Located just next to the PHX Arena in downtown Phoenix, Ricemill is the latest restaurant to make waves in the Valley’s dining scene. Offering a fast-casual dining experience with an Asian twist, Ricemill specializes in rice-based dishes inspired by Chinese, Japanese, and Korean flavors, all crafted by Michelin-starred chefs.
Behind this innovative venture are Fannie Wang, Harry Yu, Chef Yiyi Wang, and Jin Zhang, who sought to break the mold and bring a new approach to accessible and modern Asian flavors. The concept was born from a California restaurant startup, with the founders eager to offer something new and exciting for Phoenix diners.
“Ricemill is an innovative Asian rice brand that focuses on chef-driven cooking and Asian flavors,” says Fannie Wang. “We all wanted to make Asian flavors more accessible and modern in a more innovative way.”
Signature Dishes: A Fusion of Bold Flavors
Ricemill offers six signature bowls, each carefully designed to deliver a unique, bold taste. Among these, the Hong Kong Crispy Chicken stands out as the most popular dish.
“It’s our most ordered signature dish by far. It features our Hong Kong-style popcorn chicken, K-house pickles, corn, edamame, purple cabbage, and is served with our honey chili aioli,” Wang explains. “The crispy chicken and sweet pineapple chunks are the perfect combination, and the honey chili sauce is definitely my favorite.”
For those craving more variety, Ricemill offers dishes like Seoul Garlic Chicken Rice, which features tender chicken in a Korean-style hot sauce, and Szechuan Spicy Steak, which comes with wok-seared Angus steak for an extra spicy kick.
The menu reflects the founders’ family recipes and is crafted by Chef Yiyi Wang, who brings his three Michelin stars to the table. “Our menu offers different flavors, with influences from Shanghainese, Japanese, and Korean cuisines, all inspired by our chef’s memories of Asian family flavors,” Wang explains.
Create Your Own Bowl: Customizable and Fresh
Ricemill is all about offering fresh and approachable options for today’s diners. A standout feature is the “choose your own bowl” bar, which allows customers to customize their meals according to personal preferences.
“Today’s customers are looking for healthier, more convenient ways to eat, whether it’s lunch or dinner,” Wang says. At Ricemill, you can pick your base—rice, rice noodles, or vegan veggies—and then choose from high-protein options like yuzu shrimp or crispy chicken. Top off your creation with savory sides like sweet and sour eggplant or pickled radish, and finish with a drizzle of sauce to tie everything together.
Unique Drinks and Desserts
To complement your meal, Ricemill offers homemade drinks such as strawberry watermelon lemonade, OG lemonade, and their signature milk tea—a rare offering with free refills.
For those looking for a snack or dessert, Ricemill has you covered. Don’t miss the shrimp crackers for dipping or their signature rice pudding available in chocolate, vanilla, and Thai tea flavors. As Fannie Wang notes, “We’re one of the few places selling rice pudding because it ties in perfectly with our name, Ricemill. Everything on the menu is rice-related.”
Expansion Plans and Catering Services
Looking ahead, Ricemill plans to open a second location in the West Valley, near Glendale’s Arrowhead Town Center, to further expand its reach.
Ricemill isn’t just about dine-in; their catering business is also growing fast. Whether it’s for a corporate lunch or a family gathering, customers can select from their signature bowls, all individually packaged with allergen and nutritional information. For large orders, Ricemill even offers free delivery and installation.
The Perfect Spot for Lunch or Dinner
Whether you’re looking for a quick bite before a Suns game, a satisfying lunch in the heart of downtown, or a tasty dinner on the go, Ricemill is the perfect spot. Located inside the Collier Center, near Second and Jefferson Streets, Ricemill is a must-try destination for foodies in the Valley.
Related topics: