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Sekiya’s Offers New Look, Same Great Taste

Features Inside Feature

May 18, 2014

Story By: Kyle Galdeira | Photos by: Nathalie Walker

While it has undergone some recent cosmetic alterations and management changes, Sekiya’s Restaurant & Delicatessen continues to cater to generations of local residents that have come to appreciate the cuisine initially introduced by Taisuke and Katsuko Sekiya in 1935.

Fast forward nearly 80 years later and Sekiya’s Restaurant and Delicatessen still offers local favorites at its iconic home on Kaimuki Avenue just mauka of Kaimuki High School. The eatery caters to a wide range of tastes and flavors, making it possible for one to enjoy a hearty bowl of won ton or udon noodles, chopped steak and shrimp tempura and then top it all off with a hot fudge sundae.

Under the direction of president Dean Hara and vice president David Morihara, Sekiya’s continues to boast an eclectic menu featuring a host of comfort food classics including everything from burgers and sandwiches to traditional Japanese noodle offerings coupled with side dishes that complete any meal, whether enjoyed as a quick lunch, afternoon snack or dinner. While the days of 50-cent plate lunches have passed, the quality and taste associated with Sekiya’s fare lives on in each menu favorite.

Sekiya’s underwent vast renovations including the addition of new refrigerators, stoves and ovens to the kitchen, as well as interior upgrades and a fresh paint job. To celebrate the renovations, which are still ongoing, customers may enjoy 10 percent off the entire menu as part of the Grand Re-Opening celebration from Monday, May 19 through Thursday, May 22. From Friday, May 23 through Sunday, May 25, customers will also be treated to assorted daily specials — call or stop in for more details.

“Hopefully we’re going to be around for many more years to come, and we’re showing that commitment by reinvesting into the restaurant,” says Hara, who previously worked as a longtime cook at the restaurant. “We’ve been at this building since 1955, and I got my first job here as a teenager. We strive to provide a quality product and great service so people will want to keep coming back to eat.”

Diners continue to clamor about tasty selections , such as Shrimp Tempura ($13.95), Marinated Fried Chicken ($13.95) and the can’t-miss Small Saimin & Homemade Hamburger Deluxe Combination ($10.30). Sekiya’s also combines popular flavors in Corned Beef Hash Tempura ($6.30 for six pieces, $1.05 for each additional piece) and the ever-popular Oxtail Soup ($14.95 takeout).

“I treat this restaurant and the customers like my own family,” says Lynn Ky, who was recently named general manager after working her way up the restaurant chain since 1992. “The customers and management trust me, and they all make me very happy.”

Sekiya’s also offers up an Okazu menu with a la carte items available deli style — the perfect way to snack or create a unique plate lunch (brown rice is now available). Okazu items are served daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the counter situated at the front of the store. Ky explains that Sekiya’s okazu array offers “a great mix and selection of takeout items all in one place” including Nori Maki Sushi ($3.95) that is made from scratch at the peak of freshness. Other favorites are: cone sushi, potato & macaroni salad, namasu, kimpira gobo, fried rice, fried noodles, nitsuke butterfish (fillet, belly or tail) and even shoyu hot dogs (prices vary).

“Come try your old favorites again, and make some new ones!” Hara says.

Sekiya’s Restaurant & Delicatessen

2746 Kaimuki Ave., Honolulu
732-1656
Sunday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
SekiyasRestaurant.com

Honolulu, HI 96816

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