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49 reviews for Tozai Foods
Review Highlights
"Small Japanese grocery store with a deli section."
(in 30 reviews)
"The sushi was very tasty and delicious."
(in 42 reviews)
"The spicy tuna is also one of my favorites."
(in 6 reviews)
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49 reviews in English
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Review from christy m.
San Gabriel, CA
HELLA HIDDEN GEM!!
My coworker actually told me about this place one time after work. It's the best place for the cheapest, and best quality for fresh sushi!! The workers here are pretty nice. I actually live nearby and there's always a lot of Japanese people where I live.. so it's nice to know about this place. Banchan's Take Out is next door, and i should try it one day because of all the good things everyone says about it.
It's a shorter of a drive for me, and cheaper alternative than Mitsuwa and Nijiya Market. They have everything that those 2 chains have, but just a smaller selection depending on what you need. I still love this place more than those 2 chains though.
The downpour? It's right next to a cemetery =( So I'm too much of a pussy to come here after dinner... -
Review from richard l.
El Monte, CA
Updated - 1/29/2012 4 photos
Cam here after taking the cat to visit the vet nearby.
Brought the salmon/tuna bowl. both has spicy tuna pieces int he bowl and sushi rice, is pretty good cost $7 + tax. the rice roll is quite a bargain, excellent choice for kids lunch.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/3/2010
When here after see very good reviews from yelp.
The store itself is very small, similar to most… Read more »
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Review from Jason A.
1/20/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Great little hidden Japanese market in the SGV! It's small so it won't have everything you're used to at the larger markets, but it will definitely do the trick!! You can get fish/meat, sushi, prepared lunches and dinner ingredients, veggies, mochi ice cream, etc. If you like to cook Japanese, this is a great place to pick up ingredients. I don't know what I'd do if they weren't here.
I seriously love this humble little market. Go here and support them!! :) -
Review from Angie W.
11/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
This lil grocery store is located next to Bachan's Take Out, one of my usual lunch spots, so I stop in here every so often.
It has a good variety of items, sauces, premade sushi to go, fruits, snacks & other items. But everything is more expensive than it needs to be. Even Mitsuwa is cheaper than here.
I only come in to look around or for last min things. I wouldn't go out of my way though.Listed in: Lunchtime Foodventures, Fish Lips
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Review from Clay O.
Monterey Park, CA
10/3/2011
The breakdown...
Freshly made sushi. +1 star.
So it's no Marukai... but I like that I don't have to drive all the way out to Timbuk f**king three just to take my mom to a Japanese market. I mean, it's not like there's a plethora (big word criteria met for the day) of Japanese markets around LA, so I'm just glad any exist at all. +1/2 star.
Yeah I know... they're pricey compared to Marukai... -1 star.
But that's because Marukai is like Walmart compared to the mom and pop Tozai. Hell, I actually like that Tozai is so small, because that's what gives it character... I love whenever I see two of Tozai's kiddie shopping carts having difficulty passing each other down an isle... +1 star.
As another reviewer mentioned, Botan rice candy! my favorite of all time. I NEVER thought I'd hear it mentioned in a yelp review... +1/2 star
Finally, it gives me an excuse to take my mom somewhere. If I sound like an asshole, you must understand that she rarely agrees to let me take her anywhere, but she always makes an exception for Tozai. +2 stars. -
Review from Sabyne F.
Los Angeles, CA
10/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
What's a girl to do when she's got a growling belly, doesn't want to drop too much green on lunch, and is hungry but not HONGRY???
She heads over to a lil Japanese market called Tozai Foods. Right next to her other go-to spot...Bachans.
She walks right over to the back wall, past the Ponzus, seaweed, and Soys, and finds a tempting array of potential lunch.
She'll pick up a simple but quite large 6 piece California Roll priced at $6.
She'll think to herself, "This oughta be tasty, fast, and satisfying."
In summary:
Got sushi. Girl happy. Wallet still heavy. Albeit with change, but nevertheless---still heavy ;) -
Review from R W.
Monterey Park, CA
12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great little market to get little things like good sake.
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Review from Vince L.
8/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
3.5 stars for the fish and 4 stars for the quaint store and friendly people. The service is very friendly. It's a small store across from the cemetery, but try not to think about that. :)
I find the quality of the fish at Yama to be superior, but Tozai has a lot more side dishes to choose from. -
Review from Ron M.
