We believe in healthy time-honored recipes that are delicious and good for the body and soul. We let seasonal ingredients inspire our menu of nutritious bento boxes, soup noodles, brown rice onigiri balls and more - all prepared fresh daily with respect and love. Find out more about us. Our dishes are made with locally-sourced seasonal ingredients, come to our deli to see what's new!
Established in 2012 in the historical Lower East Side Essex Street Market, Ni is a family-run Japanese deli focussed on offering nutritious vegetarian, vegan, and macrobiotic dishes. Understanding that allergies are a real concern, we are committed to serving gluten-free and allergy-free Japanese foods that are not only delicious and hearty, but also healthy.
Established in 2012 in the historical Lower East Side Essex Street Market, Ni is a family-run Japanese deli focussed on offering nutritious vegetarian, vegan, and macrobiotic dishes. Understanding that allergies are a real concern, we are committed to serving gluten-free and allergy-free Japanese foods that are not only delicious and hearty, but also healthy.
Reviews (22)
Annalise G.
Oct 04, 2021
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I stopped in to quickly grabbed some onigiri and hop on the train back to my office and was quite pleased with Ni! Unlike a lot of spots offering onigiri in the city, they made mine fresh after I ordered and the rice was still warm enough to feel through the wrap and bag as I carried it out.
I ordered the umeboshi and kombu onigiri and both tasted wonderful, though I wouldn't complain if there was a bit more of both topping/filling. PSA- Don't crumple your bag! I'm so used to my onigiri coming pre-rolled that I almost crushed my seaweed sheets, which were tucked into the bag separate
I ordered the umeboshi and kombu onigiri and both tasted wonderful, though I wouldn't complain if there was a bit more of both topping/filling. PSA- Don't crumple your bag! I'm so used to my onigiri coming pre-rolled that I almost crushed my seaweed sheets, which were tucked into the bag separate
Personal
Aug 29, 2021
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As a Japanese person, very disappointed by the taste.
Their price is also high considering how small the portion is. Udon noodle was 13 and their sushi roll is like $8 for 8 pieces.
I think all Japanese people can make udon noodles much better lol Personally it tasted like frozen udon noodles with instant powder soup to me.
Their price is also high considering how small the portion is. Udon noodle was 13 and their sushi roll is like $8 for 8 pieces.
I think all Japanese people can make udon noodles much better lol Personally it tasted like frozen udon noodles with instant powder soup to me.
June Liu JuneL
Aug 04, 2021
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Joy G.
Aug 02, 2021
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I've wanted to try Ni for so long ever since I spotted them in the previous iteration of the Essex Street Market. Just a note that the prices for the food are on the higher end but you are getting everything so fresh and made from scratch. In a market where there are so many different kinds of vendors and food to choose from, Ni truly offers something special and home-made. My one regret is that I didn't pick up a few more goodies to try (and also that I live so far away, the UWS is practically on the other side of the planet).
They have a few rolls and onigiri, as well as snacks, drinks
They have a few rolls and onigiri, as well as snacks, drinks
John Speck
Dec 13, 2019
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Skeet Man
Nov 26, 2019
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Hallie A.
Mar 18, 2019
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Stumbled upon this tiny booth as I was wandering through Essex Market a while back. I was overjoyed to see their menu! Having lived in Japan for a bit as a kid, I often miss Japanese food that goes beyond just sushi and ramen. Ni Japanese Deli fills this particular void with an array of beautifully arranged and delicately executed dishes. The staff is so, so sweet and even offered me free green tea on one visit because she could tell I was cold from the snow.
I've gotten to curry soup and the ikura donburi here. The curry soup is the perfect winter dish, and I feel like my immune system doubled
I've gotten to curry soup and the ikura donburi here. The curry soup is the perfect winter dish, and I feel like my immune system doubled
Kimberly J.
Jun 13, 2018
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Came here awhile back.
Walking around Essex Market, we came across Ni Japanese Delicacies. It's a small stall that offers plenty of homemade Japanese to-go meals. It's all laid out neatly, along with a bunch of snacks and drinks that are within reach. You can also order udon noodle soup here. They have lots of vegetarian and vegan options. The owner is so sweet and truly cares about what he is serving his customers. We really enjoyed our bento box, everything inside was fresh and had such a clean flavor.
Definitely give this shop a visit if you're in the area. Perfect quick bites
Walking around Essex Market, we came across Ni Japanese Delicacies. It's a small stall that offers plenty of homemade Japanese to-go meals. It's all laid out neatly, along with a bunch of snacks and drinks that are within reach. You can also order udon noodle soup here. They have lots of vegetarian and vegan options. The owner is so sweet and truly cares about what he is serving his customers. We really enjoyed our bento box, everything inside was fresh and had such a clean flavor.
Definitely give this shop a visit if you're in the area. Perfect quick bites
Amanda G.
May 22, 2018
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Delicious, healthy, fresh casual Japanese stall inside Essex market. I LOVE their onigiri (my favorites being the salmon and kale)- great quality rice and ingredients. Their hijiki seaweed salad and pickled vegetables are great as well. I once got hot soba noodles In a ginger, turmeric (and more spices) curry that was just what I needed as a healthy fulfilling pick me up. I'll always go back so long as they are open
Richard P.
Dec 19, 2017
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I'm surprised that Ni, which has been around for at least six years or so as of this review, has only 41 reviews preceding mine. Perhaps because it's tucked in the very back corner of the soon-to-be-relocated Essex Street Market, which itself does not receive the plaudits it deserves.
What distinguishes Ni from the many other Japanese food options in NYC is the distinctively hand-crafted feel of the entire operation, from the preparation of the food to the scattered menus plastered around the edges of the stall, and the eccentric quirkiness of the offerings.
Our two onigiri, one brown
What distinguishes Ni from the many other Japanese food options in NYC is the distinctively hand-crafted feel of the entire operation, from the preparation of the food to the scattered menus plastered around the edges of the stall, and the eccentric quirkiness of the offerings.
Our two onigiri, one brown
Wendy L.
Dec 07, 2017
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When I lived in Manhattan this summer, I came here for lunch EVERY DAY. If you are in the mood for a simple home-cooked Japanese meal, you will love Ni. The quality and flavor of food remind me so much of all of the amazing meals I had in Kyoto. The salmon bento box is my absolute favorite. The bento boxes come with a variety of side dishes that are different every day, and are always phenomenal. It really is an easy meal that is absolutely delicious, you feel so good about eating, and are sad when it's over. Not to mention, the value for such high-quality fish with organic vegetables is unbeatable
Ryna D.
Sep 29, 2017
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Queena T.
Jul 21, 2017
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This place is jn the Made fresh market all the way in the back. If they don't have the onigiri of your choice they'll make it fresh to order, so good. Tried the salmon and pickled plum. I'm used to eating them with white rice but they came with brown rice which tasted just as good. They had a salmon onigiri pre-made but they didn't have any of the pickled plum so the owner made one fresh to order. There was no line on a Saturday so we were in and out in 5 minutes.
Krystal S.
Oct 13, 2016
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Fallopia T.
May 21, 2016
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Such nice people...and such an array of stuff crammed into a little stall!
I got the vegan bento box today--they offer both a vegan bento and one that comes with fish--and it was made to order, fresh, and delicious: kabocha squash, brown rice, and other rolls that were well-presented and -prepared. Plus it included two different kinds of fresh greens; this is a very viable, satisfying, affordable lunch option.
This place is toward the back of the Essex Street Market, and fortunately they have a sandwich board they usually set up out front. Today is the 75th birthday of the market, so they&apos
I got the vegan bento box today--they offer both a vegan bento and one that comes with fish--and it was made to order, fresh, and delicious: kabocha squash, brown rice, and other rolls that were well-presented and -prepared. Plus it included two different kinds of fresh greens; this is a very viable, satisfying, affordable lunch option.
This place is toward the back of the Essex Street Market, and fortunately they have a sandwich board they usually set up out front. Today is the 75th birthday of the market, so they&apos
Alicia O.
May 02, 2016
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This place gets 4.5 stars for the quality of the food. As for customer service and relations, I'd give them a 2. I've eaten here before, and though I find some items pricey, the quality of food is high. But last time, I arrived before closing, and when 4 of the options I chose were out, I was repeatedly directed back at the fish dinner, which I didn't really want but need to eat and quickly.
