
Omusubi Gonbei
Affordable Japanese onigiri and snacks inside a bustling grocery store. Perfect for a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly bite.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the peak crowds

Omusubi Gonbei
Best Time
Beat the peak crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Affordable Japanese onigiri and snacks inside a bustling grocery store. Perfect for a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly bite.
"Super affordable and delicious!! This is a gem tucked into a Japanese supermarket."

🎯 Affordable Lunch Deal
Get two delicious onigiris for under $6! Perfect for a budget-friendly meal.
🚶♀️ Takeout & Picnic
No seating available. Grab your food and head to nearby Battery Park for a scenic meal.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Onigiri Selection
Counter inside Katagiri Japanese Grocery
A wide variety of classic Japanese rice balls with diverse fillings. Perfect for a quick, satisfying snack.

Spicy Tuna Onigiri
Counter inside Katagiri Japanese Grocery
A crowd favorite! This flavorful onigiri offers a satisfying kick and generous filling.

Shrimp Tempura Onigiri
Counter inside Katagiri Japanese Grocery
Another popular choice, this onigiri offers a delightful crunch and savory flavor.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Budget-Friendly Bites
Grab-and-Go Gem
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Affordable Lunch Deal
Get two delicious onigiris for under $6! Perfect for a budget-friendly meal.
🚶♀️ Takeout & Picnic
No seating available. Grab your food and head to nearby Battery Park for a scenic meal.
🍣 Try the Spicy Tuna
This flavorful onigiri is a must-try, often praised for its generous filling and kick.
💡 Explore the Grocery
Don't miss the surrounding Japanese market for unique snacks and imported goods.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Affordable Lunch Deal
Get two delicious onigiris for under $6! Perfect for a budget-friendly meal.
🚶♀️ Takeout & Picnic
No seating available. Grab your food and head to nearby Battery Park for a scenic meal.
🍣 Try the Spicy Tuna
This flavorful onigiri is a must-try, often praised for its generous filling and kick.
💡 Explore the Grocery
Don't miss the surrounding Japanese market for unique snacks and imported goods.
⏰ Check Closing Time
Options can be limited if you arrive close to closing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Omusubi Gonbei is praised for its incredibly affordable and tasty onigiri, making it a budget-friendly gem in Midtown Manhattan. While some find the fillings minimal, most agree the rice is perfectly cooked and the variety is appealing. It's a popular counter-serve spot within a Japanese grocery store, ideal for takeout.
"This place is amazing. Shoutout Instagram Reels for bringing me here. I spent $5.88 for two onigiris (spicy tuna and salmon) priced individually at $2.80 and $2.60. Super affordable and delicious!! This is a gem tucked into a Japanese supermarket that contains an assortment of premade Japanese cuisine and Japanese food and home products. Next time I look forward to trying the tuna and mayo onigiri. The spicy tuna definitely took the cake between it and the salmon onigiri, although both were still good. My friend got a shrimp tempura onigiri which was also all the rage. They’re pretty big and filling. There’s no seating and it’s counter service so we walked 9 minutes to Battery Park and enjoyed our lunch there. I can’t wait to go back."
julia safrin
"The onigiri is very small with minimal fillings or flavor,that is why it is so much cheaper. The tiny jello drink was reasonably priced ($1.99) and was good(I recommend getting a different flavor tho).It is a very small place and is usually crowded so keep that in mind."
Imani
"It’s such a nice cute shop/eatery in midtown. The location is super convenient. Only one street south of the Grand Central Terminal.
I tried their nigiri for the first time. I got salmon, spicy tuna, shrimp, chashu, and mentaiko ones. The size was perfect. You can tell from the generic shapes that they are most likely hand made. Overall, it’s a little bland. Good thing was that they cook the rice perfectly, and after chewing slowly over and over, you can taste the naturally sweetness of the rice. They also put somewhat generous amount of stuffing inside.
I also got a spicy fried chicken don and a box of sushi. The spicy fried chicken was indeed quite spicy. The flavor was nice. The chicken pieces were also nicely cooked. It was about average. The sushi was actually surprisingly nice. I got it because of the after 7pm sale. All sushi was 15% off. The box I got had salmon roes, salmon, tuna, some kind of white fish, cooked shrimp, and eel. It also came with tuna and salmon rolls. It was pretty delicious.
It’s not only a takeout spot. There is a ramen restaurant hidden inside. It’s also like a bodega selling goods imported from Japan, including cosmetic products, fresh produce, drinks, and snacks. It’s such a cute shop. I’d like to come back and try their other items."
Bradley C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Omusubi Gonbei is conveniently located inside the Katagiri Japanese Grocery store at 370 Lexington Ave, just south of Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. It's easily accessible via the 4, 5, 6, 7, and S subway lines to Grand Central-42nd Street.
Yes, Omusubi Gonbei is very close to Grand Central Terminal, making it a perfect stop for a quick bite before or after traveling.
The closest subway station is Grand Central-42nd Street, served by multiple lines. From there, it's a short walk to the Katagiri Japanese Grocery store.
Yes, it's about a 15-20 minute walk from Times Square to Omusubi Gonbei, offering a pleasant stroll through Midtown Manhattan.
Street parking in Midtown Manhattan can be challenging and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transportation or ride-sharing services to reach Omusubi Gonbei.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Omusubi Gonbei is a counter-serve spot within a grocery store, so no tickets are required. You simply order and pay at the counter.