Montebello, CA
7/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm amazed I haven't reviewed this place already. Tozai has been a neighborhood staple for me since I was a little kid going to Kumon in the same plaza. My brother and I would always go after class to buy some kind of Japanese candy... Koala Yummies... Botan rice paper candy... mmm
But back to the present:
While much smaller than say a Mitsuwa or a Nijiya market, Tozai is a perfect place to go if you have a need for a Japanese food product and you don't want to make an extended trip to a larger market. (i.e. furikake or chazuke mix or bagged tsukemono). They do sell most of the produce, meat, and fish necessary to produce many traditional Japanese dishes.
They also stock fresh Mikawaya pastry/mochi products (stop by the Little Tokyo Mikawaya store if you ever have a chance).
My favorite part of Tozai though is the prepared food. I thoroughly enjoy the spicy tuna bowl w/ sashimi (salmon or tuna). They also produce various fresh bento boxes (salmon, fried gyoza/shumai, chicken kara-age, and more) and different onigiri (ume, salmon rice balls). They also have various packaged sushi varying from nigiri-style to California rolls to spicy tuna rolls to various hosomaki (small rolls). Like other posters have mentioned, they do party platters, which do require advance notice.
If they're ever out of a type of prepared box, be sure to ask at the fish counter if they can make one for you. -
Review from Lee L.
3/23/2011
I love supporting Mom and Pop joints.
Tiny little Japanese Supermarket in a small strip mall that carries a variety of sauces, noodles, vegetables, but best of all, prepared sushi and sashimi.
The fresh cut sashimi is pretty good and they also make assorted cut sushi with tuna, avocado, tamago, etc.
The prices are pretty reasonable, $5-$10 depending on what you're getting.
They also have a refrigerated prepared foods section. They have chicken karage, cooked kobocha squash, japanese potato and pasta salad, curry croquets, etc. These range from $2-$4 because they're sold my weight.
I would rather go out to a restaurant for sushi, but if you're looking for a quick pick-up then this little shop has the fix.
Accepts cards except Amex. -
Review from Krystal K.
Whittier, CA
6/30/2011
I have been going to Tozai since i was a little girl. I love their sushi. They make it fresh everyday and it always tastes good. I really like hoe the California roll has chunks of crab instead of the mayonnaise mixture you always get at other places. The spicy tuna is also one of my favorites.
I also love how such a small market carries so many Japanese items. I can always count on Tozai to carry any of my Japanese needs. Whether it be my favorite candy or vegetables to make my favorite Japanese dish, Tozai is the place that has it all. -
Review from Rinky N.
East Bay
Updated - 7/9/2010
I am always amazed how inexpensive this place is. We had a family get together with ten people and got tons of sushi----inari, norimake, cucumber, avocado, sashimi sushi---plus potato croquettes, and misc stuff like soy sauce, chopsticks and sesame seeds for under $45!
The place is pretty tiny but even on a Sunday morning it was bustling with several people coming in for pre-ordered platters of sushi. I always wonder where they have room to assemble these huge trays.
For some reason we have trouble getting here--you would think after going here for decades I would know. My mom used to take some circuitous route when I was a kid. But our GPS came to the rescue
since Mom was back at home.
There really isn't a place in the Bay Area with the same "dpwn home" appeal. So glad Tozai still exists!Listed in: Cheap! Cheap! Cheap!, My JA (Japanese American)…, Sentimental Journeys
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/29/2006
I love this little neighborhood market packed with Japanese food, chopsticks, drinks, chips, lotto… Read more »
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Review from Michelle T.
Torrance, CA
6/23/2010 3 photos
Sushi has gone a bit downhill since one of the chefs left, but it's still a cool market to get ur fix, if you want some premade sushi or japanese treats. I used to come here for convenient and affordable sushi platters, but don't expect anything better than an average fast food sushi joint.
Four stars for convenience and having a small, but cool selection of mochi, japanese candy/crackers, drinks and icecream! -
Review from Ray N.
8/21/2010
Came here the other day after a nice dinner at Bachan's Take out. This place here is pretty interesting because it looks terribly AWFUL from the outside; however, looks deceive.
Walking into this place was interesting as well. It's definitely not as high class or Trader Joe's fancy, but it was all that shabby as well. It was small enough to carry delicious snacks, low priced sushi, and fresh sashimi. On top of that, I believe you can order sushi party trays here.
Basically, this little spot has all your Japanese goods for such a good pricing-- way cheaper than Mitsuwa!
