Okazuya Boasts Oh-So-Comforting Classics

There’s a certain warmth that accompanies a visit to an okazuya, or Japanese deli. It comes from the uncomplicated flavors that epitomize “home style” cooking. If you grew up in Hawaii, each selection and bite transports you back to some nostalgic memory.

For 20 years, Mitsu-Ken Okazu & Catering has served local okazu (Japanese side dish) favorites and other popular plate lunch selections. Next month, it celebrates its 21st birthday.

As a testament to its steadfast popularity, crowds continue to regularly gather at Mitsu-Ken.

“Sometimes there is a line in the morning even before we’re open, and we hardly close at 1 p.m. because there’s usually a line at 1 p.m.,” says manager Sherri Kaneshiro.

Breakfast is served bright and early beginning at 5 a.m. and ending at 10:30 a.m.

The Breakfast Deluxe Combo ($7.75) features two scoops of fried rice, two scrambled eggs, two strips of bacon, three pieces of Portuguese sausage and three pieces of garlic chicken made with Mitsu-Ken’s special recipe.

Bentos may be ordered as soon as Mitsu-Ken opens and are available throughout the day.

Fried Saimin Bento ($6.25) includes rice, fried saimin, an egg omelet, three pieces of Portuguese sausage and two pieces of garlic chicken.

Plate lunches — such as Kalbi Plate ($7.50) served with two strips of kalbi — also delight patrons and include two scoops of rice and one scoop of macaroni potato salad.

Beyond its extensive bento and plate lunch options, the takeout only restaurant offers more than 30 okazu options that are constantly stocked until Mitsu-Ken closes.

With the holidays quickly approaching, Kaneshiro suggests placing orders for parties now, as Mitsu-Ken’s schedule is quickly filling up.

Mitsu-Ken Okazu & Catering

2300 North King St., Honolulu
848-5573
Tues.-Sat., 5 a.m.-1 p.m.