Tanaka Ya Honten Ionniigataaoyamaten 田中屋本店 イオン新潟青山店

Classic Authentic Japanese Sweets and Comfort Food

Nothing food is more synonymous with Japanese comfort food than the onigiri, or rice ball. And the Tanaka ya Honten has so many to choose from. They are all expertly made with tastes including mountain vegetables, salmon, seasoned kelp, spicy miso (my favorite), and many more, but the store is so popular that if you want your choice of rice balls, I recommend going early, at least before lunch time to make sure you get the flavor you want. Every time I’ve purchased a rice ball here, it’s always hit the spot. There are also seasonal sweets, again from the realm of traditional Japanese sweets, mochi and dorayaki, the fluffy delectable Japanese pancakes with sweet bean jam, chestnuts, and other delicious fillings. If you’re at a loss what to get, if you know a little Japanese, the helpful staff will get you to the right flavor/treat to match what you’re hankering. The lines can be long during peak lunch/dinner times, but the staff is speedy, efficient, and welcoming, an excellent combination for cutting down a line quickly while also making sure that everyone walks away happy with their little taste of down home Japan. I look forward to seeing what’s in stock whenever I visit Aoyama Aeon for shopping.