Nijiya Market Torrance Store — Attraction in Torrance

Smaller, but good market with a big pre-prepared foods section and deli / restaurant.

The parking can be hectic during busy times (like lunch) but if you come early or late, it's usually fine. It can be very cold inside (especially when the sun's not out) so bringing a jacket is probably a good idea.

As a smaller market, it has just the essentials, but it's more than good enough if all you want is food or cooking ingredients. There's kind of a deli with a steam tray filled with a lot of fried foods, then a "cold" section after it with cooler foods on ice. You can also order from the restaurant that shares space with the deli, but not all the food is available until 11:00am.

If you come later (after 7:00pm) there's a 50% discount on a lot of the remaining fried foods on the steam trays, but that's because it's a small selection of stale foods, honestly.

I've eaten at the Deli / Restaurant often enough to say that while it's usually good, that I've also had some bland tasting stuff (like the Beef Bowl and hot soba) and the Karaage I ordered today tasted off / stale even though it usually tastes fine when I get it from the steam tray area. Today I ordered it from the restaurant as part of a set meal, and everything but the karaage tasted great. The karaage itself tasted like something was stale or bad. Either the oil, the breading, the chicken or maybe something else, but it tasted off and I had to force myself to finish it a little.

I also feel like the pre-wrapped onigiri in those little plastic containers are worse than the cheaper ones that have the seaweed packaged separately despite being more expensive. I tend to avoid them now. The tempura shrimp onigiri at the Deli though is AMAZING however, and is one of the best I've tasted period.

One final note is that a lot of the pre-prepared food (if not most) features Akita Komachi rice, which is a kind of regional speciality rice that this Nijiya at least seems to feature in its products. If you want to try it, this is a good place to find...

In a hurry? Probably the best bentos around town if you don't have time. Enter and go directly to the left side of the aisle. Lots to choose from, from sushi to sashimi, to every sort of cooked food imaginable including some really good sandwiches. Prices are a bit high, but not as expensive as say a restaurant. You are paying for the quality here, not the quantity.

If you are in a psudo rush, go to the food court area, also on the left side. The menu board can be confusing but I promise you it gets easier as you frequent this place more and more. There side condiments behind the register including all the sauces and dry toppings like scallions/fried dough for your hot ramen.

I do love coming here for the 50% breads. Usually if it's on the day of, they will knock off 20% and the day after it goes down to 50%. The bread is the french influence type so it's crisp, light, and buttery. Just the way I like it.

The veggies and fruits here are Takaisugi (expensive) so I pass on it. Also skip on the shelf foods unless you just need one or two and don't want to withstand the crowds like Marukai.

Sometimes if you look carefully, you'll find some Kama for a good price ~$2. I use it for stock or sometimes just broiled and add some zuri daikon and lemon for good eats. There's a lot of fish selection but yes it does get really confusing for people like me who usually just buys salmon/tuna.

There is a bathroom here, but it's 1 person at a time by the TV. It's usually on...

Delicious place to have lunch. I love a supermarket that also has a kitchen for fresh hot foods! When they have sales, the discounted items are a great deal. All the employees are very courteous and the store is very well kept. The price of the groceries reflect the city’s demographics….

Today I had the #20 Tonkatsu Ramen along with their Curry Croquette. They use flour noodles which taste great and fresh (I’m picky and these noodles were quality)! Not only that but they also had a flavored egg, tasty n crunchy bamboo shoots, very umami packed and thick seaweed, and wonderfully charred chatsu pork. Their soup has the right level of saltiness and sweetness… honestly better than those ramen places in downtown! I had a very happy lunch :) The prices are great but you may want to choose add ons or a second portion if youre big like me. I was...