TLDR
Authentic, whisper-thin Cantonese rice rolls in the heart of Chinatown. A must-visit, but call ahead to dodge the lines.
Instagram Posts References
Yi Ji Shi Mo is recommended for its rice rolls, with the reviewer noting that while it might not be the absolute cheapest, it offers the best value. The shrimp rice rolls were specifically mentioned and purchased for $3.50.
Yi Ji Shi Mo Noodle Corp. is a highly popular spot for rice rolls in Chinatown, known for long wait times on weekends, though the reviewer only waited 20 minutes on a weekday. They serve fresh, made-to-order rice rolls. The 'Shrimp Party' rice rolls were highly rated, emphasizing their freshness and quality.
Details
Renowned for serving some of the best Cantonese-style cheong fun outside of China, this Chinatown takeout shop specializes in exceptionally thin and delicate steamed rice rolls [1], [5]. While diners consistently rave about the quality of these fresh, made-to-order dishes, the popularity often leads to significant wait times, especially on weekends [7], [8], [12], [14]. Many savvy regulars suggest calling ahead or visiting during off-peak weekday hours to secure a meal without the hour-long queues [4], [11], [13].
Food Overview
This casual $ spot focuses on Cantonese cuisine, with its signature item being the delicate and thin steamed rice rolls [2], [6]. Customers praise the customizable fillings—such as pork, shrimp, and cilantro—as well as the tea eggs and traditional black sesame soup [1], [2], [5], [18]. While the rolls are widely considered top-tier, the production is limited by the cooking equipment, meaning even on weekdays, waits can be substantial [10], [12].
Patrons maintain a highly positive sentiment regarding the food quality, often calling it a neighborhood staple for authentic Cantonese flavors [1], [5], [14]. However, the experience is frequently tempered by frustration over long, unpredictable wait times driven by limited production capacity [8], [12], [13].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About YI JI SHI MO NOODLE
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Restaurants You Keep Going Back To Any
"Recommended for shrimp and egg rice rolls."
PositiveFrom post: Help Me Find The Best Hakkastyle Rice Rolls Any
"A Cantonese-style place to try if one is okay with that instead of Hakka-style."
NeutralFrom post: Recommendations For Black Sesame Desserts In Nyc
"Recommends their traditional black sesame soup."
PositiveFrom post: Cheung Fun Recommendationslooking For Restaurants
"This restaurant serves rice rolls, but customers should call ahead on weekends due to long wait times."
NeutralFrom post: Cheung Fun Recommendationslooking For Restaurants
"This is one of several recommended restaurants for rice rolls in Chinatown."
Neutral