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Saimin Shop Still Growing

A La Carte Columns

January 8, 2017

Story By: Christina O Connor | Photos by: Lawrence Tabudlo

Bacon Belgian Waffle ($9.70)

Bacon Belgian Waffle ($9.70)

Ever since Franz Shiro Matsuo opened Shiro’s Saimin Haven in the late ’60s, it has become a go-to spot for local favorites.

But just because the eatery has such a long legacy, that doesn’t mean that it has stopped innovating. In fact, Shiro’s is coming up with new ideas all the time. General manager Bryce Fujimoto derives inspiration from everywhere.

“I love to eat, so I go out to eat all the time, I watch the Food channel at home,” says Fujimoto. “We also have a really great kitchen manager; I can just come with an idea, and he will make it happen.”

(Left) Corned Beef Hash ($8.15; pictured with fried rice for $1 extra)

(Left) Corned Beef Hash ($8.15; pictured with fried rice for $1 extra)

That type of innovation is evident in Corned Beef Hash ($8.15), which features two eggs and your choice of white rice, brown rice, toast or hash brown, alongside the main attraction. You also can substitute for fried rice, as pictured, for an extra $1.

While Shiro’s has had some version of the dish available for a long time, this newer one has been revamped. It used to have more potatoes than meat, but now, after listening to customer feedback, Shiro’s makes the dish with fresh corned beef — and more of it.

“We’ve listened to the customers on what they wanted, and now it has become more popular,” Fujimoto says.

BACON, PLEASE!

At Shiro’s, you won’t be able to resist the Bacon Belgian Waffle ($9.70). “It’s a Belgian malt waffle with pieces of bacon cooked inside, and then we top it with whipped cream and garnish it with pieces of bacon,” says general manager Bryce Fujimoto. “There is bacon in every bite.”

Shiro’s Saimin Haven

Waimalu Shopping Center,
98-020 Kamehameha Hwy., Aiea
488-8824
Sunday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-11:30 p.m.

Aiea, HI 96701

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