Sharing a Bowl of ‘Soup’erior Flavors

In Japan, nabe is said to bring people together through the joyous act of sharing a hot pot of sizzling broth simmering away with flavorful vegetables, meats and seafood. Naturally, Hawaii’s patrons have fallen in love with the unique family-style dining experience, and the best place to find it is at Ichiriki in town or in Aiea.

Both locations offer sharable hot pots (kami nabe, serves two), or you can enjoy a pot to yourself. One of the most popular menu items is Mushroom Nabe ($24.95 per person; $51.95, kami nabe) featuring an abundance of seasonal mushrooms to cook up in a shoyu broth with a hint of citrus. Like all the restaurant’s nabe options, a varying assortment of sensational items add flavor and diversity to each meal. Mushroom Nabe includes won bok cabbage, bok choy, chives, abura age, gobo, tofu, kuzukiri noodles, chicken, pork, sausage and tsukune meatballs. Munch on rice throughout the meal, then finish off your soup with ramen.

As Aiea general manager Masaki Sasada describes, the broth’s flavor intensifies with each savory addition to the pot. “The more the soup boils, it perfects itself. The longer the better — more flavor absorbs from the soup.”

Sasada suggests trying Seafood Nabe ($28.95; $59.95) as well, which presents an impressive array of snow crab, jumbo shrimp, calamari and scallops adding tastiness to a shoyu broth.

Ichiriki also updated its appetizer menu with some ahi-mazing dishes. Brought in daily, fresh ahi is wrapped in shiso leaf, panko-crusted and drizzled with katsu sauce to make Ahi Katsu ($5.95), one of the most popular appetizers.

The establishment has some wonderful specials to take advantage of, such as its early-bird special from 6 to 8 p.m. every Monday through Thursday at both locations. Customers will enjoy 25 percent off hotpot entrees. The Piikoi Street eatery is now open all day as well, and features Happy Hour from 2 to 5 p.m.

Go ahead and let a nice bowl of nabe strengthen your relationship and satisfy your tummy!

Ichiriki