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Homemade banchan draws in customers

A La Carte

December 10, 2017

Story By: Ellise Kakazu | Photos by: ELLISE KAKAZU

Shabu Shabu Lunch for Two ($35.95, served 11 a.m.-3 p.m.)

New Shilawon Korean Restaurant is unlike any other Korean eatery on the island. And the proof is in the banchan (side dishes).

“My mom takes great pride in her banchan because she makes it fresh every day,” says general manager Jandy Lee. “I believe all Korean restaurants are pretty much the same. You have the same menu, same type of food, same type of meat, but you know, for customers to distinguish where they are going to go, I believe it (relies) on the banchan, and also service.”

In addition to the tasty side dishes such as kimchee or dried radish, Lee notes that customers can’t get enough of the eatery’s all-you-caneat shabu shabu ($34.95 per person).

An array of freshly prepared banchan

“None of the other Korean restaurants have all-you-caneat shabu shabu,” says Lee.

Another way patrons can get their shabu shabu fix is by indulging in the eatery’s Shabu Shabu Lunch for Two ($35.95, served 11 a.m.-3 p.m.). It features Chinese cabbage, bok choy, Korean parsley, enoki mushrooms, mochi cakes, udon noodles and slices of ribeye. The lunch special also comes with two bowls of rice, an assortment of banchan and beef broth.

And for those who don’t want the “cook your own meal” experience, there are many other mouthwatering options such as Bibimbap, Steamed Short-Ribs and Meat Jeon that will arrive to one’s table cooked to perfection — no extra work required.

“My goal is to make sure every customer leaves happy — and full,” Lee notes.

Honolulu, HI 96814

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