My friend drove us here after getting lunch one day and this place was almost closing for the day but we made it in time. The workers here were really friendly and told us that if we had questions to ask him. He was super detailed and really nice to explain everything to us. I ended up getting the green tea with red bean, fresh strawberry with red bean, peanut butter, uguisu (kinako powder and bean paste), and he threw in a coconut one for us for free. The mochi is super soft and you can definitely tell that it's fresh! Unlike store-bought mochi, this kinda melts in your mouth and has a really soft chew to it. It's not too sweet and the prices are super affordable so I def recommend supporting this business! It's a bit of a drive, but if I can drive all the way to TEG, I can definitely drive here! read more

Hogetsu Bakery - (L-R): green tea with red bean mochi, peanut butter mochi, fresh strawberry + red bean, redbean with soybean flour - Bakeries Near Me - Chula Vista, California

This place is a diamond in the rough. I tried the lemon one (yellow rectangle one) . You can't go wrong with any of the sweet beans selection. Also, the yellow cracked one has egg yolk in the ingredients...delectable. So pretty...this box!!!! read more

Hogetsu Bakery - Mixed box- red beans, green tea, lemon, PB, egg yolk - Bakeries Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Best mochi on this side of the Pacific!! The owners are incredibly kind and friendly (be sure to schedule a bit of extra time to have a nice conversation). Honestly, you can't go wrong with anything you get there. They used to have more selection but they will be retiring soon and are teaching a new young person to take over. They are fluent in English and Japanese. read more

I didn't even know San Diego had a mochi shop like this. It's a small and owned by a cute Japanese couple. They are so sweet! The mochi is soft and chewy and not too sweet. There's many flavors to pick from. There's plain flavors and there's also sweet fillings. Go support your mom and pa shop!!! read more

Hogetsu Bakery - Chewy, coconut, strawberry, matcha, lemon, milk - Bakeries Near Me - Chula Vista, California

The service is amazing! They really treat you like family and I felt very welcomed! The mochi is SO soft and delicious, very satisfying. One downside is that they take cash only and there's no ATM close by but there are other businesses you could go to close by for cash back. Love this place and the familiar comfy atmosph read more

Hogetsu Bakery - Cross section of the mochi with no bean filling - Bakeries Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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We've been wanting to come here for the longest time but it was soooo far that we couldn't find the time to go.. But today, we finally give in and took the 25 minutes drive to try this amazing place!! First of all the owner is super friendly and funny!! They make you feel so welcome and warm. He explained what they are and what each mochi contain. Incase we are allergic to milk or peanuts. We got 6 because they only take cash or check. Since we couldn't find a bank nearby, we just bought a couple which I regret!! Y'all this is THE BEST MOCHI we've ever had!! We ate half in the car and walk around the mall with white powder lol!!! Soooo good!! We already planned on coming back!! The peanut butter and milk mochi is sooooooooo good!! Oh my gosh!! Just typing this makes my mouth water lol but seriously!!! Sooo good!! Support small business and this amazing family we got strawberry milk also which is my daughter's fave!! Everything is just so delightful!! You won't regret it !! read more

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HOW DID I NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS PLACE???? A lil Chula Vista gem for sure. I wish I would've known and gone earlier because I was told that's when other mochi flavors are available but they sell out quick. SUPER sweet owners! I was waiting in line to get in and I was wondering why it was taking a while, but it's because the owner takes his time to greet, personally thank and share his story to his customers :') I will be back for more! read more

Hogetsu Bakery - (Left to right, by row) green tea w/ red bean inside, peanut butter, strawberry, strawberry w/ custard (?) and chocolate! - Bakeries Near Me - Chula Vista, California

mochi, mochi, and mo mochi! This is one of the sweetest mom and pop shops that specializes in the japanese mochi treats. Since recently being viral on twitter, they have been selling out of their mochi quickly! I have gone around 11-12 both on a Saturday and Thursday and my luck at choosing more flavors were on a Thursday. They have so many flavors to choose from and all have such a strong delicious taste. My favorites are - chocolate - soy green tea with smooth red bean filling - green tea but they have so much more mochi flavors to choose from. You won't go wrong trying out something different each time. Note: Cash only! $1.85/mochi. Call ahead if you're looking for a certain flavor. read more

