Authentic Japanese Groceries and Ready-Made Meals, Right When You Need Them
Whether I'm grabbing a quick onigiri after work or stocking up on Japanese pantry staples, Nijiya Market in San Mateo has exactly what I'm looking for — fresh, affordable, and ready to go.
Why customers choose us
What makes Nijiya Market San Mateo Store stand out
01
Reliable Grab-and-Go Japanese Meals
Customers rely on Nijiya Market to pick up fresh, ready-made Japanese food quickly — from onigiri and maki rolls to soba and karaage chicken. The consistent availability of grab-and-go options, even during evening hours, makes it a dependable stop for a fast, satisfying meal.
“Onigiri (rice balls) were still available after 6:30pm. Score!”
02
Wide, Affordable Japanese Snack Selection
Shoppers choose Nijiya Market for its broad range of Japanese snacks, pantry staples, and ready-made lunches at reasonable prices. The variety covers everything from specialty chips and instant ramen to frozen goods, satisfying both everyday cravings and niche preferences.
“Excellent (and wide variety) options for very reasonably priced, grab-and-go, ready-made Japanese snacks and lunches.”
03
Trustworthy Staff and Peace of Mind
Customers trust Nijiya Market not just for its products but for the integrity of its team. Experiences like staff safeguarding a lost wallet with everything intact reinforce confidence that shoppers are in good hands every visit.
“He returned my wallet with everything intact. I truly appreciate his honesty and kindness.”
What customers love most
Consistently praised by reviewers
Onigiri rice balls available late in the day
“Onigiri (rice balls) were still available after 6:30pm. Score!”
Grab-and-go ready-made Japanese food selection
“Excellent (and wide variety) options for very reasonably priced, grab-and-go, ready-made Japanese snacks and lunches.”
Pre-made sushi and over-rice meal packs
“Large Japanese grocery that is quite complete also with pre-made grab and go type sushi and over rice meal packs like onigiri, rolls, salmon, karage chicken and much much more.”
Japanese-style sandwiches that stay fresh
“Japanese-style sandwiches, not soggy at all.”
Well-portioned onigiri rice balls
“onigiri rice balls are perfectly portioned.”
Honest and attentive staff
“He returned my wallet with everything intact. I truly appreciate his honesty and kindness.”
Wide snack and frozen food selection
“I enjoy their snacks and to-go ready food selection.”
Reasonably priced Japanese groceries
“Excellent (and wide variety) options for very reasonably priced, grab-and-go, ready-made Japanese snacks and lunches.”
The little things that matter
Beyond expectations
Well-Stocked Into the Evening
Unlike many grab-and-go spots that run dry by late afternoon, Nijiya San Mateo keeps its ready-made food selection available well into the evening, so after-work and post-dinner shoppers still find a satisfying range of onigiri, snacks, and meal packs waiting for them.
Honest, Trustworthy Staff
When a customer accidentally left their wallet behind, a manager took personal responsibility for keeping it safe and returned it with everything intact — a quiet act of integrity that left a lasting impression.
Thoughtfully Portioned Ready-Made Food
The grab-and-go items are prepared with care for the eating experience — onigiri are described as perfectly portioned, and Japanese-style sandwiches arrive notably fresh and never soggy, signalling attention to quality at every step.
A Genuinely Wide Selection Under One Roof
From sushi rolls and onigiri to karaage chicken, soba noodles with tempura, katsu sandwiches, frozen dumplings, and nabe ingredients, the store brings together a broad sweep of Japanese food staples so shoppers rarely need to go elsewhere.
Accessible, Reasonable Pricing
Customers consistently note that the quality on offer comes at fair, approachable prices — a detail that reinforces the sense that the store is set up to serve its community rather than simply capture a premium.
Smooth, Stress-Free Checkout
Shoppers appreciate that even during busy periods the checkout experience remains quick and unhurried, removing a common friction point from what is often a spontaneous, time-sensitive visit.
A Curated Snack and Pantry Range
Alongside fresh grab-and-go items, the store stocks a carefully chosen selection of Japanese snacks, chips, instant ramen, and pantry staples, giving customers the chance to discover favourite products they return for again and again.
Tips for your first visit
Make the most of your visit
Arrive Early for Onigiri
Popular items like tuna mayo onigiri sell out quickly, so shopping earlier in the day gives you the widest selection of grab-and-go rice balls.
Browse the Ready-Made Food
The store carries a wide variety of prepared Japanese snacks and lunches — including sushi rolls, soba noodles with tempura, and katsu sandwiches — all at reasonable prices.
Check the Frozen Food Aisle
Frozen items like pot stickers are a reliable backup if the fresh grab-and-go selection has run low by the time you arrive.
Stock Up on Japanese Snacks
The store carries a solid range of Japanese pantry staples and snacks — reviewers highlight items like Calbee vegetable chips and instant ramen as go-to picks.
Great for Hot Pot Ingredients
If you're planning a nabe night, the store stocks items like beef sukiyaki, making it a practical one-stop shop for hot pot preparations.
Staff Are Genuinely Helpful
The team is known for attentive, honest service — so don't hesitate to ask for assistance while you shop.