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Catering to all your Japanese cravings

A La Carte Columns

July 24, 2016

Story By: Kelli Shiroma | Photos by: MISSY ROMERO

Udon and Mini Donburi Combo ($21)

Udon and Mini Donburi Combo ($21)

When you’re craving Japanese fare that’s delicious and aesthetically pleasing, look no further than Sakura Terrace Japanese Cafe. The eatery offers an extensive selection of appetizers, entrees and combos that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner.

The Sakura Style Wafu Cobb Salad ($18) can be a shared appetizer or an entree because of its size, according to server Mimi Glasper.

“The salad includes tomatoes, boiled egg, hijiki (Japanese black seaweed), boiled shrimp, avocado, salmon sashimi with ikura, aburage, crab with mayo, grilled chicken, corn and bacon,” Glasper says. “It also comes with our ginger miso house dressing.

“Not only does this salad look pretty, but it tastes good, too,” she adds.

Sakura Style Wafu Cobb Salad ($18)

Sakura Style Wafu Cobb Salad ($18)

Some items on Sakura Terrace’s menu are only available during lunch. Such is the case with Udon and Mini Donburi Combo ($21), which includes two Japanese-style sides. Customers have a choice of donburi — such as Ahi Poke, Spicy Ahi, Chicken Karaage and more — and a choice of udon (hot or cold), including Tiger Prawn, Beef or Vegetable Tempura Udon.

“Other restaurants that serve tempura udon usually include the tempura in the udon,” Glasper says, “but our tempura is on the side, so it never gets soggy. You can put the tempura in the udon, or we serve a dipping sauce if you prefer the tempura that way.”

Grilled Miso Butterfish ($25 for teishoku)

Grilled Miso Butterfish ($25 for teishoku)

If you’re not a huge fan of raw fish, not to worry, as Sakura Terrace offers options like its famous Grilled Miso Butterfish ($25 for teishoku, $21 a la carte). The teishoku is served with rice, miso soup, tsukemono and two small side dishes.

“We cut the butterfish every day, then marinate it in our homemade miso sauce,” explains Glasper. “Customers like our butterfish because it’s savory and has a nice taste, but it’s still tender.”

Sakura Terrace Japanese Cafe

1240 S. King St., Honolulu
591-1181
Lunch: Tuesday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; Dinner: Tuesday-Sunday, 5-9:30 p.m.; Closed Monday
sakuraterrace.com

Honolulu, HI 96814

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