I’m almost sure that 99.9% of the people in San Diego or Chula Vista have never heard of this place.
Located in another one of those non-descript strip malls strung throughout Chula Vista, Hogetsu Bakery makes excellent Manju and Mochi, and also sells Castella and other Japanese goodies.
A friendly, Family run operation, Hogetsu has been in business since 1983. So I’m still amazed that only 1 person that I’ve spoken to has ever heard of this place! Many people I know still drive to Los Angeles to get their Manju, or just buy them from Nijiya or Mitsuwa.
The prices are reasonable ranging from $.95 and up. And there are many varieties available. I purchased a small box of goodies ($9.00).
It’s amazing when you bite into a “fresh” Habutai; usually somewhat chewy, this one is softer, more delicate. It’s almost strange being used to store bought manju how different this was.
So there’s really no need to drive to Los Angeles for mochi anymore. It’s just down the street in Chula Vista.
Hogetsu Bakery
1210 3rd Ave
Chula Vista, CA 91911
Open Tues-Sat 10am-6pm
(619) 422-6677
One quick post-script – For fellow Chowhounds, Hogetsu Bakery is located in the same mall as the infamous Kaga Zushi…..
