (sign up online!) read more

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My favorite spot to grab a healthy lunch with seasonal produce. Aedan sells bento boxes made with shio koji that they make themselves. This adds a lot of health benefits to the food, as well as adding a nice savory, umami flavor. I love the protein options, and the sides are delicious as well. There's also a tiny dessert they provide as well, so you really get to satisfy all your senses from texture to flavor. Like most Japanese establishments, service is amazing. They always greet you when you walk in, are thoughtful with packaging, and even offer tea if you sit at the bench outside for lunch. My favorite item is the salmon + mushroom bento box. They rotate out the sides (different types of pickles and etc) and soup (different items in the miso soup from tofu to gluten balls). One day they even had a spicy curry soup that reminded me of Hokkaido soup curry. Currently it's $20 for a regular salmon bento box. The specials are usually $23. No seating except for a bench next to the entrance. It usually has a really nice, peaceful ambiance - the Mission is warm and sunny and it is shady under the tree. But the street is currently under construction, so it's been dusty and construction block most of the walking path. read more

Aedan Koji Kitchen - Shio Koji Bento Box - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

All my AZN Peeps: Who used to be embarrassed of the lunches your parents packed for you? *Raises BOTH hands* Back in the day, all the AZN funk would scare some people way. Now that AZN food is trendy, people are ALL about that funk because they know the good good. Fermented funk = flavor AND umami. Plus, it's healthy for you (probiotics). Opening two weeks ago is Aedan Koji Kitchen from the folks behind Aedan Fermented Foods. Their brick & mortar shop sells an array of their small-batch fermented products: miso, shio koji (marinade), amazake (rice drink), takeout bento boxes, and teas. They also offer miso making and cooking classes. Hours of operation: Tuesday - Friday, 10:30 am - 2 pm. With the mandate lifted, staff still wears masks. No seating but there's a little bench outside if you want to eat your food. M E N U Rotating daily menu of don (rice bowls) and bento boxes. This is today's menu: https://bit.ly/3t1YnX4. F O O D * Aedan Bento Box: Shio Koji Salmon w/ rice, three veggie sides, pickles, tamagoyaki, amazake dessert ($20): https://bit.ly/3GlnGsy ***Upgrade to large size amazake (+$2) Wow, I was seriously impressed with the bento box. It was filling, healthy, and damn delicious. Packed with so much umami! The shio koji marinated salmon was moist and flaky with a savory nutty sweetness...served over a bed of warm Koda Farms rice. The veggie sides: bamboo shoots, eggplant, mushrooms+snap peas were fresh and tasty. The sagohachi pickles (cucumbers+ watermelon radish) were nicely brined and acidic. The tamagoyaki was soft, moist, eggy, and slightly sweet. And, the fresh berries in a fermented coconut sauce was so creamy and complex. The amazake was amazing! The fermented rice drink is made with turmeric, fresh ginger, cinnamon, and oat milk. It's creamy smooth, subtly spiced, and lightly sweet. Low key reminds me of a caffeine-free, Japanese rendition of chai. I'm glad the owner recommended that I upgrade the size...they need to sell this in jugs! S E R V I C E The owner, Mariko is super sweet and welcoming. My bento box was assembled within minutes. A M B I A N C E Casual, minimalist shop with grab 'n go items. P A R K I N G Street parking only. Overall, Aedan really knows how to showcase fresh, local, seasonal ingredients and let it shine....the traditional Japanese way. Looking forward to using the country miso I bought for soups, salad dressings, and sauces. If you're in The Mission, def check out this new local business! read more

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It's really delicious food. I had the salad bento with salmon and ate every little bit. I could eat here every day!