Overall, I had a great experience shopping here and I'll definitely need to check out the sushi ASAP because they all looked so delicious and fresh.
Oh, and they do accept credit cards. And another interesting fact is that this place has been around for like 26 years!
Parking here is good too-- it's never crowded.
Low lights:
- Cheap environment interior/exterior-- nothing too neat or fancy.
High lights:
- Takes credit card.
- Tons of parking.
- Inexpensive sushi/sashimi.
- Tons of Japanese snacks. -
Review from Lynette T.
Hidden Hills, CA
Updated - 12/27/2009
Me: *gasp of horror* "What?! You're not taking orders for New Year's Day?!?"
Sushi counter guy: "Sorry, just for New Year's Eve."
That guy I married: "I guess you can make your own rolls & footballs. Let's go to Marukai's & get all the stuff you need."
Me: "Grrrrrrrrrrrr."
Like I don't have enough to do. 30+ people coming over.
A sushi platter from Tozai would have made my life easier.
But it's only Tozai or homemade. We accept no substitutions.Listed in: Not upscale, but gooooood!, Ethnic supermarkets
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/24/2008
Love their take-out sushi counter! Very reasonably priced and a good variety. When we have… Read more »
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Review from Dan L.
Aliso Viejo, CA
7/25/2011
Amazing sushi and Asian food selection for such a small market. I would trust the freshness of their food over the majority of the restaurants or the surrounding area. Sushi is A+ Quality!
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Review from Libby R.
Los Angeles, CA
3/7/2009
A hidden gem.
This is where I go when I need good take out sushi fast. The staff is super friendly and there is lots of variety for whatever take out or groceries one may need.Listed in: Good Grub on the Cheap...
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Review from Karen Y.
6/30/2010
I love this little Japanese market. They have pretty much all the basics of Japanese food and the staff are very friendly. They sell sushi here which is pretty good. During holidays this place gets overrun with sushi orders. If they don't have the sushi pre-made in their fridge, you can always ask them to make it.
The parking lot is pretty tiny, but I've always eventually found a space inside the lot. You might have to wait a bit if it's crowded but the market isn't that big so people come and go in that lot.
Hours of Operation
Mon-Sat 10am-7pm
Sun 10am-6pm -
Review from Kristy I.
9/30/2009
Their sushi is always fresh, they have freshly made bento-like food in the sushi area, real Japanese people work here, and they usually have a great selection of mochi and manju. They definitely have tons of mochi around Japanese New Year (same as American New Year.) They're also really great for parties because you can order huge platters of sushi from them. I'm sure it has to be at least a few days in advance, but their sushi never disappoints.
When I was a kid I came here after painfully boring sessions at Kumon to indulge in the awesome candy, desserts in the freezer case, and imported Japanese drinks (I was a bit of a fatty...) But, now that I'm older and love to cook, I come here for really good sukiyaki meat, a wide variety of Asian sauces, SUSHI!, and really good produce.
If you're in the SGV and don't have time to head out to West Covina, Gardena, or J-Town for a Japanese market, Tozai is the best! I was lucky enough to grow up less than 5 minutes from here and I'll be sad when I move away..Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Regina L.
Iowa City, IA
11/13/2008
Looks can be deceiving, but not to the people here at Tozai. They speak to me in both in English and in Japanese. And when my non-East Asian self replies to them in Japanese, they are not surprised. They must know I was Japanese in my past life. (sugoi)
All joking aside,Tozai has been in my neighborhood for many, many years now. I've never taken full advantage of this place until now when I decided to learn how to cook.
So far, I've bought furikake, sashimi, kewpie mayo, panko, my spam musubi mold, dashi, and sheets of nori here. I also used to always get Haichuu here when I was younger. (best candy everr) There was no okonomiyaki sauce here when I tried to look for it. Bummer...
The parking lot is small, just like the place itself, but I've never had problems finding parking at all on the weekend or a weekday. Sure beats driving all the way to Mitsuwa or Nijiya when I need some Japanese goods. -
Review from Rudy C.
Rosemead, CA
7/22/2010
For a small little Japanese market, this place really surprised me. It has a fairly complete selection of market items and what stood out most is the prepared foods available from assorted sushi, sashimi, and rice bowls available to purchase that are not too expensive for a quick meal to get for lunch.
They also prepare sushi platters that are custom ordered for parties. Definitely very cool!
I am glad I found this spot because whenever I have a craving for sushi, I just stop by to pick up some items. It is relatively close to where I live so no need to go to a sushi restaurant.