Omusubi Gonbei is located within Katagiri Japanese Grocery, so its hours generally align with the store's operating times. It's best to check the store's specific hours, but they are typically open throughout the day.
No, there is no admission fee to enter Katagiri Japanese Grocery. You can browse the store and purchase items, including the onigiri from Omusubi Gonbei, freely.
While not explicitly stated, it's unlikely that reservations are available for individual onigiri due to the grab-and-go nature of the establishment. Arriving earlier in the day is recommended for the best selection.
Some reviews mention a 15% discount on sushi boxes after 7 PM, which might extend to other items. It's worth checking for any late-day sales.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Yes, Omusubi Gonbei can get quite crowded, especially during peak lunch hours. The staff works efficiently to keep the line moving.
No, Omusubi Gonbei is a counter-serve establishment within a grocery store and does not have any seating. You'll need to take your food to go.
Wait times can vary depending on the time of day and crowd levels. During busy periods, expect to wait a few minutes, but the line generally moves quickly.
The atmosphere is that of a bustling Japanese grocery store with a dedicated counter for fresh onigiri and other prepared foods. It's lively and efficient.
While not explicitly mentioned, most establishments in NYC accept contactless payments via phone. It's advisable to have a backup payment method like a credit card.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The spicy tuna and salmon onigiri are frequently mentioned as favorites. Shrimp tempura and mentaiko are also highly recommended.
Onigiri are very affordable, typically priced around $2.60 to $2.80 each, making it possible to get two for under $6.
Reviews are mixed; some find the fillings minimal, while others describe them as generous. The spicy tuna is often cited as having a good amount of filling.
Yes, there is a ramen restaurant hidden inside the Katagiri Japanese Grocery store, separate from the Omusubi Gonbei counter.
Besides onigiri, you can find bento boxes, sushi boxes, spam musubi, and other pre-made Japanese dishes within the grocery store.
📸 📸 Photography
While the focus is on quick service, the colorful onigiri and the vibrant Japanese market offer opportunities for appealing food photography.
The onigiri with distinct fillings like spicy tuna, salmon roe, or shrimp tempura tend to be visually appealing. The variety of colors and textures makes for great shots.
Generally, taking photos inside retail spaces is acceptable, but it's always polite to be discreet and avoid disrupting other shoppers or staff.
Yes, taking your onigiri to nearby Battery Park or Grand Central Terminal provides excellent backdrops for photos.
Daytime offers the best natural light for food photography. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and have more freedom to capture your shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Since there's no seating, plan for a picnic! Nearby Battery Park is a fantastic option for families, offering open spaces for kids to play while you enjoy your onigiri. The surrounding grocery store also has a fun selection of Japanese snacks and drinks that kids might find exciting to explore.
💰 Budget Travelers
This makes it an ideal choice for backpackers, students, or anyone looking to save money on food without sacrificing taste or quality. The grab-and-go format also means you can enjoy your meal in a scenic spot like Battery Park, turning a cheap eat into a memorable experience.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers
The grab-and-go nature means you can grab your onigiri and continue exploring the city, perhaps heading to Central Park or the nearby United Nations Headquarters. It’s an efficient way to fuel up without a lengthy sit-down meal, allowing you to maximize your sightseeing time.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Onigiri
Many visitors compare the onigiri here to those found in Hawaii, highlighting a shared appreciation for this portable and delicious snack. The convenience factor is huge; these rice balls are designed to be eaten by hand, making them ideal for a quick lunch on the go or a picnic in a nearby park. The variety ensures there's something for every palate, and the affordable price point makes it easy to try multiple flavors.
While the onigiri are the stars, it's worth noting that the Katagiri Japanese Grocery store itself offers a treasure trove of Japanese culinary delights. From unique snacks and beverages to pre-made meals and ingredients, exploring the store adds another layer to the Omusubi Gonbei experience.
Budget-Friendly NYC Eats
This makes Omusubi Gonbei a fantastic option for budget travelers, students, or anyone looking to savor authentic Japanese flavors without breaking the bank. The value proposition is clear: high-quality, tasty food at incredibly reasonable prices. This focus on affordability, combined with the quality of the ingredients and preparation, has earned it a loyal following and frequent mentions on social media for its 'cheap eats' appeal.
Beyond the onigiri, the surrounding grocery store also offers affordable Japanese snacks and drinks, further enhancing the budget-friendly experience. It’s a place where you can assemble a complete, satisfying meal or snack haul without overspending.
The Katagiri Japanese Grocery Experience
This unique setting provides a fantastic opportunity to explore Japanese culture beyond just the food counter. You can browse shelves stocked with interesting items, discover new favorite snacks, or pick up ingredients for home cooking. The presence of a hidden ramen restaurant within the store also adds to the culinary exploration possibilities.
The grocery store environment contributes to the grab-and-go nature of Omusubi Gonbei. While there's no dedicated seating for the onigiri counter, the store's layout and the surrounding area offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy your purchases. Many visitors opt to take their food to nearby parks, like Battery Park, to savor their meal in a more relaxed setting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit