As I walk through Mitsuwa’s sliding entrance doors, a blast of refreshing AC hits my face. Whether it’s the rows of snacks and drinks or the bustling restaurants in its vicinity, this grocery store is the perfect close-by pick-me-up after a long week. Near the vegetable section, lies a treasure trove: three refrigerated display cases packed with Japanese snacks and suppers I’ve had the pleasure of trying as a frequent Mitsuwa visitor. I took it upon myself to see which meal is the most convenient and delicious, rating each one on presentation, taste and messiness factor. 

5. Chicken Karaage

Don’t get me wrong, I love chicken karaage (Japanese fried chicken), but something about Mitsuwa’s doesn’t quite hit. Not only are the pieces a little underseasoned and offered in dismally meager portion sizes, but they’re kept in the refrigerated section. When I open the plastic container, cold pieces of chicken that have lost most of their crunch meet my eyes. The chicken’s only redeeming quality is convenience, as its sogginess prevents any crumbs from falling. Still, the karaage’s lack of flavor leaves me sorely disappointed, and they could definitely do with a little spice. 

4. Chicken Teriyaki Don

This dish consists of a few pieces of chicken teriyaki (seared chicken tights) coated in a savory brown sauce over seasoned sushi rice, topped with green onions and shaved ginger. Visually, it knocks your socks off with its vibrant exterior: a diverse color palette of greens, browns and charred black. However, the eel-to-rice ratio is lacking. When I enjoy a bowl of chicken teriyaki, I prefer it to have a 1:2 ratio of chicken to rice, as this creates a perfect balance between the salty sauce and chewy rice. Despite this rice-heavy ratio, I am still left with a sad layer of plain rice at the bottom of the bowl long after finishing the chicken. With a pair of chopsticks or a spoon, anyone can conquer the teriyaki don — but for days when you need a quick, clean lunch and this utensils-only type of lunch may not be the choice for you. 

3. Fresh Sashimi

While not a cooked food item, I had to include Mitsuwa’s fresh sashimi simply because of its quality. Presented in neat, rainbow rows and sorted by fish type, this platter’s tantalizing appearance could captivate any passerby. With a little wasabi and soy sauce to add extra saltiness and spice, this dish becomes little rectangles of pure delight, flavor and enjoyment. The only thing holding them back for me is the fish selection: tuna and scallops seem to dominate, and I’m just not their biggest fan due to their lack of flavor when raw. 

2. Takoyaki

Mitsuwa’s takoyaki (savory, batter-based balls with a piece of octopus in the middle all fried in a special cast-iron mold) are easily some of the best grocery store food I’ve had. They’re perfectly golden-crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, with generous octopus chunks in the middle. The only place where these little guys falter is their messiness factor: covered in mayonnaise and a savory-sweet takoyaki sauce, they’re delicious yet risky. If I end up without chopsticks, eating them turns into a saucy disaster.

1. Salmon Onigiri

The salmon onigiri, a triangular rice ball with salmon in the middle and a seaweed wrap, knocks out all other competition with its blend of convenience and taste. For starters, this triangle of deliciousness has a handheld, mess-free design: wrapped in a plastic film that separates seaweed from rice to prevent sogginess, all I need to do is pull the red tab on the package to tear the plastic barrier, unleash the seaweed and take a bite. The salmon interior, mixed with the tiniest bit of mayonnaise, hits a perfect salty balance. Every bite is a burst of flavor that leaves me craving more. Onigiri is my go-to for a quick meal, and I know it’ll always deliver pure satisfaction and stress-relief when I need it.