[Issha, Nagoya] Onigiri Specialty Store "Niigo"

Niigo is a onigiri specialty store located in a quiet residential area, about a four-minute walk from Issha Station on Nagoya Municipal Subway. The store opened in July 2023.

The exterior of the onigiri specialty store "Niigo"

Inside the onigiri specialty store "Niigo"

A sunken kotatsu space where you can relax

The interior of the store, which utilizes what was originally an izakaya (Japanese-style pub), has a spacious eating and drinking area in addition to a counter where you can choose your onigiri. There is also a set menu where you can eat onigiri along with handmade pork miso soup and side dishes.

Niigo was opened by a mother and daughter who used to run a rice shop, with the aim of spreading the deliciousness of rice. There are always 13 to 15 types of rice balls lined up on the counter, from standard items to seasonal menu items.

This time, we spoke to Niigo's manager, Kimoto-san, in detail about the store's particularities.

Made with carefully selected ingredients
Onigiri that you don't have to squeeze?!

The onigiri specialty store "Niigo" was established by Kimoto-san, the granddaughter of a rice shop owner, with the help of her friend, the owner. She had been thinking, "I want to spread the deliciousness of rice to many people," and when she was able to rent the current store, she decided to take on the challenge, even though she had no experience in the restaurant business.

The rice used for onigiri is specially grown rice that is purchased directly from farmers. Compared to normally grown rice, less pesticides and chemical fertilizers are used, making it safer and more reliable to eat.

Cooking rice in a hagama

The rice is cooked in a hagama (a rice cooker). The amount of water and heat must be carefully adjusted depending on the season and the moisture content of the rice, and it took a lot of trial and error to find the best way to cook rice for onigiri.

For the onigiri, you can choose to use "half-polished rice," which is more nutritious and has a better texture than white rice. White rice is cooked in a hagama, while half-polished rice is cooked in a clay pot, and the way the rice is cooked is different depending on the type of rice.

And when making onigiri with plumply cooked rice, the biggest trick is to "form the rice without squeezing it." Shape the rice so that it gently encases the generous amount of ingredients.

Niigo's onigiri are a little larger than the onigiri you can get at a convenience store. Each one contains about 130g of rice alone, so it's recommended for those who want to fully enjoy the taste of rice.

Salt, seaweed, and ingredients are all carefully selected

They are particular not only about the rice, but also about the salt, seaweed, and ingredients.

Laver:Laver from Onisaki fishing port in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture is used. It is characterized by its excellent color and brightness, as well as its robust flavor. Onisaki Fishing Port's laver ranks at the top of the list among those produced in Aichi Prefecture in terms of production quantity and quality.

Salt:"Amando seaweed salt" produced on an island in the Seto Inland Sea is used. It has more minerals than ordinary salt and is characterized by its mild taste and umami. It enhances the taste of rice.

Ingredients:The ingredients used for onigiri are also designed to be safe and secure. For example, Nanko-ume plums are specially grown in Kishu. The bonito flakes are finely shredded in the store and seasoned with soy sauce, mirin, sugar, etc. They serve only what they think tastes good.

They also offer onigiris and side dishes made with seasonal ingredients, so you'll never get bored of coming here again and again.

You can relax at the sunken kotatsu table
Dine-in space also available

The interior of "Niigo" is spacious and includes an eat-in space. All the table seats are hori-gotasu (sunken kotatsu), so you can relax comfortably. It is also easy for families and children to use.

Homemade egg rolls

If you choose to eat in, you can order a set that includes not only onigiris, but also side dishes, pork miso soup, and pickles. You can choose from three sets depending on the number of rice balls you want, so it's also appealing that you can freely customize the amount you want to eat.

2 rice balls + Set A

・Aセット：おにぎり＋460円（惣菜3品＋豚汁＋漬物）
・Bセット：おにぎり＋360円（惣菜1品＋豚汁＋漬物）
・Cセット：おにぎり＋260円（豚汁＋漬物）

Three recommended onigiris at "Niigo"

Niigo, an onigiri specialty restaurant, always has 13 to 15 different types of onigiri on the menu, including standard items such as okaka, ume plum, and salt, as well as shiso mackerel, beef ribs, and more. All of them are "must-have" combinations, such as ume-jako (plum and baby sardine), sesame and kelp, and grilled green onion and miso. This is a full lineup favored by everyone from small children to the elderly.

This time I had three onigiris.

Fukuoka Mentaiko

Fukuoka Mentaiko (spiced pollack roe) 260 yen

Filled with plenty of mentaiko (spiced cod roe), this onigiri is delicious no matter where you eat it. The combination of the rich sweetness of the rice, the tangy mentaiko, and the aroma of the nori seaweed makes this an unbeatable dish. The rice is softly pressed, allowing the flavor of each ingredient to come through.

If you like cheese, we also recommend the Mentaiko Cheese (290 yen).

Bonito cheese

Bonito cheese 260 yen

The onigiri is topped with cheese and handmade bonito flakes. The rich flavor of the bonito flakes and the salty, full-bodied cheese go together perfectly. It's a onigiri that is loved by people of all ages, from children to adults.

If you order, they will also provide you with "bonito flakes only" without cheese.

Shiso mackerel

Shiso leaves and mackerel 260 yen

This is the most popular onigiri at "Niigo." Grilled salted mackerel is torn apart by hand and combined with chopped shiso leaves. The moist mackerel with a strong umami flavor goes perfectly with rice! The shiso leaves add a nice accent. Even one is very satisfying and filling.

Homemade side dishes are also available for takeout. There are also bento staples such as egg rolls and fried chicken sets, and side dishes made with seasonal vegetables.

To-go and dine-in are both great!
A store that can be used for any occasion

Niigo is a onigiri specialty store that specializes in onigiris made with rice cooked in a hagama and carefully selected ingredients. The large-sized onigiris are filled with plenty of ingredients and are very satisfying to eat. You can also choose half-polished rice, so it is recommended for those who are health conscious.

The restaurant also has a relaxing dine-in space, which is popular with families. Its appeal is that it can be used for a variety of occasions, such as weekday lunchtimes or weekend leisure activities.

We also occasionally open a kitchen car at events. For information on daily prepared foods, new onigiri menus, and event openings, please check theirInstagram.