As for the quality of the fish, its pretty decent. The fish is fresh but the sushi and bowls have too much rice. Can't expect too much.
I recommend stopping by for lunch as the meals are bit fresher and a better selection. The only downside is that they don't have Yellowtail as one of the sushi/sashimi prepared meals. -
Review from Janet L.
Monterey Park, CA
1/3/2008
Great little Japanese Market. Its run by these old Japanese friends/family and they're just so cordial and nice! Like being in Japan again.
I always go straight for the sashimi/sushi counter in the back. I notice that the fish is usually the most fresh/best on Fridays. Pretty decent price for salmon, hamachi, local yellowtail (when they have it) and tuna sashimi prices. They also have a heater full of sushi rolls, but you can still order them from the chefs behind the counter if you want something fresh.
They close at 7pm, so be sure to get your shopping done by then! -
Review from Ivy W.
3/19/2010 4 Check-ins Here
A convenient stop for locals in the area that don't have the time to make it out to Mitsuwa! The employees are always very courteous, polite, and nice which keeps me coming back every time. They sell produce, sushi, junk foods, gum, ramune, calpico, you name it. The tiny little store is packed with little goodies!
They've raised the prices recently about a quarter or so for their sushi selections, but they're still a cheap and affordable buy. C'mon. 8 cut california rolls for $5? I'm not talking about thin slices of cheap, leftover sushi. I'm talking about fresh sushi packed with flavor; they aren't stingy with the ingredients. You know what this is? It's LOVE. -
Review from Gregg M.
Torrance, CA
7/10/2007
This is a tiny little market with tiny little carts to drive down tiny Little aisles. For what it is, though, it is great. The sushi counter at the back is the highlight. It is the place to go for a sushi platter to take to a pot luck or office party. It isn't great sushi, but they do a very good job.
The tiny little vegetable aisle is great, all the basics for Japanese cuisine are there somehow. The fish is top quality too. -
Review from Kelvin C.
2/10/2011
I only come here for the Spicy Tuna over Rice. It fills you up pretty nicely and hey...its healthy! If you don't see any in the bento section, just ask the fellows over the sushi counter to make you some. Pour some ponzu sauce over your Spicy tuna rice plate and you got yourself dinner for 6 bux.
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Review from Tina-Marie L.
Whittier, CA
4/25/2009 6 Check-ins Here
Tozai is this fantastic little market in a strip mall where you can get some great food! They make some fantastic fresh sushi.
This is also where I pick up my wasabi, pocky and any other Japanese delicacies that I "need."
Libby and I will usually hit up this place at lunch time and then go back to work and grub down. -
Review from noel s.
Rosemead, CA
3/17/2010
Great little gem located in a corner of Rosemead near Montebello. I ordered almost $20 worth of sushi today consisting for $8 sashimi, $5 spicy tuna roll, and $4 tempura shrimp roll. My favorite was the sashimi which was a bargain for the quality of fresh and melt in your mouth attributes. I was not so thrilled with the spicy tuna roll or shrimp tempura roll but I'll definitely be back to order more sashimi. These 3 pieces could easily fed 2 people and possibly 3.
Also check out my new fave cold drink in their fridge...aloe vera with blueberry juice. Sounds weird but very refreshing! -
Review from Keiko K.
Los Angeles, CA
6/17/2008
Attention, all sushi lovers - since Fish King closed in Glendale, this is your best place in the San Bernarndino Valley to get fresh fish at a fabulous price. Just get there on Friday mornings for the freshest catch.
This was an absolute treat to find - Tozai Foods covers all the basics of a Japanese household: fresh veggies and fish, pickled fruit and various kinds of sake and Asian beer, little porcelain dishes and everything else you can think of. It smells like my dad's house :) And the people who work there are just as polite and helpful as ojiisan (Grandfather) and obaachan (Grandmother).
Don't be shy about asking what things are - you'll be given attentive and sincere help with anything you need. But be prepared to communicate in hand gestures if you don't understand people with accents readily - I have 'an accent' and I get that often enough ;) -
Review from Jon K.
Monterey Park, CA
5/12/2009
I dropped by here to grab a sushi box. It was the assortment sushi (10 pieces - tuna, salmon, shrimp, tuna, etc.) I think for $10.50. It turned out to be pretty fresh, I said pretty because the rice was could of been softer.
When you see the good assortment of different sushi boxes, you'll want to try them all (They range from $5 - $15 typical). A big plus for them making the sushi on site.
