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Belting Out Superb Sushi

Columns Ethnic Faves

September 16, 2012

Story By: Dining Out Team |

Velma Fleming, Jodee Spencer and Lydia Kwok with a few customer favorites.

By Jaimie Kim

With its interactive “kaiten” sushi (sushi served on a belt) and bright decor, Genki Sushi’s friendly atmosphere is an ideal setting for anyone looking to have fun and enjoy an unpretentious bite of sushi.

“We want our customers to come in and have a good time,” says David Moon, director of purchasing.

Though the restaurant has ventured to locations on the Mainland and throughout the world, Genki Sushi continues to satisfy its local fans. “Because we are in Hawaii, we try to cater to the local taste,” says Moon. “A lot of the things we sell at the moment you can’t get in Japan or in the Mainland stores.”

This includes allowing customers to share suggestions for future menu items via customer cards, phone calls to its headquarters or people just wanting to offer a quick comment to the restaurant manager. New items such as Spicy Won Ton, which features spicy tuna atop a won ton chip, were suggestions made by customers.

Ten new items have been added to the menu, including Pipi Kaula Nigiri and what Moon says has become a new favorite, Kalbi Nigiri.

Longtime favorite Spicy Tuna Bowl continues to make its presence known with seven variations, including spicy stuffed mushrooms, a deep-fried spicy roll and a spicy tempura roll that is piled with spicy tuna.

And with prices ranging from $1.50 to $4.80 (with the exception of two specials that are only $7.50), customers can look forward to not cringing at their bill.

Genki Sushi

Ward Centre
1200 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu (and various locations)
591.5600
Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Some location hours vary; call for details
genkisushiusa.com

Ilima Awards
Hawaii's Best