In the Nakameguro area of Tokyo, there’s a shop displaying a sign that says “Onigily Cafe” with a facade resembling a chic dessert cafe. It specializes in Japanese rice balls, a word usually spelled onigiri in English but intentionally stylized as “onigily” by the shop.
The onigiri and side dishes offered here are made with carefully selected ingredients and are also gluten-free.
(Left) “明太クリーム,” Seasoned Cod & Cream Eat-in: 240 JPY (tax included) / Take-out: 235 JPY (tax included); (Right) “和風ツナ,” Tuna Eat-in: 230 JPY (tax included) / Take-out: 226 JPY (tax included)
Onigiri made with Nagano-grown rice and additive-free seaweed
Onigily Cafe originally started as a catering business. The owner, Mirai Takeuchi, who wanted rice that tastes great even when cold, selected Koshihikari rice grown in Saku City, Nagano Prefecture, her hometown.
After sampling various types of rice, the Saku-grown Koshihikari was chosen for its natural sweetness and chewy texture. Whether freshly made or cooled, the rice maintains its great texture, making it ideal for catering.
Today, Onigily Cafe has branches in Nakameguro and Yoyogi, Tokyo, but it continues to use Koshihikari from Saku, sourcing it directly from local farmers.
The cafe offers 19 different fillings for its onigiri, including the simple “No ingredients” rice ball, seasoned only with salt, and the unique “Seasoned Cod & Cream,” which combines mentai (spicy cod roe, also known as mentaiko) and cream cheese.
“明太クリーム,” Seasoned Cod & Cream
Some onigiri are crafted with extra volume, like the “Soft-Boiled Egg” onigiri, which features a whole soft-boiled egg marinated in a soy-based sauce. The tender yolk and flavorful white create a satisfying and delicious bite.
“半熟玉子,” Soft-Boiled Egg Eat-in: 295 JPY (tax included) / Take-out: 290 JPY (tax included)
Onigily Cafe pays great attention to its ingredients, with most of the fillings being gluten-free. Soy sauce and other seasonings used do not contain wheat flour, and the seaweed is free from additives. Each onigiri displayed in the showcase includes allergy information and whether it is gluten-free, making it easy for customers to choose according to their preferences, dietary needs, and lifestyle choices.
Onigily Cafe’s set menu changes between breakfast and lunch
Onigily Cafe opens early at 9:00 AM, and it offers the “Onigiri Breakfast Set,” which is available exclusively for dine-in, until 11:00 AM.
“おにぎり朝食セット（味噌汁セット）,” Onigiri Breakfast Set (with Miso Soup) 660 JPY (tax included)
The Onigiri Breakfast Set allows you to pick two onigiri from the 19 varieties, for 550 JPY (tax included). It includes a side of spicy cucumber pickles, and you can add miso soup for 110 JPY (tax included) or a drink for 220 JPY (tax included).
From 11:30 AM, the cafe offers four lunch options: the “Special Set,” “Japanese Fried Chicken Set,” “Ginger Grilled Pork Set,” and “Kakuni (sweet & tender simmered pork) Set.”
“よくばりプレート,” Special Set 1,400 JPY (tax included)
The Special Set includes a No ingredients onigiri, one onigiri of your choice from the 19 varieties, karaage (Japanese fried chicken), two types of side dishes, and miso soup for 1,400 JPY (tax included). The karaage is made with a rice flour coating, creating a light and crispy texture.
The karaage is a standout, perfected through trial and error to find the best seasoning mix and marinating time. Its well-seasoned taste pairs perfectly with the simple No ingredients onigiri.
Side dishes available from the showcase
Another must-try from the four set menus is the “Kakuni Set” at 1,360 JPY (tax included), including kakuni (sweet and tender simmered pork). This set features two onigiri, one made with plain white rice, highlighting the pure flavor of the rice itself, and a ginger rice onigiri. In addition to kakuni, it comes with salad and miso soup.
Kakuni, the main item of the set
The ginger rice onigiri is a special item available only with the Kakuni Set and cannot be ordered for take-out. It is made by stir-frying rice cooked with dashi (Japanese soup stock) and ginger, a labor-intensive process that limits it to in-store dining only.
(left) ginger rice onigiri; (right) kakuni
Though the detailed recipe is a secret, this ginger rice onigiri is simply exceptional. The moment you take a bite, you’re greeted with the perfect blend of the dashi’s sweet and savory flavor and the rich aroma of ginger—an experience that can only be described as remarkable. It’s no exaggeration to say you might order the Kakuni Set just for this ginger rice onigiri.
Enjoy a luxurious moment in the stylish Onigily Cafe
From sourcing ingredients to preparation methods, Onigily Cafe focuses on every detail. Takeuchi’s dedication to serving delicious, body-friendly onigiri is evident throughout the menu. A visit to Onigily Cafe will surely leave you captivated by the delightful taste and depth of flavor in their rice.
Interior of Onigily Cafe
Information
| Store name | Onigily Cafe |
|---|---|
| Address | 3-1-4 Nakameguro, Meguro-ku, Tokyo
|
| Access |
Naka-meguro Station 4-minute walk from Naka-meguro Station East Exit 1
|
| Phone number | 03-5708-5342 |
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Payment |
|
| Service charge/Table charge | None |
| Hours | 9:00-15:00（last order 14:30） |
| Closed | No fixed holidays Unscheduled holidays |
| Seating | 26 seats 4 counter seats, 20 table seats, 2 terrace seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://onigily.com/ |
| Other information |
|
※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of September 2024.
