Located in the heart of Japantown is a seriously authentic mochi spot.
Open since 1906, Benkyodo Co [1747 Buchanan St, San Francisco, CA 94115] is one of the oldest Japanese establishments in San Francisco and has the history to go along with it.
I loved the atmosphere of this quaint neighborhood hang out, it has an old school diner feel.
I wasn’t here for ambiance alone, however, the dessert is of course what I was after. The daily hand-made mochi is absolutely exceptional. Each pillow-y piece is a dream. Towards the end of the day the variety was dwindling, no blueberry or strawberry, but there were still plenty of tempting options.
I went with the kinako which has red bean paste + crushed soybean sprinkled on top and the pink habutai filled with lima bean paste.
So soft and delicious, a special little afternoon treat.