Easy access to delectable sushi

Dragon Don ($7.99)
L. Tabudlo Photo

Unhealthy, greasy dishes come to mind when thinking of fast food, rather than a satisfying array of sushi. But at Kozo Sushi, this delicious Japanese cuisine filled with raw, fresh fish is available to grab and go when you’re in a hurry. And the best part? Sushi is both delicious and good for you.

Kozo Sushi is a franchise from Osaka, Japan, and here on Oahu there are multiple locations around the island: at Kahala Mall, Pearl City, Pearlridge, Moiliili and Keeaumoku. There’s everything on the menu from hand rolls to bentos, offering both cooked and raw fish for folks craving Japanese food.

Spicy Inari ($3.25 for two pieces)
Photo Courtesy Of Kozo Sushi

According to manager Mika Niwa, Dragon Don ($7.99) has been a popular dish for many years. With three pieces of shrimp tempura and a generous topping of spicy ahi, the crunchy texture and spicy flavor of this donburi — or rice bowl — is an immediate hit among customers.

Spicy Ahi Don Super ($8.50) is a newer addition to the menu. It’s basically an upgraded version of the Spicy Ahi Don, featuring fresh fish, rice and a creamy spicy sauce. “The size of the Spicy Ahi Don Super is bigger (than the Spicy Ahi Don) and we use sliced ahi instead of ground ahi,” says Niwa.

Spicy Ahi Don Super ($8.50)
A. Consillio Photo

Spicy Inari ($3.25 for two pieces) is another hit with Kozo regulars. Inari is a humble dish in the sushi family, consisting of sushi rice wrapped in a fried-tofu pocket. But in Kozo’s Spicy Inari, spicy ahi is paired with the slightly sweet fried-tofu wrapping to create a surprisingly complex flavor. Niwa says it is perfect as a side dish to a regular Kozo Sushi bento or sushi roll. Or, she says, you can pick up Spicy Inari to have as a quick snack when you’re on the go.

For some, it’s even great as a main dish. “We sometimes have customers who come and buy twelve pieces of Spicy Inari to eat every day!” shares Niwa.

Kozo Sushi

638 Keeaumoku St., No.101, Honolulu
(and various locations)

Monday-Thursday,
9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.;
Friday-Saturday,
9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.;
Sunday, 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.