Small beginnings.
So much heart.
Built on passion, grit and culture. Rice Culture began with a craving, a little kitchen and two people ready to make something meaningful.
Come share a little sweet ↗
A shared love of food.
A dream of our own.
We’re first-generation Asian Americans from immigrant families. Food has always connected us to the people, places and cultures we love. Together, we wanted to create a place that celebrates those connections through the rich flavors of Japan and the Philippines.
Our story together started in an unexpected place: Tinder. Kevin was flipping PlayStation consoles on the side, but it was our travels through Asia that sparked a different kind of idea. Exploring markets and trying new foods made us wonder what we could create together.
One taiyaki machine.
One very sweet start.
During the pandemic, Mikki was missing the taiyaki she grew up eating in New Jersey. We couldn’t find a nearby spot to satisfy that craving, so we bought our first taiyaki machine and started making fish-shaped waffles at home in Northern Virginia.
Mikki posted a few photos online, just for fun. Within hours, people were asking if the taiyaki were for sale. We made our first sale and delivered it ourselves. That small exchange showed us how much joy something sweet could bring.
As more people reached out, our one-bedroom apartment in Centreville became a very busy little kitchen. We made the desserts, packed the orders, answered messages and learned as we went.
Do the rice thing.
From our kitchen
to your neighborhood.
In March 2021, we took the next step and leased space at Frontier Kitchen. Farmers markets and festivals followed. Every conversation, returning guest and shared box of taiyaki helped Rice Culture grow.
There was no big team or outside financial backing. We balanced production with learning how to run a business, navigated uncertain months and kept working on our partnership through it all. The progress came from showing up, staying curious and believing in what we were building.
Today, we welcome guests in Vienna and Chantilly, with our next chapter in Annandale coming soon. Our flavors and menus keep evolving, but the feeling we want to create stays the same.
“A sweet reminder of the importance of human connection.”
A swirl after dinner. A box shared with coworkers. A treat with someone you haven’t seen in a while. We’re grateful to be part of those moments.
Keep growing
with us.
Our team is part of this story. Whether you’re making taiyaki, swirling soft serve or welcoming a guest, your care helps turn a dessert stop into a memorable moment.
We hope your time at Rice Culture brings new skills, meaningful connections and room to grow, wherever your journey takes you next.
Meet your next team ↗A little joy. A little closer.
For your people. For the joy of getting together.
Find your Rice Culture ↗