Since there’s a sizeable Japanese community in Westchester I try to check out all the hole-in-the-wall spots that people tell me about or that I discover on my own. Like the spicy katsu-curry at super casual Ramen Musashi in Scarsdale or the invigorating head massage/shampoo at Akane Salon in Hartsdale. Now Scarsdale’s Central Park Ave is home to two new, unique places that I found.
One is The Rice Factory. It’s a small farm-to-table Japanese rice shop with artisanal, freshly milled and polished rice for sale. Yes that’s right I said artisanal rice. Don’t get judge-y as you sit there with your microbrew IPA and organic kelp jerky.
They also offer accoutrements to enhance any rice-centric meal: condiments, chopsticks, bowls. It’s the first brick & mortar in New York. The others are in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Honolulu. A 5 pound bag of freshly scooped Niigata Koshihikari rice will set you back $17.99. It’s known as “the king of rice” in Japan. It has excellent stickiness, gloss and fragrance and like a fine cab it goes well with steak and pork cutlets. Or do you prefer nicely balanced flavor? Then try the Yamagata Tsuyahime at $20.99 for 5 pounds of grainy goodness, perfect for fried rice and paella.
The sweet, helpful manager, Kaori, handed me samples of tasty brown and white rice and politely answered all my questions. The beautiful pottery and well curated vinegar selection were also big draws for me. Then I spied the to-go offerings in the corner. I grabbed a rice ball stuffed with salted cod and a ginger/bacon fried rice bowl. Both were quite good. My daughter ate the rest as her after school snack and gave it two thumbs up. I love that The Rice Factory is located right next to Buy Buy Baby because all expectant mommas deserve a little high end rice snack to satisfy a carb craving. The Rice Factory, 1019 Central Park Ave, Scarsdale
The other store I came upon is Daiso, the cult Japanese dollar store popping up throughout the US. The only other New York location is in Queens. This Daiso is a neatly organized bento box of anything and everything you do and don’t need. Minimalist office supplies? Check. Kitschy home goods? Check. Hello Kitty-ish party favors? Check. Looking to feel inspired for that next sleepover you’re hosting, art project you’re doing last minute, super-sized stocking you need to stuff, then this is your store.
Me? I lingered longest in the sweets section because I was searching for my fav Japanese treat, Botan Rice Candy. It’s like an airy Swedish Fish plus you can eat the rice paper that envelops it, which as a kid I thought was tres cool. If it’s soft and chewy then you got a fresh batch. And guess what? All good in the hood. They had loads of them – guaranteeing a repeat visit. Daiso, 925 Central Park Ave /Midway Shopping Center, Scarsdale
Thanks for checking out the rice factory! I received a postcard and was most curious 🙂 and love Daiso which was a staple during my stint in California so glad to see it here!