When it comes to high end sushi, takeout doesn’t necessarily come to mind but Aji Kiji in San Francisco is changing that perception.
Aji Kiji has been open for a year and these instagrammable bamboo bento boxes have become viral and for good reason. Each box is a careful composition of premium ingredients which is offered in a variety of styles: nigiri, rolls, or chirashi, all at different price points. While preordering is recommended, walk ins are also welcome. The staff suggests waiting about 30 minutes before eating, allowing the sushi to reach the ideal temperature since it was refrigerated.
For our visit, we picked up two bento boxes and stocked up on a few Asian chips and snacks from the nearby market for a picnic day. The packaging was sleek, minimal, and travel friendly which is perfect for a casual yet elevated dining experience outdoors.
Sushi and Maki Box.
We got the 10 piece nigiri set (5 types of fish) with 3 types of maki rolls. We both enjoyed the variety of fish, each with a different garnish. The maki rolls were equally satisfying and offered a nice balance of texture and flavor in every bite.
Kaisen Don Box.
The kaisen don is their most expensive bento box as it contains some luxurious seafood. Negitoro (fatty tuna with green onion), uni (sea urchin), sake (salmon), unagi (eel), and ikura (salmon roe), were beautifully and meticulously arranged over seasoned rice. This bento box comes with an envelope of crisp nori sheets so you can assemble your own handrolls, an interactive touch that makes the experience even more fun. Every bite showcased the quality of the seafood: fresh, buttery, and full of umami.
Stunning presentation!
Aji Kiji bridges the gap between convenience and craftsmanship. It’s rare to find sushi takeout that feels special, from the thoughtful presentation to the premium ingredients and subtle attention to detail. Whether you’re planning a picnic, celebrating an occasion, or just craving excellent sushi without the omakase price tag, Aji Kiji offers a way to enjoy high end Japanese cuisine wherever you are so my rating is an 8-8.5/10.