Chikarashi

- 227 Canal St, New York, NY 10013

Chikarashi: A New Standard for Japanese-Inspired Bowls in NYC

In a city where fresh and flavorful food is a top priority for locals and visitors alike, finding a spot that combines speed, quality, and culinary excellence can be a challenge. Chikarashi, located on a bustling stretch of Canal Street, has become a standout for its unique and elevated approach to Japanese-inspired bowls. This is not your average poke place; the restaurant offers a contemporary take on Hawaiian poke and Japanese chirashi, with bowls designed by a chef with experience in Michelin-starred kitchens. The result is a menu of carefully curated bowls that go beyond simple customization, focusing on balanced and refined flavor profiles that highlight the quality of the ingredients. For New Yorkers seeking a quick, healthy, and incredibly delicious meal, Chikarashi is a destination that delivers on its promise of an exceptional dining experience.

The philosophy at Chikarashi is to create a bowl that is a complete and harmonious dish from start to finish. Instead of a build-your-own format, the menu features a selection of signature bowls, each thoughtfully composed to showcase fresh, premium fish, high-quality Koshihikari sushi rice, and house-made sauces. This chef-driven approach ensures that every bite is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, with no single component overpowering the others. The atmosphere is casual and trendy, attracting a crowd of university students and tourists who appreciate the high standards and quick service. The focus is on the food itself, making it an ideal choice for a solo diner looking for a satisfying lunch or dinner. The commitment to using fresh, high-quality seafood is evident in the taste, and this dedication to excellence is what makes Chikarashi a local favorite and a place worth seeking out.

While the space is on the smaller side with a limited number of counter and window seats, it’s designed for efficiency and a quick turnover, perfectly suiting the needs of its clientele. The fast service means you won't have to wait long to get your hands on a delicious bowl. Chikarashi has built a reputation for its consistent quality and fresh ingredients, earning praise from food critics and a loyal following of regulars. It has successfully carved out a niche for itself by offering an upgraded and more elegant version of the typical poke bowl, proving that fast-casual dining can still be a truly gourmet experience.

Location and Accessibility

Chikarashi is situated at 227 Canal St, New York, NY 10013, placing it in a prime, central location in the vibrant Chinatown neighborhood. Canal Street is a major artery in Lower Manhattan, making the restaurant easily accessible for anyone in the city. Public transportation is abundant, with several subway lines and bus routes stopping nearby, allowing for a convenient visit from any borough. For those who drive, paid street parking is available, though it's important to be mindful of the busy city environment. The restaurant also offers a wheelchair-accessible entrance, ensuring that it can accommodate a wider range of patrons. Its location makes it a great spot for a quick bite after exploring the diverse shops and sights of Chinatown or as a regular lunch or dinner spot for those who work or live in the area.

Services Offered

• Dine-in: Enjoy your meal in the casual, counter-style seating area.
• Takeaway: A great option for a quick and convenient meal to go.
• Delivery & No-Contact Delivery: Chikarashi offers delivery through various platforms, including a no-contact option, bringing their delicious bowls right to your door.

Features and Highlights

• Chef-Driven Bowls: The menu is designed by a talented chef, with each bowl thoughtfully composed for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
• High-Quality Fish: The restaurant uses fresh, premium fish, including bluefin tuna, Scottish salmon, and hamachi, ensuring a top-tier taste.
• Healthy Options: The bowls are a great source of healthy fats and protein, making them a nutritious choice for a meal.
• Vegetarian Options: The menu includes a dedicated vegetarian option, the Yaki Tofu, which is a flavorful and satisfying alternative for non-meat-eaters.
• Quick Bite: The fast and efficient service makes Chikarashi an excellent choice for a quick lunch or dinner on the go.
• Great Tea Selection: A variety of bottled Japanese teas, including unsweetened green tea and roasted rice tea, complement the menu perfectly.

What is Worth Choosing

While all of Chikarashi’s bowls are meticulously crafted, some have earned a special place in the hearts of New Yorkers. For those who want to try a variety of flavors, the Chikarashi Flight is an excellent choice, offering a three-course tasting of signature bowls, which often include the Ponzu Salmon, Sichuan Chili Salmon, and Wasabi Mayo Tuna. This option provides a fantastic overview of the restaurant’s unique flavor combinations. Among the individual bowls, the Roasted Black Cod is highly recommended and a customer favorite, praised for its delicious and flavorful profile. Another standout is the Grilled Unagi bowl, which has a slight sweetness to it and is known for being very delicious. The Ponzu Salmon and Sichuan Chili Salmon bowls are also popular, with the latter being a hit for its pleasant, flavorful heat. For those looking for a premium experience, the Seared Otoro and Negitoro Don Tartare bowls are worth the splurge, featuring high-quality bluefin tuna and a truly melt-in-your-mouth texture. Even the vegetarian option, the Yaki Tofu, is celebrated for its great taste and quality, proving that the restaurant's culinary expertise extends beyond seafood. The commitment to fresh, top-quality ingredients and the thoughtful composition of each bowl make every item on the menu a worthwhile choice, ensuring a consistently excellent meal. While some have noted that the portion sizes may be on the smaller side for the price, the quality and freshness of the food consistently receive high praise, making it a place many return to again and again.

Contact Information

To place an order or for more information, you can contact Chikarashi at:

• Address: 227 Canal St, New York, NY 10013, USA
• Phone: (646) 649-5965

Chikarashi

227 Canal St, New York, NY 10013, USA