$15 for a small to-go meal that was my 5th choice? I basically feel like he was trying to sell off the items for the end of the day, and I got suckered. I wrote some thoughtful feedback on
$15 for a small to-go meal that was my 5th choice? I basically feel like he was trying to sell off the items for the end of the day, and I got suckered. I wrote some thoughtful feedback on
Natalise K.
Aug 03, 2015
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Jam B.
Feb 12, 2015
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I frequently stay at a hotel nearby and I wish I had found this place sooner! I've been coming here as much as I can since my first visit. Simple and delicious Japanese dishes, and a thoughtfully curated selection of beverages.
Had the udon yesterday which was amazing, and the tuna don for lunch today (the tuna was incredible) with onigiri. Big fan of everything, can't wait until my next meal there.
Had the udon yesterday which was amazing, and the tuna don for lunch today (the tuna was incredible) with onigiri. Big fan of everything, can't wait until my next meal there.
Terri C.
Dec 09, 2014
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I originally felt that such a small place would not have much to offer. I did see their overall items on display and whatnot. That really did not interest me much.
So I decided to give it a shot to try with their Udon soup. BAM! It has been approximately six months from when I first gave it a try.. and I've been coming here almost weekly now. This soup is so flavorful enough that I forgot that I was a carnivore keke! The udon noodles are soooo fresh and so are their vegetables, that come straight from the chopping board as they make their soup. In addition, I also tried their green
So I decided to give it a shot to try with their Udon soup. BAM! It has been approximately six months from when I first gave it a try.. and I've been coming here almost weekly now. This soup is so flavorful enough that I forgot that I was a carnivore keke! The udon noodles are soooo fresh and so are their vegetables, that come straight from the chopping board as they make their soup. In addition, I also tried their green
Polly H.
Mar 14, 2014
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Cozy, cute shop tucked away in Essex market, it has plenty of Japanese fare. There is even hot food like ramen and udon. I opted for the onigiri...my soft spot of snacks. I decided on the grilled salmon for the interior. Man, it was downed in approximately 13 seconds. It had the right amount of salt, rice, and nori seaweed wrapping. The man who worked there even heated it up for me, so it ended up filling me up. I would come back. Too bad, there is no seating, just standing near the mirrors lining the walls as you come in.
Gretchen P.
Jun 27, 2013
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Are you looking for the secret Japanese eatery that's hidden halfway along a wonderous maze with promises of fairy dust sprinkled food and wish granting cats?
Well, Ni can meet you half way. It's a little hidden treasure, but it's not as if you need a password to get in and answer an ancient riddle. Don't spend time on thinking up your perfect wish for the felines. You'll look silly, it's just in Essex Street Market.
After reading a review in the NY Times about half a year ago, then planning a trip to NYC with one of my top five things to do being "eat at
Well, Ni can meet you half way. It's a little hidden treasure, but it's not as if you need a password to get in and answer an ancient riddle. Don't spend time on thinking up your perfect wish for the felines. You'll look silly, it's just in Essex Street Market.
After reading a review in the NY Times about half a year ago, then planning a trip to NYC with one of my top five things to do being "eat at
Jason N.
Oct 12, 2012
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I finally stopped in for lunch and must say the options available to order at this tiny food stall - and there are many-- sound a lot better than the ones I tasted.
I got a spicy yellowtail roll and a cold kabocha pumpkin and potato salad. The fish in the roll was unexpectedly chewy, which I do not normally associate with fresh raw fish. The fish did not taste spoiled, however.
The chunks of potato in the salad were dry- almost dehydrated- somewhat crisp and flavorless and reminded me of boxed instant potato flakes that had been vacuum sealed together in a mold. I pressed on, however,
I got a spicy yellowtail roll and a cold kabocha pumpkin and potato salad. The fish in the roll was unexpectedly chewy, which I do not normally associate with fresh raw fish. The fish did not taste spoiled, however.
The chunks of potato in the salad were dry- almost dehydrated- somewhat crisp and flavorless and reminded me of boxed instant potato flakes that had been vacuum sealed together in a mold. I pressed on, however,