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This place is DELICIOUS and one of Chula Vista / San Diego County's best hidden secret. I LOVE fresh mochi and I used to have my go-to's back up in SF; this place is very similar to Benkyodo in SF (except I don't think they do fruit filled mochi but they should!). They have a bunch of flavors so you can mix and match all of them! I got a box of 8 and shared them with my boyfriend. Out of the 8 we got, my favorites were the coconut, pineapple (they use fresh pineapple in this one btw!), lima bean filled ones, orange, and green tea! This was probably only half of the flavors they had, and I would totally return for more because their selection was huge. They also sell other Japanese snacks but go for their mochi! And it's $1.85 a piece! I am so happy they have remained open during this time and surviving the pandemic. Please give them a visit! read more

God...I just hate ppl that leave like 9 paragraphs for a review. Seriously? I have to scroll 3 full times to get to the end of a review...Ur not writing for the New Yorker in the 1980's ffs get over yourself. Retail store mochi shouldn't be allowed to be called mochi after trying this. This is amazing. Go here. Sample a bunch. You'll thank me later. read more

Hogetsu Bakery - 2.20 each. Still cheaper than a macaroon. - Bakeries Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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The mochi was delicious but a bit pricey. I got it for a gathering and my friends we were happy with it.

100,10/10, A+!! A MASTERFUL MOCHI MUST TRY! EXCELLENT small business, CASH or CHECKS ONLY! I've pounded mochi before and I gotta say, this mochi is superb. It's silky smooth, delicate and gooey with so many flavors and ABSOLUTELY NO PRESERVATIVES (unheard of for the the amount of flavor they pack into these delicious little pillows of heaven) It's tasty fresh, cold AND frozen. The shop owners are kind and gracious and I can't think of a more deserving humble shop to pay patronage to. I will be returning to support this new favorite! Frosted rice cakes, chilled Kona coffee and ONE OF EVERYTHING please! They also sell assorted chilled drinks, Hi Chews, botan candies, an assortment of Pocky and other small Japanese snackies. read more

Hogetsu Bakery - Frosted rice cakes, chilled Kona coffee and ONE OF EVERYTHING please! - Bakeries Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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The shop is still open! It has been a while since the last time I visited and the mochi is even better than I remember! Instead of birthday cake my sister asked for a variety of mochi! They turned out so yummy with the strawberries I picked up. (reminiscent of this mochi bakery in Hilo, HI we visited a few years ago) Special occasion or not, it's still worth the trip down to old Chula Vista! Just don't forgot that cash money. Yummy flavors: Coconut Green tea w/ sweet bean Not sure the name, but rainbow one Strawberry read more

Hogetsu Bakery - Made a Birthday "cake" with the mixed mochi cakes! The best when paired with fruit, especially strawberries - Bakeries Near Me - Chula Vista, California

I love this small business for their delicious mochi! They have so many different flavors and fun designs. The owners are very nice and have operated this business for decades. I believe they only use to take cash and checks but today (07/01/2021) they accepted card payments such as Apple Pay. read more

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Beautiful, amazing, one of the softest tea cakes I've had in my life, and most delicious. This place is a hidden gem that everyone should experience at least once, both shop owners are sweet and soft spoken, very welcoming. Inside is also a little mini mart with Japanese snacks and beverages, wide variety of tea cakes to choose from. If you want a box instead of a paper bag for your tea cakes, I recommend getting 8 tea cakes. Now, pandemic procedures; due to the pandemic there is a 4 person limit, there will be a line outside, but never fear! It goes by quickly, I waited like 15 minutes, in and out super quick. Now go get yourself some tea cakes! read more

