TLDR: It's food that is perfect for a cold day and a good option for a light meal at an okay price. Steamed rice roll: You get a bit of everything (beef, shrimp, egg, veggies) wrapped in very thin rice sheets that I enjoyed. I won't recommend adding all of the soy sauce provided because it will take over whatever flavor the rice roll has. This is definitely snack material or light snack material. Preserved Egg and Pork Congee: It's a little bit on the bland side, but this is a good thing for some people who are okay with congee not having strong flavors. The soy sauce from the rice roll can give the congee a bit of a kick. I had hoped the portions on this would be a touch bigger, but I guess we're staying with the theme of "light meal." The ground pork and preserved egg are cut into small chunks, which makes this dish consumable without chewing. I prefer my congees on the thicker side. This, unfortunately, was not one of those congees. Service: You order at the food stall inside a food court before paying for it. You're expected to come get your food when the store provided beeper activates, but the staff actually delivered the food to us since the food court was basically empty when we visited. Ambiance: The establishment is in a modest food court, so there's nothing special about the space. However, I get the impression that it may get hectic during the lunch rush of a workday.
The beef rice roll is amazing here. I also get a plain rice roll and customize it by adding bean sprouts and lettuce to it. Then I add my soy sauce and a bit of chili oil and like heaven on a plate! I also get the preserved egg congee and that's very good too. I always come here when I'm in the Bryant park area. This is in a food court mall on 38th street. There are about 8 to 10 food vendors here.
Legit rice rolls. Totally coming back! Got the combo n didn't have to schlep to Chinatown. Amazing!
Cozy Rice is a hidden gem, but be prepared for a wait as everything is made to order. The upside? Their steamed rice rolls are always fresh, satisfying any craving. While the service and environment are average, the food itself is decent enough to make up for it.
Do not be fooled by the humble interior, located inside a food court. Cozy Rice offers some of the best rice rolls around. Order from the kiosk. You'll receive a text that your order's been received. You'll be notified when your order is ready.
Joe's steamed rice rolls WHO?!? Jk they are also good and this place is just as good. Usually never a wait and the rice rolls are fresh the congee is super solid, they got the preserved egg and also pumpkin and yam sometimes. I also like the green bean dessert. Love it!
Oh my goodness, the rice rolls at Cozy Rice are my current favorite lunch food. $18.50 inclusive gets two rolls, with the shrimp being the star of the show. They're made fresh but my wait has been under ten minutes. They travel the few blocks back to the office surprisingly well. Hidden gem in Times Square.
Tucked inside a no-nonsense food court, squeezed between towering skyscrapers, this place feels transient, like it could vanish without a trace by morning. The bright lighting and slapdash design give the sense that permanence wasn't part of the plan. But despite that, there's an undeniable charm to the experience. The service, while a touch slow, carries a deliberate care in every movement. You can tell they're putting thought into each step, especially when it comes to the rice noodles. Watching them pour the mixture onto a tray, then steam or bake it, adds a certain anticipation. The steamed rice rolls are the highlight. They strike that elusive balance between stretchy and chewy, yet still soft enough to melt in your mouth. I chose the beef and shrimp, and both were of surprisingly high quality, well-prepared, with precision. The sauce was a layered mix of vinegar, oyster, fish, soy, and just the right hint of sweetness, adding depth to the dish. For $15, Combo Number One felt like solid value. These rice rolls, in particular, stand out. Though I've never tried them in Hong Kong, I can understand why people draw comparisons, calling them authentic. You'll wait around 15 minutes, but once the food arrives and you sit down to eat amidst the bustling court, it's worth it.
Inside 38 foodhall! It was really good here! The price was very good too! I just wanted a snack but i had to taste a couple dishes since im here. Both shrimp rice roll and preserved egg congee was delicious!!