The store has all kinds of Japanese goodies and junk foods. Makes you feel like you're in a little corner store somewhere in Japan.
I shall be back. OR I shall be going to a sushi restaurant. ... now my mind is on sushi. -
Review from T N.
Los Angeles, CA
10/24/2009
Tozai is a Japanese mini-mart with a "deli" section such as a variety of fresh sushi, desserts and pastries.
It is not a megastore with Hello Kitty goods for you. This store is a MUST if you are short something in the kitchen or need an Asian junkfood fix.
My family stopped by to grab a few sushi boxes and some snacks all I can say is we had a DELICIOUS and affordable dinner.
Seriously, I can't imagine why people would buy fast food instead of stopping by this market. -
Review from Evan S.
Montebello, CA
7/28/2006
Tozai is a pretty decent market for Japanese products.
It's awfully close to where I live so I don't have to go all the way to J-Town or Torrance/Gardena to go shopping. Unless they don't have what I want. The service their is pretty awesome. Very nice people. The sushi is alright. It's not a sushi bar. Duh! So yeah. They have a wide variety of Japanese stuff. Check it out. -
Review from Oscar F.
Monterey Park, CA
2/21/2009
I really like this store. My wife and I stop here so many times during the week for all our needs. It is convenient and the staff is polite and helpful.
I love the rolls at lunch time. They are mostly $5.00. I also love the Nimono packages they have and the Croquette patties. Especially the curry one.
I have been their customer for over 10 years and will continue to shop here. -
Review from Nick W.
Arcadia, CA
8/31/2008
By far, the best Japanese market in the San Gabriel area. Tozai is about the size of a regular Starbucks, but unlike Starbucks Tozai oozes substance and Japanese culture. I've been shopping here for my sushi needs since the mid 80s, and I have yet to be disappointed. This is about as family-owned as you can get.
Tozai is especially the place to go for your New Year's sushi tray (though for this event, you will need to order in advance). There isn't sushi that can't be made here. Their daily food is just as good (the fried food located in the mini-fridge next to the sushi counter). -
Review from Vicki L.
Stockton, CA
5/26/2010 2 Check-ins Here
This place is located right down the street from my bf's house. Whenever we come down to LA, we always make a stop here. They're conveniently located close by so we never have to stray too far to get some good sushi or snacks for lunch.
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Review from Maggie C.
5/12/2009 1 Check-in Here
Love this place. I always stop by for albacore sashimi and chocolate mochi.
Listed in: Fun Japanese Places, Nick H-Maggie C-Michelle T, Mochi
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Review from J H.
Rosemead, CA
11/8/2010
This place is alright. A small convenience store with a good variety of stuff. I came here for the bento which most people recommended. Not sure if it's because I came late thus all the good bentos were taken and that they've been there since morning, and like the lotto i won the jackpot and the one bento I chose was mediocre at most. there were two different rolls yet one of them was just not for me...i dont know. i would probably come here again, after i'd go to bachans i'd drop by to try the wagashi, give this place another chance i guess.
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Review from Frank Q.
Pico Rivera, CA
10/19/2009
Awesome, cool place to get fresh ingredients to make sushi at home. Also they have a big variety of Ramen I like getting a different one every time, some of the spicy ones are so retarded hot your asshole wishes the toilet was made of ice.They also cary cool stuff like dried squid and other dried sweet salty things, sometimes I have no idea what they are but the cartoon drawings on them look cool and my mouth likes cool stuff so why not. Friendly service, great products and yummy food.
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Review from Jenny L.
2/28/2007
Very close to my house so it's good when I need to pick up nori for makizushi or some ume which I crave constantly. Their packaged sushi and bowls aren't very good, and it's not like it's cheap either. Their produce seems okay if you're cooking it that night. The people are pretty friendly and they have a good selection of sauces/condiments and furikake.
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Review from Chris A.
Monterey Park, CA
9/26/2010
This place has great little surprises each time you go in because they don't always make the exact same sushi or bento boxes. If you don't see what you're looking for, don't be afraid to ask for it. They'll usually whip it right up for you.
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Review from David L.
La Habra, CA
3/5/2010
this review is for the order of sushi I had. Fresh? It's alright. Just because real Japanese work here doesn't make it any more authentic than a Mexican working at Taco Hell. I do have to say the food is very cheap. I would probably come back if I'm on a budget. But I'd avoid the raw fish and go for the california roll.
