Onigiri Shuttle Kororin has proven that Chicago needed onigiri more than ever during a pandemic. Onigiri is something that the average American has yet to discover and that is a huge advantage for Onigiri Shuttle Kororin. That “oh wow” when you bite into your first perfect onigiri will make you regret for saying “nothing could best” your favorite sushi roll. Onigiri is a common staple in Japan. It is so common that Japanese convenient stores carry them freshly made ready for you. Some of the best onigiri can be found at 7 Eleven stores in Japan and let me remind you that 7 Eleven stores in Japan are better than the best 7 Eleven store in America. Onigiri are rice balls shaped into triangle or cylinder shapes filled with different flavors like fish or pickles sometimes wrapped with seaweed. Portable and yet easy enough for a quick lunch or meal.

While studying in Chicago, Yuta Katsuyama found that onigiri was not easily found at American convenient stores like his hometown in Japan. So one semester he created a business plan for a class project. When the pandemic started, he had extra time to put this business plan into motion applying and starting his business at the Hatchery.

Although traditional onigiri has fish or pickles, Yuta has taken a different approach by grilling the onigiri yaki style while filling the rice balls with non-traditional ingredients. Think grilled cheese pork belly and edamame cheese onigiri. All orders are placed through Tock (https://www.exploretock.com/kororin/) and the pickup locations vary each week. You can also pick up additional items from friends of Origiri Shuttle Kororin like Kumiko (https://yelp.com/biz/kumiko-chicago-2). Each week’s menu gets printed on a Edo-period woodblock prints by Katsushika Hokusai along with a menu that varies week after week as new items do get added for variety. All of the origiri gets packed into a well presented and gift wrapped banana leaf as if you are opening a present every time.

You cannot go wrong with any of the origiri flavors. Just place your order and wait for that silver Chevy Volt at your time chosen location. Yuta will be there with your bag of origiri waiting for you.

Food – 5
Décor – 5
Service – 4

Overall – 4 / 5

135 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL
https://onigirikoroin.com