Maji Pantry

Japanese$$$$

Beneath a lofty office building on Langridge Street, this friendly konbini, or Japanese convenience store, is a northside go-to for quick, easy lunching. That’s much to do with the affordable price point. Made-to-order onigiri (filled rice balls) start at $7 and range from kimchi and pork, to teriyaki salmon. Sandos include the $12 tamago loaded with egg and creamy, mustardy mayo, plus a pork katsu option.

The latter is typically portable and eaten at room temperature. So, a just-fried pork loin cutlet placed atop finely shredded cabbage and shokupan (a delicate milk bread) demands this flawless sandwich be eaten immediately – but who would want to wait, anyway?

Meanwhile, owner Lucy Lim describes her banana bread hojicha latte as “nostalgic and surprising”.

Must-try: Ebi (prawn) katsu sando, with a sauce that deliciously balances chilli and citrus.

Want to visit this venue? Save it in the Good Food app.