Aedan Koji Kitchen or Aedan Fermented, is a small business tucked away on an unassuming block. They have a small grocery store (full of fermented foods), a restaurant for readymade to-go, and a classroom space for educational classes. The menu protein are vegan/tofu, chicken, or salmon. The portions for readymade food are Japanese-sized and run small. The grocery store section sells homemade misos, amazake, mirin, vegan dashi (soup base), and more. My partner ordered the vegan miso soup, it was hot weather outside but he insisted he needed a soup. He was overjoyed with just one sip, the soup contained his favorite, potatoes. He realizing that most miso soups he has tried up until now were "American style". I ordered the amazake (fermented sweet rice drink) which comes creamy and flavored with turmeric and ginger. It was also excellent. We shared a vegetarian bento box together, lots of creative vegetables, egg and even a dessert. Optionally you can replace the egg with more vegetables to make this order vegan. read more

Aedan Koji Kitchen - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Solid place to grab a quick to-go lunch near where I used to live (Potrero Hill/Mission area). They have a rotating menu so it's always interesting to see what bento boxes they have available. I had a salmon one and it was really delicious. Like others have said, portions are definitely on the lighter side so you will definitely not be stuffed but I think for a weekday lunch it's more than adequate (who wants to food coma right before going back to work anyways...). I notice that they have a focus on fermented foods like Miso so I'd love to go back and try some of their homemade miso and other ferments. read more

Aedan Koji Kitchen - Salmon lunch box - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Aedan Koji Kitchen is definitely a hidden gem! I am so glad to have found them through Yelp. I had their vegan tofu bento with miso soup. Everything was beautifully prepared, healthy and delicious ! I can tell that they use high quality ingredients. I will definitely be stopping by again when I am in SF or passing by SF. read more

The most exquisite and non-ostentatious bento box in the Bay Area. So many bento boxes in other places unnecessarily feature gold foil, flavorless truffle, or caviar just for show, and I love how these bentos celebrate the fresh, seasonal, unique, and diverse flavors of various vegetables and meats. I loved the salmon miso butter mushroom special! The mini Kabocha cake was adorable and delicious. Loved the miso eggplant too. The tamago was delicious. The miso soup is the best miso soup I've tried in California, so earthy and umami. Highly recommend, especially if you're hungry or in a rush, as the bento boxes are prepared quickly! There is a little bench outside but no tables, so it would be a great idea to pick up bentos & picnic nearby! read more

Aedan Koji Kitchen - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I purchased several items from this vendor earlier today, including a small container of pickled vegetables. When I tried it, it had no flavor at all--just bland not pickled vegetables tossed in an unseasoned sauce. When I tried to return it, three employees responded as if I were unreasonable, insisting, "That's how it's supposed to be" and "That's what we eat'". I was immediately told there are no refunds or changes. They also told me that in 11 years, no one had ever complained. Just because others didn't speak up doesn't mean the product meets every customer's expectations. I wasn't asking for anything unreasonable--just a refund or exchange for a $10 item that didn't meet basic expectations. The employees' dismissive attitude and lack of training only made the situation worse. It wasn't until they contacted the owner that a refund was finally approved. While I did eventually receive the refund, the whole experience left a bad taste in my mouth and really took away from what should have been an enjoyable visit to the farmers market. read more

Fun lunch spot! Portions are on the smaller side so would recommend for smaller appetites, although all the ingredients and food are high quality. I got the salmon bento which came with a tiny cup of miso soup, 3 bites of side dishes, tamago, and dessert. All fairly good and well made - I was particularly was a fan of the side dishes (different little veggie medleys!), though I wish there were more! I don't think I have a particularly large appetite and found myself still a bit hungry after eating the bento - so folks with larger appetites might want to order more. read more

Aedan Koji Kitchen - Salmon Bento - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Amazing neighborhood gem. Their bento box is filling, delicious and made with love and attention to detail. They bring an authentic Japanese experience to the mission. Great place to grab lunch! read more

Picked up a couple of bento boxes at the farmers market and they were incredible!! Had one koji chicken and one koji tofu. There were lots of different and fun bites in the box and the main of the tofu and chicken were both excellent! read more

Love the koji salmon bento box. I went back again during the week as the salmon bento was delicious. Just the right amount for lunch. It comes with your choice of either 4oz miso soup or amazake drink. The amazake drink with turmeric was nice and not too sweet. read more

Aedan Koji Kitchen - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

The cutest little shop and restaurant and my favorite find in the mission! I've been to their stand at the farmers market a few times but stumbled apon their shop while walking one day. Not only are the staff the absolute nicest, but the food was absolutely delicious as well! The amakaze drink was really yummy - the turmeric and ginger had a great kick and creamy oat flavor. I also got the tofu donburi which came with excellent veggie sides (the eggplant was my favorite!) I'll definitely be coming back here for the yummy food and quick, friendly service. read more

It's on a residential block on the first floor of a house. When I walked in I was greeted like family. The lady explained what the meal options were, even with just 3 items on the menu they sounded great! I got the special bento box that was the most delicious box lunch I ever tried. They saw I was sitting right outside for the snack and brought me out a delicious tea to help me keep cool in the sun. A+ food, A+ service. read more

Small dine out only kitchen. Short menu list which focuses on bento boxes and Donburi bowls. Miso soup had a nice rich flavor. I had the tofu Donburi bowl which had delicious vegetables and well seasoned rice read more

Aedan Koji Kitchen - Tofu Donburi bowl - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is our new go-to lunch spot! Delicious onigiri bento box :) along with miso soup and appetizers!

A new, unique, and healthy addition to East Mission. They have products in cold cases as well as lunch specials. I tried the donburi, and a few other offerings. Very tasty and satisfying portion. I might suggest adding a little sesame seeds, togarashi, or something crunchy on top to give some texture, but the eggplant, salmon, and especially the pickled vegetables were excellent and I'd order it again. The star is the miso soup. Available to go, it's also filling and full-bodied, with some tofu and vegetables. Maybe the best miso soup I've ever had!! There's a bench outside to sit, but otherwise it's more of a store than a restaurant. Friendly service. Not stressful. If you want to explore the world of Japanese fermented foods, this is absolutely the place! read more

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This place's food is as authentic as it can get! I'm Japanese and I can confidently say this is the most authentic Japanese food I've ever had in the states. The bento really brings out the full flavor of the ingredients -- if you want to experience Japanese food other than ramen and sushi that really represents 'washoku' I'd highly recommend this place!! read more

Aedan Koji Kitchen - Japanese Near Me - San Francisco, California

Amazing, light, healthy Japanese bento boxes with the friendliest staff. I just got the chicken bento with lots of delicious veggie sides and a tomago for dessert. Portions are appropriate so you're not overeating but you are full. The miso is amazing!!! read more

Love this place! Just bought a salmon donburi rice bowl for $15 and it came with a choice of sides: Amazake or miso soup. I tried amazake since I didn't know what it was and it was delicious! It's like a sweet smoothie drink that's super healthy for you. You've got to try this place. Affordable, delicious lunch, the nicest staff, cute storefront and a great neighborhood to walk through! No seating available. read more

Delicious! Out of the way, but worth it. Got a fantastic salmon bento box full of little dishes that also came with a shot of amezake (a sweet fermented rice drink), and I could have drank a whole gallon of the stuff. If you love fermented food like I do, come here. read more

I like buying from their stand at the Ferry Building, so I was excited to see that Mariko was able to find a permanent home in Potrero Hill. I booked a miso-making class, which was easy to do online. The price you pay for what you get was amazing--Mariko talks about her journey as a female business owner, the support she has in the city, and explains the different parts of miso--soybeans, koji, and salt. After classroom education, we got to head to the kitchen where we got to make our own miso. Each student is given a bowl of soybeans to mash, then the Aedan team provides the right quantity of koji and salt when you're ready and also assist where needed. After more hand mixing of the ingredients, they provide more guidance to properly pack your miso jar before you take it home and give it a safe, secure space for the next 10-12 months. Mariko also shares prepared foods and recipes to demonstrate other uses of miso and amazuke. The space was beautiful, cozy, clean, and Mariko was a great instructor and encouraging, and the class was fun and not at all frustrating. I can't wait until my big jar of miso is done gestating from the back of my closet in 2023, and I can't wait to enjoy the spoils in a year! read more