Hogetsu Bakery - Black bean with skin - Bakeries Near Me - Chula Vista, California

The young man who helped me was informative and friendly. He let me know about potential allergens and what their most popular selection was. I already tried the matcha with red bean Mochi and it was delicious. You can tell it's freshly made and made with care. Highly recommend this spot to get your Mochi fix :) read more

Hogetsu Bakery - Box of the floral Mochi. $2.60 each - Bakeries Near Me - Chula Vista, California

I thought I would have to go to LA or OC to find a place like this! A gem in Chula Vista. It's a small family run shop that sells traditional japanese sweets like manju. We ordered a small box of 6 - I particularly enjoyed the kinako mochi (filled with red bean) but everything was great. Pairs perfectly with some tea. read more

I liked the customer service, first time there and I can say it won't be my last. Great selection and very yummy. read more

Hogetsu Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Chula Vista, California

If you want authentic homemade mochi...this is definitely your place. It's a true hidden gem. The lady behind the counter is the sweetest and you could tell she takes pride in her business. Let's just say family from as far as Florida request their mochi always read more

Cute place! Hole in the wall. Mochi is delicious and fresh. CASH ONLY. Haven't had Mochi like this outside of Hawaii. Definitely a treat! read more

Hogetsu Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Chula Vista, California

I felt like I've never eaten real mochi until I came here! I didn't know mochi was supposed to be this soft and yummy and fresh. My favorites are the fruity flavors (lemon, pineapple, coconut, etc.) Every time I crave mochi now I end up driving the 25 minutes to come down here and it's always worth it, even when half the mochi gets eaten by the time I get home. The owners are seriously the sweetest and I always have fun conversations with them. Support your local businesses guys! read more

Hogetsu Bakery - Bakeries Near Me - Chula Vista, California

1st time visiting this "hole in the wall" OG Mochi/snack i shop. Very friendly old Japanese couple own this shop since the 80s. The Mochi was delicious! Such fresh, so soft and flavorful Mochi! Every flavor we purchased was delicious! But I esp loved the Cappuccino, strawberry, chocolate, coconut, and peanut butter flavors!! I wish I didn't live so far away but will definitely return for more. I hope this couple stays in business for at least another 30 years!! If you like Mochi then you need to check this place out!!! read more

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My family has been visiting Hogetsu since the late 80's, it's always so fresh and beautifully made. Thank you for carrying on the tradition from the original owners. read more

Hogetsu Bakery has been standing for 37 years as the only authentic Japanese mochi and manju makers in San Diego. It's a treat to see the tradition of this handmade Japanese confectionery shop still alive and kicking. I came at the end of the day looking for some mochi to take home for dessert. The owner, Mr. Taketa, came out to greet me and we shared a few exchanges in Japanese but mostly in English. To my surprise, they had a full inventory of their mochi and manjus considering it was the end of the day and they were closed for the next three days. I picked one flavored mochi (matcha) and one filled mochi (strawberry flavored with pink colored bean filling). Besides the matcha flavored mochi, they also had chocolate, strawberry, orange, and banana. The softness of the mochi sunk right in with the first bite. I loved the matcha flavor and the deep green color. As for the filled strawberry flavored mochi, the sweetness of the pink colored bean filling was overbearing. I had a hard time finishing this and was slightly disappointed. They had several floral decorated mochis available which had a dense outer layer with a bean filling inside. All of them were beautifully and delicately made. All their mochi and manjus were $1.85 which was a bargain in view of they were all handmade. They also sold Japanese candies, drinks and senbei (rice crackers). Located in a strip mall, there's plenty of parking. They are open Wednesday thru Saturday and only accepts cash. This place deserves a visit to truly enjoy the classic Japanese dessert. read more

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This bakery is a true cultural treasure. How lucky we are to have Hogetsu in our town. Everything is authentic, prepared with care. Nowhere has a bean been treated with such respect! read more

