TLDR
Exceptional Cantonese steamed rice rolls in a bustling, budget-friendly takeaway shop. Authentic, delicate, and fresh—perfect for quick, high-quality eats if you time your visit right.
Reddit Sentiment for YI JI SHI MO NOODLE(based on 39 Reddit opinions)
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 its exceptionally thin and delicate steamed rice rolls, this Chinatown takeout spot is celebrated as one of the best affordable eats in the area [1]. While patrons consistently rave about the fresh, made-to-order quality of their authentic Cantonese offerings [2], the establishment is equally famous for its significant, sometimes hour-long wait times [3]. Many diners suggest calling ahead or visiting on weekdays to better manage the experience [4].
Food Overview
The kitchen specializes in Cantonese-style steamed rice rolls, or cheong fun, which are lauded for their delicate texture and fresh ingredients [1], [2]. Signature versions packed with pork, shrimp, and cilantro are highly recommended [1], [8], alongside their fresh ho fun noodles [9] and traditional black sesame soup [10]. While the rice rolls are the primary draw, customers also appreciate the tea eggs [11].
Highlights / Recommended
"The 'Shrimp Party' rice rolls are highly rated for their freshness and quality [8], and the traditional black sesame soup is also a noted standout [10]."
Mentioned Dishes:
- •rice roll(6)
- •rice rolls(3)
Customer Sentiment
Diners overwhelmingly praise the restaurant for its high-quality, authentic food that offers great value [5], with some even calling it their favorite spot for rice rolls in the city [6]. However, the experience is frequently tempered by frustration over long, unpredictable wait times, especially on weekends [3], [7].
Caveats
Expect substantial wait times that can stretch over an hour during peak periods, as the kitchen's production is limited by their equipment [3], [7]. It is highly advised to call ahead or visit on a weekday to avoid the longest queues [4].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About YI JI SHI MO NOODLE
Recent Reddit Mentions
From 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."
NeutralFrom post: Im On A Soft Food Diet For A Couple Weeks It
"This is one of the recommended places for steamed rice rolls."
NeutralFrom post: Best Rice Crepesbanh Cuon In Chinatown
"This user lists Yi Ji Shi Mo as one of several places in Chinatown that serve rice noodles."
NeutralFrom post: Yi Ji Shi Mo Wait Time
"The wait time at Yi Ji Shi Mo is determined by the number of rice roll orders, as they are limited by equipment and cannot be rushed."
NeutralFrom post: Yi Ji Shi Mo Wait Time
"Even on a weekday around 1:30 PM, a user experienced a 35-minute wait for their order at Yi Ji Shi Mo."
NeutralFrom post: Yi Ji Shi Mo Wait Time
"A user mentioned a much shorter wait time of about 10 minutes on their visit to Yi Ji Shi Mo and noted that the restaurant might close for a period during the summer."
NeutralFrom post: Yi Ji Shi Mo Wait Time
"The user was informed that the wait time at Yi Ji Shi Mo was excessive and clarified that it was likely due to the time of visit."
NeutralFrom post: Yi Ji Shi Mo Wait Time
"A user suggested visiting Yi Ji Shi Mo on a weekday after 2 PM to potentially avoid long waits."
NeutralFrom post: Yi Ji Shi Mo Wait Time
"The wait time at Yi Ji Shi Mo fluctuates; sometimes there are short waits, and other times it's only a few minutes to cook the order."
NeutralFrom post: Iconic Foods In Nyc
"Recommends Yi Ji Shi Mo in Chinatown for rice rolls."
PositiveFrom post: Iconic Foods In Nyc
"Recommends Yi Ji Shi Mo in Chinatown for rice rolls."
PositiveFrom post: What Is Your Favorite Restaurant In Chinatown
"Yi Ji Shi Mo is listed as a favorite, close to other recommended spots."
PositiveFrom post: 7 Days In Nyc How Did I Do
"The author learned to call ahead to Yi Ji Shi Mo to avoid an hour wait."
NeutralFrom post: Weekday No Crowd Suggestions
"This restaurant was mentioned as a suggestion for a place that is usually packed on weekends but easier to get into on weekdays."
NeutralFrom post: What Is Your Favorite Place To Get Flavorful Tea
"This user mentioned liking the tea eggs from Yi Ji Shi Mo on Elizabeth St."
PositiveFrom post: Authentic Cantonese Food That Isnt Dimsum
"The commenter's Cantonese mother-in-law stated that Yi Ji Shi Mo has the best cheong fun outside of China."
PositiveFrom post: Where Do You Get Packaged Thai Rice Noodles To
"This user recommended Yi Ji Shi Mo in Chinatown for fresh homemade ho fun noodles, noting they are similar to pad see ew noodles."
Positive