TOKUYAMATCHA & ONIGIRAZU BAR - 115 E 27th St.

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New York City's culinary scene is constantly evolving, with innovative eateries popping up that offer a fresh take on global flavors. Among these exciting new spots, TOKUYAMATCHA & ONIGIRAZU BAR at 115 E 27th St has quickly become a standout for locals seeking something unique, delicious, and conveniently Japanese. This charming spot specializes in "onigirazu" – a modern twist on the traditional Japanese onigiri, essentially a "sushi sandwich" – paired with an exceptional selection of authentic, ceremonial-grade matcha.

Far from your average grab-and-go, TOKUYAMATCHA & ONIGIRAZU BAR offers a culinary experience that is both familiar and exciting. The onigirazu are described as "BIG, bold, and packed with flavor," meticulously crafted with high-quality Japanese rice, fresh nori, and generous fillings that range from classic to incredibly creative. Whether you're a long-time fan of Japanese cuisine or just looking to try something new, these "sushi sandwiches" are a satisfying and novel option for a quick bite.

Beyond the innovative food, the establishment is equally celebrated for its authentic matcha. Reviewers rave about the "incredibly top tier" creamy matcha, noting its smooth, earthy, and legitimately ceremonial-grade quality. It's a place where you can find that perfect balance of a hearty, flavorful meal and a sophisticated, invigorating beverage, making it a true "hidden gem" in the heart of the city.

TOKUYAMATCHA & ONIGIRAZU BAR is strategically located at 115 E 27th St, New York, NY 10016, USA. This address places it squarely in the vibrant NoMad (North of Madison Square Park) neighborhood, a dynamic and easily accessible area of Manhattan. Its position on East 27th Street makes it a convenient spot for those living, working, or exploring the Midtown East and Murray Hill areas.

The restaurant's accessibility is a significant advantage for busy New Yorkers. It's just a short walk from several major subway lines, including the 6 train at 28th Street, and within comfortable reach of other lines at nearby transit hubs like Herald Square (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W trains) or Madison Square Park. Numerous bus routes also traverse the surrounding avenues, making it an easy destination from various parts of the city.

While the shop itself is described as "small" and "cozy," it's perfect for a quick lunch, a casual meeting, or a solo foodie adventure. Its central location ensures that whether you're heading to work, exploring the city, or simply craving a unique Japanese meal and a quality matcha, TOKUYAMATCHA & ONIGIRAZU BAR is a convenient and inviting stop.

TOKUYAMATCHA & ONIGIRAZU BAR focuses on providing high-quality, convenient service centered around its unique culinary offerings.

• Onigirazu (Sushi Sandwiches): Their signature offering, providing a modern and portable take on Japanese flavors. Each onigirazu typically comes as two rice ball sandwiches.
• Specialty Matcha Drinks: A wide selection of authentic and ceremonial-grade matcha, including the highly praised creamy matcha, as well as various lattes (oat milk options available) and iced teas. They also offer Houjicha (roasted green tea) and other unique beverages.
• Takeout/Grab-and-Go: The primary service model, ideal for quick meals for busy New Yorkers. Everything is made fresh to order, ensuring quality even for takeout.
• Delivery: Available through popular third-party delivery platforms like Grubhub and Uber Eats, allowing customers to enjoy their onigirazu and matcha from the comfort of their home or office.
• Limited Seating: While primarily a grab-and-go spot, there is typically "one table outside" and possibly some "bar seating area" for those who wish to quickly enjoy their food on-site, though indoor seating is generally very limited, especially on weekends.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Options: The menu includes options suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, a thoughtful consideration for a broader range of diners.
• Vegan Options: They offer vegan onigirazu choices like Vegan Salad ONIGIRAZU and Vegan Yakiniku ONIGIRAZU, catering to plant-based diets.

TOKUYAMATCHA & ONIGIRAZU BAR distinguishes itself with several unique features and highlights that make it a cherished spot for New Yorkers.

