Sekiya’s Serving Saimin and Okazu Favorites

By Jaimie Kim

After being in business for more than 50 years, Sekiya’s Restaurant and Delicatessen continues to find its success in serving customers what they want: familiar favorites that the entire family can enjoy.

“We’re one of the few family-owned okazuyas. Our customers like the tradition of that,” says owner Joy Morihara.

Founded by Morihara’s grandparents in 1934, Sekiya’s continues to make its dishes from scratch.

Saimin — the restaurant’s staple — is served in three different sizes ($4.95 for a small bowl, $6.95 for a large bowl and $8.95 for an extra-large bowl).

Topped with sweet-and-salty char siu, its flavors blend with a traditional dashi broth that is served over noodles.

“Saimin is always popular. It’s great with the older people and kids, and everyone in between,” Morihara states.

Hash Tempura ($5.70 for six pieces, 95 cents per additional piece), deep-fried corned beef hash balls are tempura battered and fried until golden brown. A favorite among customers, it is one of the eatery’s most popular okazu dishes.

If you’re still craving more or looking to try something different, Sekiya’s Oxtail Soup ($13.95) consists of whole oxtails, which are boiled until tender, giving flavor to the broth. The soup is garnished with mustard cabbage and served with ginger and Chinese parsley, which give it an extra tang. The dish also is served with rice, tsukemono and hot tea.

Above all else, Sekiya’s continues to provide its customers with the home-style, local cooking they know and love.

Sekiya’s Restaurant & Delicatessen

2746 Kaimuki Ave., Honolulu
732.1656
8 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday
8 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday
Note: Okazuya open 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., full-course meal service begins at 9 a.m.