Jichan’s Onigiri-ya (Rice Ball Shop)

Before you come, make sure you have time to wait for your food. If you don’t want to wait on site, order online! I waited 20 min after I ordered there. Went on a weekday at 5:30 and there were lots of people! They got lots of unique onigiri. I got the karrage which was very juicy and flavorful. The soft boiled egg was unique! Could be a bit messy but still pretty good! I also got the pork belly which was a bit dry and hard but flavor was there. I do like their plastic box packaging. It keeps the food warm for a longer period of time! Only downside is the seaweed gets soft quicker. I’d recommend eating these within 10 min. They do have seating inside and outside to eat! I love their mini table edition to their outside seating area. Parking isn’t an issue since it’s a mini plaza! I’ve got to come back to try the rest of them!

Really great rice balls! We were in a hurry to eat before an event so the staff was kind enough to get our orders out ASAP so we could eat on the run. I was surprised how delicious everything was considering how quickly they made it fresh! I really want to come back and try the other rice balls they have.

The take out experience is not as great as the seaweed softens up and the karaage gets a bit soggy in the box. Still tastes good but it is much better when fresh. The riceballs themselves are well filled and week seasoned, but a little smaller than the ones you'll see at the Japanese grocery stores. I suggest either waiting for your order (long wait at lunch) or ordering ahead of time and finishing the rest of the wait there.

I have been passing this place every time i walk passed it. So I finally stopped in and check it out. And I was really surprised by how yummy their rice ball was. The decor was nice and their staffs were friendly too. I ordered the fried chicken onigiri and the chicken was crispy, juicy and well season. I will be definitely be coming back to try other items they have on their menu. I definitely recommend this place.

Who doesn't love Japanese rice balls? Loved the amount of options available. They do offer entree size dishes if you have a larger appetite. Lots of parking available and very easy to find. Hopefully I find myself in that area again so I can try their other options.

A fantastic on-the-go lunch option! Jichan is a small location in an out of the way mini plaza but they are worth the visit! Their rice balls are super tasty and filling (I am satisfied with 3)! My personal favorites are: 1) Mentai-Tamago Onigiri 2) Salmon Onigiri (Grilled) 3) Onsen Onigiri Be aware that you may have to wait for your order if they are busy, as each "ball" is hand-rolled to order. Enjoy!

This is the type of place you go with your friends to try and sample everything. Came here on a weekend and the wait was up to 45 minutes. Well worth it! We ordered the salmon, kara-age, spam and egg and also the mentai tamago. Wow textures here are insane and the flavor profiles are amazing. They really know how to make their rice and the crunch is perfection. The chili soy sauce that comes with the snacks add some great flavor. I'd definitely order the salmon and also any of the ones that feature spam. Price to portion ratio its very reasonable. I will definitely be back here to munch on the other ones. Awesome concept and great place for families as well

One of the coolest local businesses I have found in Monterey Park! Two dudes opened a little onigiri shop and the rest was history. There's minimal bar seating inside, so it's primarily a takeout spot. My favorite was definitely the Onsen Onigiri! The soft boiled egg was cooked perfectly and it was flavored well. I highly recommend this to anyone that enjoys a custardy runny egg. I also tried the Salmon Onigiri grilled and it was decent! Reminds of my chilhood when I would get some salmon and eat it with some butter rice and mayo. Pretty tasty. My least favorite was probably the Ama-Miso Shiso Onigiri. The miso flavor has a very unique sweetness and the perilla leaf had a sharp bitterness to it. It was worth a try, but I'll order another veggie option next time since this didn't agree with my flavor palette.