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We saw this onigiri spot across from Jina Bakes and I unironically enjoyed it more! The onigiris come out pipping hot and they were tasty! We ordered the Salmon, Mentaiko Spicy Cod Roe, and Spicy Salmon. All of the onigiris were enjoyable. At $3.50~ per onigiri, the price is very affordable! Definitely grab an onigiri or two from them if you're in the area!
I've been to Kissako Tea countless times over the years while visiting SF's japantown. It is a staple of the mall! While in the past I've typically gotten their ice cream and mochi I decided to try something different this time! I got 2 spicy salmon onigiris and one mochi. I was pretty hungry and it did just the trick! The salmon was pretty good not really spicy but nice flavor, maybe a lil bit dry but still good. The matcha mochi was tasty too as always. It's the kiosk in the middle of the japantown mall, service was nice and did take a bit but it was a busy Sunday! Cute little spot. Definitely recommend them :)
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
Great little cafe inside the Japan Center Mall that serves all kinds of Japanese comfort food. Came for the onigiri and surprised that they also serve Gyudon. I absolutely love this dish. It's so delicious and comforting. They also sell other yummy snacks like mochi and sodas. You can eat at the designated area right next to this cafe. Service was nice and efficient. Located on Webster and Post inside Japan Center Mall. read more
2 months ago
Visited the Japan town for mochi and I bought to much they are so sweet for me not a fan. But the onogiri taste good and warm read more
3 months ago
3 months ago
We saw this onigiri spot across from Jina Bakes and I unironically enjoyed it more! The onigiris come out pipping hot and they were tasty! We ordered the Salmon, Mentaiko Spicy Cod Roe, and Spicy Salmon. All of the onigiris were enjoyable. At $3.50~ per onigiri, the price is very affordable! Definitely grab an onigiri or two from them if you're in the area! read more
I've been to Kissako Tea countless times over the years while visiting SF's japantown. It is a staple of the mall! While in the past I've typically gotten their ice cream and mochi I decided to try something different this time! I got 2 spicy salmon onigiris and one mochi. I was pretty hungry and it did just the trick! The salmon was pretty good not really spicy but nice flavor, maybe a lil bit dry but still good. The matcha mochi was tasty too as always. It's the kiosk in the middle of the japantown mall, service was nice and did take a bit but it was a busy Sunday! Cute little spot. Definitely recommend them :) 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
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
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
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
9 months ago
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
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
10 days ago
6 months ago
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
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
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
9 months ago
1 year ago
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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Anne M.
We appreciate your feedback and remind our staff about quality,…
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
11 months ago
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
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
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
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
2 years ago
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
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
1 year ago
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
1 year ago
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
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
11 months ago
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
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More info about Kissako Tea
1581 Webster St
Ste 195
San Francisco, CA 94115
Lower Pacific Heights, Japantown
Directions
(415) 567-4988
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Ask the Community - Kissako Tea
Do you have sitdown area?
There is public seating in the court area for all visitors in the Kinokuniya Mall. Unfortunately, we do not have exclusive reserved seating.
Past couple times I came by they were closed... including today which says open on google & here. Does anyone know why they're closed & when they'll reopen?
Sorry we missed you. We posted a sign to key everyone know we were closed on wed. 6/1 for our sons' graduation. We are back to regular hours. Wed-Mon 11-6:30. Closed Tuesdays. If you are coming after 5:30- call ahead to order since sometimes…
Do they make their own taiyaki or is it already pre-made?
Our taiyaki is pre-made from Japan.
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