ONIGIRI MOMOFUKU (New! 11/19)

Koenji’s Premier Spot for Authentic, Handmade Onigiri
[published November 2024]

Located along the lively Koshin Dori shopping street just north of Koenji Station, Onigiri Momofuku (stylized as “onigiri momofuku”) is a newcomer to the area dedicated to a Japanese staple, the humble rice ball, onigiri. But you have not had onigiri like these before. The unique and satisfying rice balls Onigiri Momofuku makes are some of the biggest and best around. The cozy shop seats only six guests, ensuring an intimate dining experience where each onigiri is handcrafted right before your eyes.

Run by two sisters whose family roots are from Sado Island in Niigata prefecture, Onigiri Momofuku opened in June 2024 with a commitment to using high-quality ingredients. The Koshihikari rice they use, a well-regarded variety from their family’s home region, provides a fragrant and slightly sticky base that makes each onigiri truly stand out. The salt Momoe-san uses to shape the onigiri is also special—a rich, mineral salt from Nagasaki that adds depth and enhances the rice’s natural flavors.

We had the chance to try soy sauce-seasoned egg yolk with minced meat “soboro” onigiri, and the grilled salmon with salmon roe onigiri, and they were easily some of the tastiest we’ve ever had. No wonder these are Onigiri Momofuku’s best-selling onigiri. The egg yolk’s richness and savory mince-meat paired perfectly with the lightly salted rice, creating an indulgent yet balanced flavor. The salmon onigiri, with its smoky grilled taste and generous topping of salmon roe, was equally delightful. These aren’t your average onigiri; each bite showcases premium ingredients skillfully combined.

Onigiri Momofuku’s menu boasts 23 varieties, including popular options like torotaku (fatty tuna with pickled daikon radish), mentaiko (spicy cod roe) with cream cheese, and more. The flavors are varied enough to please any palate, yet each remains deeply rooted in traditional Japanese flavors. The traditional Japanese drink served at Onigiri Momofuku is called mugicha. It is a refreshing barley tea that pairs beautifully with the onigiri.

Opening hours are from 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM, with morning hours dedicated to takeout only on weekdays. If you want to dine in, arrive a little before 11:00 AM when the seating area opens, but remember there are only a half dozen seats at the bar so be prepared to wait a little. Takeout is quick and easy as well though so whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or staying to enjoy the ambiance, Onigiri Momofuku is perfect for lunch. When dining in, we recommend the set meal that comes with miso soup or karaage, Japanese fried chicken. It’s easy to order as there is an English menu, with vegan options also clearly marked. Payment is also convenient—accepting cash, credit, and electronic payments.

This is a fantastic opportunity for foreign visitors to experience what homemade onigiri truly tastes like. These are far from the convenience store version; they’re heartier, fresher, and bursting with the kind of quality and flavor that can only come from skilled, personal preparation. For a genuine taste of Japanese comfort food, Onigiri Momofuku is a must-visit.

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Writer: Joel
Photographer: I. Fukuyama