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    Chikara Mochi

    4.7 (319 reviews)
    InexpensiveBakeries, Desserts
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    Cute box
    Rina L.

    I have been coming here for years and whenever I am in Gardena during their open hours, I make it a point to stop by. The sweetest woman makes the most delicious, soft, chewy, sweet mochis and they all look so beautiful. The taste and quality of the wagashi mochis have not changed since my initial visit. They also make great gifts as they look and taste wonderful. The wagashi mochi has asuki filling or lima filling. Cash only. I usually find street parking in the front. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a small shop so you might miss it.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Definitely stop by and support this business if you are in Gardena.

    Mochi
    Jessica N.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Very cute and small shop with nice staff.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Free parking in the back. The mochi was delicious and was mostly white or red bean inside. The designs were very cute and would make for lovely gifts. The flavors didn't vary much but it was very soft and great for 2-3 days. CASH ONLY. No debit card or phone apps.

    Display
    Minnie L.

    Chikara Mochi is one of those rare hole in the wall spots that still does things the right way. The staff are always genuinely kind and welcoming. It's a cash-only shop with street parking right outside, so come prepared. Mochi is made fresh daily and sold until they run out, which they often do. Prices are very reasonable at about $3-4 / piece, especially considering the quality and craftsmanship. They also offer gift wrapping, which makes this an easy and thoughtful option for gifting. Everything tastes authentic and balanced, not overly sweet. We got the dango, and it's so good! Soft, chewy, and perfectly glazed. Come early if you want the best selection, because once they're sold out, that's it for the day. I ALWAYS regret not getting more.

    Yaki Dango
    Sarah C.

    9/23/2025 First time at Chikara Mochi. Cash-Only Establishment! Tried: - Ringo (Apple) This tasted like green apple with white bean paste filling. - Yaki Dango Soft mochi with a sweet soy sauce flavor. - Green Tea Daifuku Mochi with red bean. No green tea flavor. - Kiku (Crysanthem) Mochi with red bean. No other flavor. Overall all of the mochis were soft and the fillings were slightly on the sweeter side. Some mochis with special floral or fruit shapes may not taste like them. It is simply for decoration. Most of the mochis sold only have red bean paste or white bean paste fillings. Ask them about the flavors if there are special flavors for any of the mochis offered. Good customer service. Front person was kind and helpful. Please call in advance as all mochis are made in limited quantities and sell out quickly! Store can close early when all items are sold out.

    Peanut butter, Asagao, Strawberry, Sakura, Orange, and Peach flavored mochi. 7/19/2025
    Sandra L.

    I continue to come back to Chikara Mochi because no one makes it better. Sakura mochi is hard to find and they have it year round. Peanut Butter mochi is not always done well, but Chikara Mochi makes it super good - ooey gooey in the center with the softest chewiest mochi on the outside. Mochi start at $2 and although it seems pricey, it's a delicate piece of art that is enjoyed with the eyes as well as your tastebuds. The people who work here are friendly and kind. Give them a call ahead of time to confirm a specific mochi you're looking for - they often sell out early in the day. Also, they take cash only.

    The manju I bought - aren't they beautiful?
    Makiko N.

    Tucked inside this unassuming building is a charming store that feels like a step back in time. Inside they sell some of the most beautiful manju you have ever seen. The designs are one of a kind the intricate detail is astonishing. And when you take a bite - they are not too sweet and some of the best manju I've had! The staff was friendly as well and offered to email me photos of their other season manju options. You do have to go in early to have the best selection. On weekends they sell out early and close shop, so be forewarned. Also this is a cash only business.

    Janet T.

    If you want to take a step into Japan culture and try authentic mochi without having to fly anywhere, this is your spot. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The moment you step in, it feels like you've stepped into a mom and pop store in Japan.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] You're greeted by a sweet lady and the sight of beautifully crafted mochi, all of which tastes amazing! From the small details of the mochi to the trays to put your cash on when you pay to the lady speaking Japanese. This is a must try for those who love Japanese mochi. We tried a variety of different mochi's and they were all delicious. Soft, flavorful, not too sweet, and beautiful. My top 3 favorites were the matcha with red bean filling, black sesame filling, and the sakura. We also tried the Ringo Apple, strawberry and a few other mochis with red bean filling. These were a bit sweeter than what I expected versus my top 3, which were balanced perfectly. These would make perfect gifts :) Cash only! Plenty of street parking. Highly recommend!

    Wan L.

    The most delicious and beautiful mochi I've ever eaten. Red bean, white bean, you can't go wrong. Go early, they sell out often. CASH ONLY!

    Maruko X.