I had been looking forward to visiting this place for a long time and I think I over estimated the mochi I was going to buy. First off parking is a bit weird. Very little of it and lots of private lots. We got lucky but be careful as there are plenty of signs for towing all around. Going inside it's a cute little shop. Like others we were not greeted in fact we stood there long enough I questioned if someone was even there as it was dead silent. Eventually the older lady came out. Never greeted us, she rather just glared in our direction. The way the displays are I could not read the descriptions, only visually trying to figure things out. She got annoyed with us when I asked the price or what the flavors were. Frustrated I decided to get a coffee mochi, the traditional white filled with beans, and a green tea filled with beans and covered in soy flour (kinako). I forget what we paid but it was over priced in my opinion. So most importantly the taste, right? If a product is amazing I could deal with bad service. Sadly as I mentioned earlier I was expecting more than what I got. These are very much Americanized in my opinion; way too sweet. The coffee mochi which was not filled was probably the best of the three. It wasn't crazy sweet and it was a good bitter coffee taste. The kinako green tea wasn't my favorite as well and normally I enjoy that flavor. The traditional white mochi with red bean filling was bizarre at best. First off the texture was way too soft, secondly it was crazy sweet AND SALTY. It tasted like someone dumped a bunch of salt into it. I don't know if I just got a piece where the filling wasn't mixed well or if they intentionally salt it like that. We both thought it was gross. Overall what I got was mochi that was like something I could have made with mochiko and a microwave at home, (as I've done many times before). Yes some of them were pretty but the out of the way location (in a ghetto neighborhood), with the rude customer service,and over priced mochi that is really basic? No thanks I probably won't be back. read more

Hogetsu Bakery - Coffee mochi - Bakeries Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Love this place, friendly staff and amzing food I love to recommend my friends to come here read more

Made the trek down here after years of having it bookmarked on Yelp. I've had some of their mochi that they sometimes sell at Nijiya on Convoy and I think it's delicious. I was so excited because the Japanese man who was stocking the mochi at Nijiya was so nice and friendly. Well.. the bakery is very old and not well kept. It had a very old smell to it. The lady working there wasn't so warm and fuzzy. My son said she was just like Grandma, (my Japanese mother) Haha..yes she was. They didn't have a huge assortment of mochi but then again, I'm used to getting my mochi up in Gardena or Downtown L.A. I did pick out 5 pieces and that was $8.00. Ever since I was a kid, my favorite mochi was the pink one with the Lima bean filling. This one was good and super fresh. Can't get it that fresh at any Japanese grocery store. Overall, fresh, authentic mochi. I guess I will continue to buy it at Nijiya because it's a lot easier to get to. read more

Hogetsu Bakery - Mochi is so fresh - Bakeries Near Me - Chula Vista, California

While I have not been to the bakery, I have bought their mochi several times from Marukai. I love their mochi! Its so soft and tasty. The last one I bought had azuki (red bean) inside of it and kinako (soybean) powder on the outside. It was a perfect little after dinner dessert. One day I'll make it to the actual bakery! read more

I love the classic mochi (red bean mochi) and the strawberry mochi. The red bean mochi tastes so good; it is moist and not dry. Strawberry mochi was a big hit with my boys. They really loved it. read more

Hogetsu Bakery - Classic Redbean Mochi, Strawberry Mochi, Pineapple Mochi - Bakeries Near Me - Chula Vista, California

Where to start. This place is so yummy and they carry the BEST mochi ever. It is soooooo fresh and pillow soft. I love the coconut and strawberry mochi. Every time I post about it on social media, people always ask me where i get it from. HOGETSU BAKERY IS FIRE AF! read more

After hearing so much about the handmade mochi of this shop, I had to try it! We came right when it opened at 10 am and there was already a hoard of people waiting at the door! The owners were super sweet and cute while packing their mochi. This was my first time eating fresh mochi and the texture was like eating a cloud! My favorite was the fresh strawberry, butter, hazelnut and vanilla, but they were all so delicious. I was also surprised that while the box stated it was only fresh for 3 days refrigerated, the mochi still tasted just as good a week after when I brought it back to nor Cal! This place only takes cash so come prepared! The prices are extremely reasonably though so you won't have to be afraid of spending a fortune! (I believe it was less than $2 per piece). read more

