Hello dear
Located in San Jose's Japantown, Shuei-Do Manju Shop is a hidden gem specializing in traditional Japanese sweets like chi chi dango and butter mochi. Customers rave about the pillowy soft texture and perfect sweetness of their treats, with flavors rotating weekly. The butter mochi stands out as a favorite, with options like pink tsubu and green tea also impressing. Despite the no-frills storefront, the efficient service and delicious offerings keep patrons coming back for more. If you're in the area, don't miss out on experiencing the best mochi in the Bay Area at Shuei-Do Manju Shop.
Taste the best
About
Shuei-Do Manju Shop is a hidden gem in San Jose's Japantown, offering traditional Japanese sweets that will delight your taste buds. Nestled on Jackson Street, this quaint shop may be small in size but packs a big punch when it comes to flavor.
Customers rave about the butter mochi, with its smooth, buttery texture that leaves you craving more. The chi chi dango flavors are rotated regularly, keeping things fresh and exciting for returning patrons. Favorites like the strawberry chi chi dango and the pink tsubu are highly recommended by loyal fans.
The staff at Shuei-Do Manju Shop are quick and attentive, ensuring you never have to wait too long for your order. While there is no seating inside, the ambiance is cozy and inviting, perfect for grabbing your treats to go.
Be prepared for a line out the door, especially on weekends. Parking in the area can be a bit tricky, so plan accordingly. But trust me, the wait is worth it for the best mochi in the Bay Area. Don't miss out on this culinary gem!
People talk
“ I came here on the weekend and there was a line up but moves quickly. It's takeout only and the menu with photos are listed on the window. They switch up the chi chi dango flavors and have butter mochi on the weekends. My favorite was definitely the butter mochi! I gave it 4 stars because I'd like to see fruits inside the mochi as a menu item. It's still a nice place to try traditional mochi. ”
“ Living near this place is a treat. A japantown favorite that best exemplifies the community here! People line up for this mochi and manju every Thursday to Sunday. I definitely recommend getting there earlier than later because they sell out quickly. They rotate chi chi dango flavors every week and butter mochi is only available on weekends! The butter mochi is the most popular I'd say, and it's delicious. These treats are all pillowy soft and the perfect sweetness. Don't miss out! ”
“ I wish I found this place sooner! Shuei-Do is a hole in the wall shop (literally, it's just a window opening where you order and pick up, no inside seating) that specializes in the most delicious Japanese sweets. I randomly had a very specific craving for chi chi dango one day, and I looked all over the local Japanese grocery stores to find some that was fresh, but it was nowhere to be found. All I was able to find at other places was mochi that was filled with bean or ice cream, but sometimes I just want that mochi-like texture with no filling ya know? It wasn't until I was getting Aloha Fresh one day that I walked down Jackson and noticed there was a nondescript mochi shop that had exactly what I was looking for! Shuei-Do has chi chi dango in multiple flavors, and there's lots of combo options for buying, or you can just buy as much as you like. My favorite chi chi dango is their strawberry one. I've also tried their butter mochi, which is really good. Everything I've tried at this place so far has been deliciously soft and chewy, and not too sweet. I would definitely recommend checking Shuei-Do out! I haven't found anywhere else like it out here, and I'm so happy I now have a go-to spot for when I'm craving chi chi dango! Also excited to come back and try more of their treats :) ”
“ I absolutely love everything I have had from here! My Recommendations: My favorite is the Butter Mochi: DELICIOUS. This one is the one I crave the most. So smooth, buttery, and perfectly bouncy. Pink Tsubu: Light and smooth. I order this one often. Green Tea: Stronger flavor and worth trying! TIP: Be adventurous and try different flavors each time you go so you can figure out what you like! Service: Staff is quick and once you order, you usually do not have to wait long for your order. Ambiance: This is modeled as a store front so there is no seating. You'll order at the window and wait for your order. Parking: Parking can be tricky here during peak times. All of the spots nearby are metered parking Overall: Honestly this is the best mochi I've had in the Bay. I dream about it (seriously). ”
“ This place I think makes the best mochi in the bay. There's always a super long line out the door especially if you come like in the late morning (except randomly on this past Saturday, there was no line, maybe because of a holiday weekend?) We got a box of 4 and a box of 10, total $35. Pros: - DELICIOUS MOCHIS, alot of options to choose from. the mochi is so soft and QQ texture, and the inner filling is amazing. Love redbean! It's soooo fresh and tasty I understand why they sell out so quickly (the menu will gradually have things crossed out that they're out of as the morning goes by). I like mixing and matching and getting a bunch of different flavors. - Really efficient service, the ladies who work here are fast at boxing and taking your order, so be ready by the time you get to the window so you're not holding up the line. - They do take credit card. Cons: - Street parking in this Japantown SJ area can be difficult if it's a really busy weekend 10/10 will be back again ”
“ Soft, fluffy, delicious. The mochi here is authentic and well made ~ It's a must try when you're in the area ”
“ 5 stars all around! Everyone needs to check out Shuei-Do and at minimum get a 6 piece box to experience the fresh and delicious mochi they make daily! The staff here are so friendly and helpful. They do take card so no worries on carrying cash. I highly recommend going earlier in the morning when they open because they do sell out on certain items. Parking can be a bit difficult to find on the weekends and lines can get long.. but it's worth it, I promise! My favorite is the butter mochi, I have to always get that and a mix of the other ones. Also, make sure to check out their special flavors! ”
“ Excellent small manju and mochi shop. I liked the raspberry mochi. Order outside at the window. Street parking is available (bring coins). ”
“ I've come here a few times and it's always great! I came here early in the afternoon on a weekend and they still had most of their flavors in stock. I ordered about 7-8 different types and it was ready in about 3-4 minutes. They are all really yummy and I recommend coming here! ”
“ I've been hearing about this almost hidden mochi shop in San Jose's Japantown. I was worried about the take-out mochi selling out, and they almost did when I got there! Many of their flavors were sold out but I was able to try their yomogi, kinako, pink tsubu, and pink white mochis. From my first time going, I love being able to pick out my own box! They have different tray amounts and you can individually select what you want in your box. The cashier was very nice in helping me understand how to order and letting us know what was sold out. They were also very quick to pack up the mochi and hand it out to you! It seems they were card-only so remember that! I would love to bring a box to visiting friends or family to try! The fresh mochi was not overly sweet and had a soft, chewy consistency. My favorite mochi I tried was the kinako! I would definitely recommend it. I have brought so many people here as it is such a local spot. They have all loved this special taste of Japan in San Jose! Be sure to enjoy the mochi as soon as possible even though they do not have any seating. Since they make their mochi fresh, it could harden quickly. Take it home and enjoy it within the next few days. ”