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Always Delivering Appetizer Greatness

Columns Pupu Picks

December 30, 2012

Story By: Steve Murray | Photos by: Nathalie Walker

Genki Sushi is a bit unique in the local sushi market. The popular Japanese eatery has nearly as many pupus as main courses on its varied menu. Among the 31 appetizer-friendly items on the menu are edamame, miso soup, shumai, salmon bone, potato fries, spicy tuna bowl, garlic chicken, soft shell crab, vegetable croquette and spicy and stuffed mushrooms.

Garlic Chicken ($3.80) is made from juicy pieces of thigh meat that are battered in corn starch, fried and tossed with a Korean garlic sauce. What arrives on the conveyor belt of dishes is a tender, crisp, moist portion of chicken that also is slightly sweet.

On the other end of the spectrum is Spicy Mushrooms ($4.80). Button mushrooms are tempura-fried, topped with spicy ahi and drizzled with an unagi sauce. The kick from the tuna is a nice complement to the tender mushrooms, which act as a sponge for the flavors that surround the mild fungi.

Vegetable Croquette ($1.50) is a simply-prepared mash of potato and peas that is battered in panko and fried until it is golden brown. It’s light, crispy and vegan approved.

Finally, Soft Shell Crab ($4.80) is tasty, crunchy goodness. The crab is tempura-fried and topped with a special sauce of mayo, tobiko and other things not for public discussion. Such secrecy is not a bad thing, as the topping provides a pleasant creamy element to the crunchy critter.

Genki Sushi

Ward Center
1200 Ala Moana Blvd. (and various locations)
591.5600
Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

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