Nijiya Market - snacks that make a meal

Yes, you are reading mmm-yoso!!! the blog about food.  Kirk is gradually acclimating to this time zone. Ed (from Yuma) has already returned (to Yuma) and had no acclimatization problems. Cathy has been here all along and has had no changes in her environment, so she continues sharing posts about food.

My first encounter with this blog was more than seven years ago,  when I was searching for more information about one of our favorite ethnic markets, located on Convoy street. So much time has passed, and I've only written one post while I can see over 500 mentions of Nijiya on this blog.  The Mister and I shop here for basics, since almost everything sold in this market is organic. We also enjoy dropping in to grab a quick snack and purchase ready made items, sold in refrigerated and covered heated tray areas along the West wall of the store. There is also a new item sold along the counter there.

Noodles with dashi!  ($3.50)  Tell the nice person behind the counter which noodle you'd like (udon or soba) and they will turn around and go to the back wall of pots and cook up the noodles, bring a bowl of noodles back and give you a choice of four toppings (seaweed, green onion, bonito flakes and those tiny fried wheat balls that will expand in the broth) which you place on top of the noodles yourself, in any amount.  The broth is placed in a separate container. You can also optionally add fried tofu (50¢), mixed wild vegetables (50¢), curry sauce ($1.50) and/or seasoned beef with onion ($1.50). We've had this several times, trying the various ingredients.  

The above is a bowl with soba and the included toppings as well as the optional mixed vegetables (50¢) before the dashi broth was added. 

The above photo is after the dashi broth was poured.  For $3.50 plus the 50¢ added vegetables, this is a really nice meal. 

Of course, fried foods are available here...and make a nice, quick snack. The above area is covered croquettes and patties of wonderful handy snacks.

This is the $1 vegetable croquette.  Always crispy, never greasy and a medley of slivered carrot, squash, onion and potato.

Chicken Karaage (fried boneless chicken) is pre-packed and on the table in front of the covered croquettes. It's $7.99/lb and this container was $3.76.  It's always fried properly and is juicy and usually crispy (we are usually at the store when they are placing the karaage out for purchase)

The Ika Geso Karaage (fried squid) is $12.99/lb, (this much was $2.53) and was a good amount for me to snack on.  Crunchy and chewy, I do enjoy this squid when it is hot or cold.

This is called an "Edamame Salad" ($2.49) and yes, that's tuna on top. There are also red kidney beans and corn on top of the lettuce-cabbage mix. The dressing is peanut butter and soy based and really goes well with the various flavors. 

There's also a sushi and sashimi area (of course) and this is called "Diamond Chirashi" ($6.99) Plenty of various fish and shrimp pieces, cucumber and egg on top of organic rice, all topped with large fish roe.

There's a small refrigerator at the counter and also near the cash registers that has both a cold and a hot section.  I always grab a can of hot green tea (~$1) when I'm here.

I hope everyone is having a good week! 

Nijiya Market 3860 Convoy Street, Suite 109 San Diego 92111 (858)268-3821 Website

 

Comments

[meateater]

The soup is great, I always get it with a double order of the cooked vegetables, half of which I don't recognize.

[Kirk]

Nice! I actually get something from Nijiya probably once a week since our offices are now in the area.

[caninecologne]

I love going to Nijiya and having lunch outside with stuff bought from their deli section. Plus, they have this popsicle that TC likes (a melon flavored one, sold individually). I didn't know about this soup, what a great deal. I may be in the area later this week so this is on my list of 'must try' foods.

[James]

I much prefer Nijiya for takeout over Mitsuwa, except for the potato salad, which Mitsuwa does much better (though they don't always have it.) I love that I can buy tempura and croquettes by the piece instead of a three-pack (though I wind up eating 'em all anyway!)

[Faye]

I've seen the hot udon section when I visit Nijiya with sis. I didn't know if it was worth trying b/c I was afraid I would pay too much for something I could possibly replicate at home (buy dashi/udon broth and add whatever to broth on my own). But the noodles you got looked delicious.

What's your take b/w Nijiya and Mitsuwa? Do you think one market has better selection and/or quality than the other?

[Cathy]

The label is "wild vegetable", meateater. You'll notice I didn't define what the vegetables were... and I do like them, whatever they are.

Nijiya has multiple great choices in the ready to eat area, Kirk. Always fresh. You're fortunate to be so close.

The noodle area has been there for more than a year now, cc. Do try-you'll like it. I need to check out the ice cream section this summer.

100% agree with you about the potato salad, James. Sometimes the craving for the curry pan overwhelms me and it's nice to be able to grab just one...

The noodles are simple/not fancy, Fay; I suppose you can duplicate at home, but that's why they're called convenience foods. I do like both stores; Nijiya has always concentrated on the organic aspect of their inventory (which has become a bit more important to me over the years) and the grab and go sections at each are constantly updated and fresh. Since they are so close to each other (one signal light separates them on Mercury), I stop at each when shopping.

[Soo]

The chicken karaage looks good! What time should I get there for fresh chicken?

[Carol]

I like their deli. Never got the vegetable croquette but I'll have to get it next time I'm there. Looks so good.

[Ange]

I want to try the edamame salad! Looks delicious!

[Dennis]

Nice Cathy! Nijiya has been my go-to for picking up a quick late night dinner. They're open until 10pm which is nice where Mitsuwa closes at 8pm.

[Cathy]

We get to Nijiya before or by 10 a.m., Soo. I have noticed if we get there around noon, the chicken is sold out on weekends; maybe they make more in the afternoon. It is so good!

Such a wonderful deli here, Carol. I figure they go through the $1 croquettes because the lower price, so those are always fresh...

It's really good, Ange. A simple salad with fresh toppings.

Never thought of venturing out that way in the evening, Dennis...but good to know. I've always liked food in the ready made section.