• Innovative Onigirazu ("Sushi Sandwiches"): This is their defining feature. They offer a "modern twist on the traditional onigiri," delivering "BIG, bold, and packed with flavor." With over 20 different flavor options, these "sushi sandwiches" provide a unique and satisfying meal. Popular fillings include:
  • Japanese Fried Chicken with Garlic Chili Oil (a consistent bestseller)
  • RAMEN-ish ONIGIRAZU (featuring chashu-braised pork belly and ramen chicken broth flavored rice)
  • ALOHA Spam ONIGIRAZU (with spam, fried egg, and Japanese mayonnaise)
  • Beef and Ginger ONIGIRAZU
  • Salmon and Avocado
  • Vegan options like Vegan Salad and Vegan Yakiniku
• Top-Tier Authentic Matcha: The matcha selection is a major highlight, with customers frequently calling the "creamy matcha" "incredibly top tier" and "the best thing to order here." They use "legit ceremonial-grade" matcha, which is "smooth, earthy, and has no astringency." Options range from classic matcha lattes to unique creations like Yuzu Ginger Honey Matcha and Blue Moon Matcha Latte (caffeine-free).
• High-Quality Ingredients: The establishment prides itself on using high-quality Japanese rice, fresh nori, and generous, well-prepared fillings for their onigirazu. The matcha is also described as "ceremonial-grade" and "premium culinary grade" from Shizuoka, Japan.
• Freshly Made to Order: Every onigirazu and drink is made fresh to order, ensuring maximum flavor and quality, akin to what you'd find at a "top-tier Tokyo market stall."
• Hidden Gem Status: Many locals consider it an "underrated hidden gem" or the "hidden gem of all hidden gems," making it a delightful discovery for those in the know.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Options: A valuable feature for those with dietary restrictions, offering safe and delicious choices.
• Owner-Operated with Passion: It's described as a "mom + pop shop" where the staff "take pride in what they serve," contributing to a friendly and authentic atmosphere. The owner, Tomo, is from Osaka, Japan, bringing genuine Japanese culinary sensibility.

TOKUYAMATCHA & ONIGIRAZU BAR primarily focuses on offering excellent value through its core menu items, particularly its combo deals, rather than frequent, fluctuating promotions. Their pricing for such high-quality and unique items is already considered quite fair by many customers.

• Onigirazu Combo Deals: They often offer combo options that pair an onigirazu with a side dish and/or miso soup, providing a more complete meal at a bundled price. For example:
  • "1 Any ONIGIRAZU, Edamame, Miso Soup" combo.
  • "1 Any ONIGIRAZU, Candied Sweet Potato, Miso Soup" combo.
  • Larger combos that might include an onigirazu, candied sweet potato, edamame, and miso soup.
  These combos offer a convenient and cost-effective way to sample their popular items.
• Competitive Pricing: Many of their onigirazu are priced "under $10" (though current prices may be slightly higher, around $10.50-$12), which is considered an "unbelievable deal" for a satisfying Japanese sandwich in NYC. This inherent affordability serves as a constant "special offer" for budget-conscious New Yorkers seeking quality.
• Seasonal/New Items: While not a discount, the introduction of new menu items like their "Longan Jasmine Tea Series" or other seasonal offerings keeps the menu fresh and exciting, providing new reasons for locals to visit.

For the most current and specific pricing on combo deals and any occasional specials, it's best to check their menu directly on their website or through popular delivery platforms like Grubhub and Uber Eats.

To experience the unique onigirazu and exceptional matcha at TOKUYAMATCHA & ONIGIRAZU BAR, here's how you can reach them:

Address: 115 E 27th St, New York, NY 10016, USA

Phone: (646) 351-6456

Website: https://tokuyamasalon.com/cafe/ (This website is part of Tokuyama Salon, indicating a shared ownership or concept, and lists both the 27th St and East 6th St locations.)

Online Ordering/Delivery: Available through Grubhub and Uber Eats (check respective platforms for direct links).

Email: tokuyamatcha@gmail.com

For current hours of operation (typically Monday-Sunday 10 AM-6 PM, but always good to verify), menu details, and ordering options, their website and delivery platform listings are the most reliable sources.

For New Yorkers, TOKUYAMATCHA & ONIGIRAZU BAR is a perfect fit for the city's dynamic pace and diverse palates. It offers a unique and highly satisfying Japanese culinary experience that caters to both convenience and quality, making it a truly valuable addition to the local food scene.

Its core appeal lies in the innovative onigirazu – these "sushi sandwiches" are not just a novelty; they are genuinely flavorful, generously filled, and surprisingly substantial, providing a fantastic alternative to traditional lunch options. The emphasis on high-quality ingredients, from the rice to the fresh fillings, ensures that every bite is delicious and authentic. The fact that it's a "gluten-free friendly option" is an added bonus for many, showcasing their commitment to catering to varied dietary needs.

Beyond the food, the exceptional, ceremonial-grade matcha elevates the experience, offering a refined beverage that complements the onigirazu perfectly. For matcha aficionados, it's a must-try. The location in Midtown East makes it incredibly accessible for those living or working in the area, allowing for quick pick-ups or convenient delivery. Even with limited seating, the friendly staff and "mom + pop shop" feel create a welcoming atmosphere that resonates with the desire for authentic, community-oriented establishments.

TOKUYAMATCHA & ONIGIRAZU BAR serves as an ideal spot for a quick, delicious, and healthy lunch, a unique grab-and-go snack, or a delightful pairing of Japanese flavors and high-quality tea. It's truly a local "hidden gem" that deserves to be on every New Yorker's radar for its innovative approach to Japanese comfort food and its top-tier matcha.

TOKUYAMATCHA & ONIGIRAZU BAR - 115 E 27th St.

115 E 27th St, New York, NY 10016, USA