    [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambiance: it's a popular desserts shop located in South Bay, and there's usually a line in front of the store[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service: friendly and patient with questions, although it took a while to wait for the staff to refill their stock Food: only limited kinds of desserts available each day, sold out quickly, but you can preorder Uguisu - *** red beens fillings, very sweet Bon Bori - *** lamp print, red beans fillings Tsukushi - *** horsetail, red beans fillings Peach - *** white beans fillings Strawberry - *** white beans fillings Ringo - **** apple flavor, white beans fillings Peach Blossom - *** white beans Sakura - *** white beans fillings Hanami dango - *** chewy mochi balls skewers Price: small pieces and beautiful presentations, each item costs around $3, cash only, one box of variety desserts cost about $25

    Lily D.

    Whenever you're in Gardena area, this is a must to go place for high quality mochi. Generally, their fillings are either red or white beans and another flavor which I forget, but their mochi are eye catching and pretty, you don't have to fly to Japan to find cute mochi. They sometimes have special mochi for special occasions like Cherry Blossom season or New Year's. It's around $5/piece. Also great for gifts or bring to a party. The store owner also mentioned they have regular mochi at Tokyo Central (Artesia Blvd) in Gardena. Must bring cash, no credit cards accepted, Venmo, or Zelle either. BTW, come early they do sell out fast on some popular mochi.

    Katie C.

    CASH ONLY! Summer vacation from 5/18- 6/9/2025, shop will be closed. Staff here are so sweet and kind, very polite. Mochi here isn't only aesthetically pleasing but the best I've had. Perfect for gift giving, they offer gift wrapping. Texture of mochi is soft, almost pillowy but with just the right amount of chew/bounce. White bean filling was my favorite; not too sweet, pretty neutral and pairs well with all mochi flavors. Smooth red bean filling was surprisingly not too sweet and adds depth to mochi. Whole red bean filling texture was much more dense and really good. Black Sesame (whole red bean)- nuttiness from black sesame went great with dense whole red bean filling. Matcha (red bean)- not bitter at all, matcha shines through and pairs well with red bean. One of my favorites. Mugwort (red bean)- perfect blend of herbal and sweetness. You can taste the mugwort but subtle. One of my favorites. Chrysanthemum (red bean)- too subtle, I would pass on this one next time. But so pretty. Sakura (white bean)- one of my favorites. Lightly floral. Strawberry (white bean)- wasn't my favorite, tasted more artificial than natural. Peach (white bean)- a bit too fragrant for my personal taste. Orange (white bean)- surprisingly was great, bits of orange peel throughout which added a bit of texture. Apple (white bean)-subtle and refreshing.

    BT J.

    Love it. The store owner was very helpful as it was our first visit. Very popular and they were out of some items. Would love to try more and everything. There is a 16 item limit so that everyone has a chance. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Busy inside on Saturday morning when we stop by, would like to come back and try more sweets.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

    Amy C.

    These mochi are beautiful works of art! I went overboard and got more than I planned, as they were so pretty. However, they all have the same white bean flavor on the inside and are a bit too sweet for my liking. The service was very helpful and friendly. It's cash only, which is a bit of a hindrance for those who don't carry cash. Still a good place to check out if you're in the area.

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    3 months ago

    Love mochi this place is my fav place to go when craving mochi or a sweet dessert me and the fam always go .

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    5 months ago

    One of a kind in LA. Handcrafted Japanese Mochi made with care. Highly recommended if you want mochi!

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    Page 1 of 8

    Chikara Mochi Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Chikara Mochi

    Can they mail to mochi to me and still be fresh ? I am in Redwood City?

    For a request like that You're best bet is to use "Goldbelly". They specialize in order and delivery… 

    Do they take orders for small family events?

    I placed an order ahead of time for a family event and had no problems, you can call and ask, it probably depends on how large a party you have.

    Are there any non bean flavors?

    Yes, they have an assortment of mochi with no fillings.

    Are you open today on New Year's Day?

    I would love to support this shop but I am in Northern CA. Do they have a website where I could order online?

    I don't think so. It's a local shop and I mean local. It's family owned. I live in No. Cal, too, but I visit Gardena due to family. So, I learned about this shop recently and I lived in the South Bay for over 30 years and didn't know about it. Now,… 

    Are they cash only?

    Yes, they are!

    Do they have any chocolate filled mochi?

    The two times I've been they didn't have chocolate. They could've been out because I went later in the day. But, the last time I went they had peanut butter filled mochi which was very good.

    Do they only offer red bean and white bean fillings?

    I think so

    Do they sell Kiri Mochi, the plain white squares of Mochi? I cannot find any anywhere and need them for New Year celebration.

    Daiso, Japanese markets

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    My Panecito

    My Panecito

    3.8
    (164 reviews)
    2.2 mi
    $$
    Family-owned & operated
    Locally owned & operated

    If you're only coming here for the conchas, you're missing out! While their conchas get a lot of…read moreattention, their flans and cakes deserve just as much recognition. I stopped by on a Friday early afternoon to pick up a flan for my daughter's birthday celebration. There was no wait, and the customer service was friendly and welcoming. I decided on the cheesecake flan, and it absolutely did not disappoint! It was rich, creamy, and the perfect combination of cheesecake and flan. Everyone at the celebration had a slice and loved it--there wasn't a single piece left over! That says it all. I'll definitely be coming back to try more of their cakes and desserts. Highly recommend if you're looking for something delicious for a special occasion or just to satisfy your sweet tooth!

    I have been to this location twice. The first time, I tried their strawberry crunch concha. It was…read morereally delicious, but pretty messy to eat because the crumbs on top kept falling apart. On my second and most recent visit, I tried their vanilla and chocolate conchas. I really liked both of these classic flavors. They weren't too sweet, and the conchas were freshly made and still warm when I got them. They pair really well with hot coffee. I haven't tried the coffee here because I usually like eating my concha with black coffee, creamer, and Splenda. I also love dipping my concha in my coffee, so I picked up a hot coffee from McDonald's next door instead. Customer service is good, and the staff have been pleasant both times I've visited. However, during my last visit, only one staff member was working. I went in the morning before work, so it was during the breakfast rush. I had to wait about 10 minutes just to place my order because he was taking orders and preparing the food, and the two people ahead of me had ordered a big box of conchas. It wasn't his fault, and I honestly felt bad that he was working by himself. I hope management makes sure there is enough staff, especially during the busy hours.

    Photos
    Daily offerings
    Daily offerings
    Strawberry Krunch
    Strawberry Krunch
    Flavors

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    Flavors
    Sakura-ya

    Sakura-ya

    4.5
    (415 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Family-owned & operated

    An absolute hole-in-the-wall type place that my friend Cindy introduced me to. She knew that I…read morerecently moved to the South Bay area and wanted to take me here after our little lunch date. I was so surprised by the location because from the outside, it looks a little run down and I don't imagine myself stumbling across this place unless if I was looking real hard for it, but I was so happy to have come here. First off, I've heard not from my friend Cindy but also another friend that this is probably the most tastiest, hand-made mochi spot. They have an array of delicious mochi desserts ranging from matcha flavored to the more generic snow mochi with red bean as well. I was stuffed from my lunch but managed to grab three different types of mochi and I cannot wait to go back again to try the other flavors. We found parking on the main street, but also noticed that there's a neighborhood in the back where you can park and walk over.

    Cash or check only!…read more I'm all about supporting mom-and-pop shops, but the quality doesn't seem to be there anymore and like everything else, the cost keeps going up. I recently placed an order for a 20 piece box of kiku manju. While I was picking up my order, I picked out an assortment of 5 additional pieces. My total was $85. In my opinion it didn't taste as fresh as before and there were hard pieces of mochi that I had to spit out of the orange mochi.

    Photos
    The best mochi ever! $12
    The best mochi ever! $12
    Top left: Kinako mochi Top right: pink mochi Bottom: Sakura mochi (special mochi for Japanese girls day.. only on March 3rd!)
    Top left: Kinako mochi Top right: pink mochi Bottom: Sakura mochi (special mochi for Japanese girls day.. only on March 3rd!)
    Mochi on point (10 for $15)

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    Mochi on point (10 for $15)
    Smoking Tiger Coffee Lab

    Smoking Tiger Coffee Lab

    4.3
    (306 reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $
    Outdoor seating
    Large group friendly

    I don't give 5-star reviews lightly, but Smoking Tiger Coffee & Bread on Western Ave in Gardena has…read moreabsolutely earned every single star. This place is a total gem, and if you haven't been yet, you are seriously missing out! Let me tell you about the star of my visit, the Matcha Cream Filled Croissant. Oh. My. Goodness. This thing is on another level. The croissant itself is buttery, perfectly golden, and incredibly flaky -- with just the right amount of crisp on the outside. But the matcha cream filling? Silky smooth, lusciously rich, with a beautiful earthy matcha flavor that isn't overpowering or too sweet. It's the kind of bite that makes you stop mid-chew just to appreciate how good it is. I honestly could eat three of these in a sitting. The Korean-American fusion approach to their baked goods is inspired and completely unique, you won't find anything like it anywhere else in the South Bay or in Gardena. Seriously Impressive, I paired my croissant with their Iced Matcha Latte, made with premium grade matcha sourced from Jeju Island, and WOW, this drink is stunning. It's vibrant, beautifully layered, and tastes as amazing as it looks. The matcha is bold and authentic without being bitter, perfectly balanced with creamy, cold milk. Not too sweet, not too earthy -- just absolutely perfect. It's easily one of the best iced matcha drinks I've had in a while. You can customize your milk choice too, which is a great thoughtful touch. This place is warm & welcoming: The staff here is attentive, friendly, and clearly passionate about what they do. From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with a smile and made to feel at home. The baristas are well-trained and knowledgeable, they took their time explaining the menu and made sure my order was exactly right. No rushing, no attitude, just genuine hospitality that keeps you coming back. Decor is absolutely Charming. The interior of Smoking Tiger is adorable and so well thought out. It's modern, clean, and stylish with a cozy Korean café aesthetic that feels fresh without trying too hard. The lighting is warm and inviting, the seating is comfortable, and the whole vibe just makes you want to stay for hours. There's both indoor and outdoor seating available, which is a great bonus. Whether you're catching up with a friend, working on your laptop, or just treating yourself to something special, this place sets the perfect mood. One thing that really stood out to me was how immaculately clean this café is. The tables, counters, floors, and display cases were all sparkling, it's clear that the team takes real pride in maintaining a clean and comfortable environment for every guest. A clean café is a happy café, and this one passes with flying colors. Bottom Line, Smoking Tiger Coffee & Bread is the real deal. Creative, high-quality food, exceptional drinks, warm service, gorgeous decor, and a spotless space, this place checks every single box. The Matcha Cream Filled Croissant and Iced Matcha Latte alone are worth the trip. Do yourself a favor and go try yourself. Miguel C.

    I've known about this place for almost 2 years, if not more, but finally decided to leave a review…read moresince I've been visiting very often these past months. Since my first visit, there's been many competitors opening around Gardena, but I find myself drawn back to this place because of the balance of spaciousness (there's actually places to sit whenever I go!), quality of products (the espresso shot is pretty strong and they have many beans to choose from), and best of all, price of their drinks (specifically the specialties). While I wouldn't say the prices are a bargain, it feels more reasonable than other local competitors. One thing I do miss is that 2 years ago, the pastries weren't individually wrapped. We used to have the option of selecting pastries with tongs, the typical experience you'd get when going to a bakery in Japan. Hopefully they would bring that experience back again! Until then, I'll keep returning for their quality drinks!

    Photos
    Iced Americano
    Iced Americano
    Classic Latte
    Classic Latte
    Smoking Spaniard

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    Smoking Spaniard
    Frogs Organic Bakery

    Frogs Organic Bakery

    4.4
    (346 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    I have driven past Frogs Organic Bakery for many years and I finally decided to stop in and see…read morewhat they are about and I am glad that I did. The store inside is postage stamp sized with no where to sit and enjoy a coffee and pastry, but the variety and quality of their product more than makes up for that. Besides, I know how expensive commercial space and labor are. On this visit I sampled sweet and savory offerings (sourdough, gluten free bread, cinnamon roll and bun and a chocolate croissant) First let me say that everything is handmade and being organic means that there is nothing in the mix that shouldn't be there, but most importantly everything was delish. I am not a sweet fiend, I am more of a savory guy and I was more than happy with everything that I sampled. The breads contained no added sugars and the pastries were lite on sugar and glaze. The flavors were honest and pure. My favorite of the bunch was the chocolate croissant. It was flakey, buttery and filled with the most delightful dark chocolate morsels; not too sweet, not too bitter just pure goodness. It paired well with my coffee, but should pair equally well with a glass of milk. Heck, all this talk has got me hungry for another one!!! Lastly, I respect and appreciate a company that stands behind their product (no compromise). Again, everything is certified organic and the dough is slow fermented (30 hours). This process enhances flavor, texture, digestibility for the gluten sensitive, better bioavailability of nutrients and enhances shelf life without adding preservatives. Finally, the young lady at the counter was super pleasant, knowledgeable and caring. I managed retail for nearly 20 years and I know good customer service when I see it and you will find none better than at Frogs. I will certainly be back to sample the rest of the menu.

    Good GOD what an almond croissant it was flawless, better than the stuff I got in France. I got it…read morefrom the Farmer's Market which they are so so so very kind enough to make the time to be part of these far and wide so that all kinds of people have access to their amazing pastries. I cannot wait to go back to my farmers market this Sunday to get MORE.

    Photos
    Turnovers and Danishes
    Turnovers and Danishes
    Cinnamon Roll
    Cinnamon Roll
    Guava cheese danish

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    Guava cheese danish

    Chikara Mochi - bakeries - Updated August 2026

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