We frequent Nijiya regularly since it is the closest Asian market in our area. I would say that it is a hit or miss if they have the specific items that you are looking for. Their produce section is small, but I appreciate the smaller size portions. They do have a small meat section as well. I like that they have locally sourced chicken from a farm on Oahu. It makes me feel like I am supporting local and it is fresh. However, last time I went I noticed that they had a mainland brand and didn't have as much of the local brand. Hopefully they are not changing over. Prices are a little high since it is a smaller market. Parking is ample in the structure behind the market. You have to pay if you stay a long time, but we usually end up paying nothing for a regular shopping trip. Staff are nice and young.
I come here at least once a week since idk mid 2010s or so but catching up on late reviews! Even though parking isn't the best in terms of maneuvering if there's no parking in the open lot, I still like this location best. Mostly because after shopping there's unique businesses to walk to and explore and the area is always changing and different businesses opening up at a higher rate than the other nijiya location. Not a good thing in general but as a consumer it's a fun experience to get to always see new businesses popping up and still have the consistency of my favorite market. I think it's about the same size as the Ala Moana location if you consider there's no sit down eating area here but I'd rather walk around outside anyways than sit down and eat if I go to this location. Very friendly service always when I come here. I like that the security is always very very attentive. To me that's a big reason I come here over Ala Moana. Because products wise it's about the same maybe less fruits but the essentials are here so it's more than ok for me. Quality as well the produce is always high quality but for me the attentiveness of the security guard in the store sets this location apart for me. Especially considering sometimes I come here later in the evening. Thank you for an incredible shopping experience and the dedication you bring to the safety of your guests!
Nijiya is one of the big Japanese grocery stores on the island. They carry a particular kind of seasoned seaweed (it comes in a canister) that is very unique and addictive- it's super crispy, almost like a very thin wafer cracker, and even though it's pricey, I can't stop eating it! Anyway they also have a great produce selection, dried goods, frozen foods, fresh fish, things for shabu shabu, rice aisle, and prepared foods/bento/sushi/poke. You can't go wrong shopping here. Parking sucks though!!
A great neighborhood market near the University of Hawaii (Manoa)....... After having breakfast next door with my friend - Jennifer C., we decided to go next door to check out Nijiya Market. Located at the Pucks Alley complex, you can find this Japanese/Asian grocery store just next door from Oli's Kitchen. Besides the dry goods that they sell here, this little Japanese supermarket offers a lot of pre-made foods which is convenient for a quick "grab & go". I've come here several times over the years, not so much to shop for dry goods, but mainly to pickup some pre-made food that they sell here. I can see the upside for the students who go to school at the University of Hawaii Lab School, or the kids who are students at the University of Hawaii (Manoa), as this grocery store provides another avenue for the kids to get food. Parking here is easy, as there is a parking lot within the shopping complex. I'm not sure if they validate, but I was told that the first hour parking in the complex is free, afterwards there is a small fee to park in the private parking lot.
First time here in Puck's Alley University, they also have one in Ala Moana. Japanese store, all kind of things from Japan. The store is fairly big inside. Brought some wild salmon from Alaska, Japanese ramen bowl made in Japan. One of a kind ceramic. Fun store to walk around and shop, Oh...Remember Yoku Moku candy from Japan.. the old Shirokiya store use to sell it. Please visit this store or Ala Moana. Aloha, Derek
Good place to shop for Japanese items. It's a typical small grocery store stocked with all kinds of stuff- small selection of fresh veggies, meats, condiments, rice, toiletries- you name it ! There is also a deli area selling bentos, sushi and other food to go. Their onigiri is so good and varied! Prices are a bit higher than Marukai or Don Quixote but it's great to run in and pick up good bento and other items. It's located on the bottom of Puck's Alley. Parking can be hard as the lot isn't big and shares with other businesses. You can park upstairs if the main lot is full. Validated parking the last time we were there. They keep changing!
Parking lot sucks... but Ma lives close-ish and just walks to pick up bentos every once in a while. Nothing fancy, but just good simple bentos. Hubs likes the nishime and says the chestnuts are good. I love the tsukemono. The salmon looks like it will be dry but never is. Katsu and karaage are good. Shrimp Tempura or Panko are a little oily, but not terrible. A lot of food too. And of course Nijiya has great snacks...
If you are looking for a quality Japanese grocery store, Nijiya is your place. I like to go there when I'm looking for a quick bite or in need of a drink. The sushi there is nice and fresh and the quality, taste and look is always the same. The staff is helpful but not overly bothersome which I personally like, if I need help I'll ask. I like that they started to carry more things from the neighboring mochi/sweet shop next door, Kansai Yamato Corporation, one my favorites is the mochi in sweet sugar. Such a simple and tasty snack. The prices are reasonable as well, my family buys Nishiki rice brand and Nijiya is the cheapest as compared to other stores. It's almost a $10 difference and the price Nijiya hasn't changed. When I step into Nijiya it's like stepping into a shop in Japan, this store has a more neighborhood feel as compared to the Ala Moana Shopping Center location. By no means is the University location any less because it's not as shiny, I actually like it better because it's more neighborly. At times parking can be a challenge but all you need to do is drive towards the exit and head up to the second floor parking area, once you get there is ample parking. The first hour is free, which is more than enough time to get your shopping done with time to spare to visit the other shops in the area.
They offer free one hour parking. Enter on the right hand side just past the actually market. It is a small parking lot behind the store. Tons of ready to eat bentos,sushi, and poke bowls. All made fresh on site. I came to get shabu shabu meat and ingredients and found everything I needed and then some. Grabbed a bunch of snacks and my favorite sparkling sake. Good produce that is very reasonable priced. I got a big of yellow onions for $4. Will be back often!
Grocery Shopping in Honolulu, Hawaii... My friend wanted a special kind of Furikake to take back to the mainland. She didn't want the type in a bottle nor the kind in the plastic container. She knew that she could get a flat package (good to pack in a suitcase) at Nijiya Market. At the time, we were near the University of Hawaii at Manoa. I told her that I knew where the free parking was. I didn't want to pay for parking at Puck's Alley. LOL! I found street parking about a block away. While she went to the shelves for the Furikake, I stopped by at the demonstration table. The featured item was a mentaiko mix. Just toss it with some udon noodles and make a simple, tasty entree! Yum! Thanks for the sample! I also looked at the ready-to-go bentos. They all seemed fresh and had great presentation. Too bad we were on our way to lunch. Next time, I'll get a chirashi bowl! I hope it's on sale again!