I've had their mochi from a Japanese grocery store in Kearny Mesa, but have never been here because I live far from Chula. Today I happened to be nearby and made it a point to go over. I was pretty excited. The woman working there just kind of glared at me without responding when I said hello. I felt very unwelcome. I looked at the selection but didn't know the prices, or if you fill up a box with them, or what, and asked a question about one, hoping she would help me out, but no dice. I then noticed it said cash or check only, so I said I had to go get cash, and she seemd happy and relieved that I was leaving and said, "Okay." I asked her if there was an ATM nearby and she said she didn't know because she never uses ATMs, but said there was a bank on the corner and a 7-Eleven. I went outside, looked for a bank, saw nothing,consulted my phone, and decided to drive to 7-Eleven. But then I decided not to return at all because I had felt so uncomfortable. So I guess I will buy their mochi at the Japanese grocery store instead. 2 stars because their mochi is very pretty and quite good... but dang! Don't make that lady work the front because I see from the reviews I am not the first to be turned off. read more

I'm really sad as I write this but it's been a minute since I've updated my review this place stands as the best mochi in San Diego! No place will come close to the freshest mochi you will try here... Ive been coming here since I was like 8. I've since learned the owner who's 74 may be terminal!? Regardless support small businesses!!!!! read more

The owners are super nice and friendly. Mochi was incredible, the texture was so soft it was like eating a cloud. Highly recommend the fresh strawberry mochi if available read more

The smallest bakery with the freshest mochi made daily. We ordered a variety of red, white bean and chesnut mochi to go. Each piece of mochi was thoughtfully and beautifully made and delectable with each bite. The bakery has been in existence for 25 years and the couple that owns it, is still going strong. I love to support small businesses with good products - and this one definitely has my vote! I only wish they were more accessible to the public and had better packaging to match the awesomeness of their products (e.g. colored boxes with their logo, business cards to attach or cute gift boxes) when gifting to friends and family. Maybe they were out of them at the time of our visit? Regardless, this has to be some of the best mochi experienced since our last trip to Japan. Thank you! read more

Hogetsu Bakery - Mochi selection - Bakeries Near Me - Chula Vista, California

My favorite place to get Mochi. Lots of flavor variety to choose from, including: Strawberry Peanut Butter Apricot (with dried fruit inside) And so much more. Highly recommend to anyone with a taste for Mochi. They've been at their location for nearly 30 years and are under new ownership. The missus and I will definitely stop by Hogetsu the next time we're in the South Bay Area. Cheers! read more

Wasn't really sure about checking out this place but it's a must. Fast and friendly service. Awesome selections for the family.

Was visiting the San Diego area and had heard about this place from my relatives . So glad I got to buy various different flavors of mochi they have there! All were Fantastic in taste and softness!!! Some of the Best mochi I ever tasted!! read more

, +,10/10, A+!! A MASTERFUL MOCHI MUST TRY! EXCELLENT small business, CASH or CHECKS ONLY! I've pounded mochi before and I gotta say, this mochi is superb. It's silky smooth, delicate and gooey with so many flavors and ABSOLUTELY NO PRESERVATIVES (unheard of for the the amount of flavor they pack into these delicious little pillows of heaven) It's tasty fresh, cold AND frozen. The shop owners are kind and gracious and I can't think of a more deserving humble shop to pay patronage to. I will be returning to support this new favorite! Frosted rice cakes, chilled Kona coffee and ONE OF EVERYTHING please! They also sell Hi Chews, botan candies, an assortment of Pocky and other small Japanese snackies. read more

Hogetsu Bakery - butter, choco, pineapple with a kick, extra chewy, red bean, green tea.. Over 19 flavors!! - Bakeries Near Me - Chula Vista, California

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