Fresh Catches Come Ashore at Genki

With 13 locations island-wide, Genki Sushi has been part of local dining scenes across the state for 20 years. Along the way, many chefs have incorporated Hawaii’s favorite flavors into the restaurant chain’s ever evolving conveyor belt of sushi. But with origins stemming from Japan — where the company was founded by Genroku Sushi, the first ever kaiten dining spot — Genki is ready to get back to its roots with some brand new menu items.

Thanks to inspiration from the franchise’s headquarters in Japan, a series of sushi dishes topped with a crisp bite of salad debut in the islands.

“It’s basically different nigiri topped with red and white onions in a sesame seed oil dressing,” says director of purchasing David Moon. Kanikama Salad ($2.20), for example, features imitation crab topped with the refreshing onion medley. There’s also octopus-filled Tako Salad ($2.80) or Mushi Hotate ($3.80) made with boiled scallops that go well with the topping.

Another item rolled out by Genki’s Japanese chefs is Garlic Ika ($2.20), which presents a creamy garlic mayo sauce that’s just as silky as the fresh squid itself.

A touch of charred goodness from a blow-torch adds the perfect hint of smokiness as well.

The eatery’s Japan-inspired dishes are part of its larger goal to ensure that customers always have something fresh — be it savory or sweet — to go fishing for on its river of eats. “We’re trying to do something new every six months or so to spice it up a little bit,” says Moon.

Plenty of items introduced in earlier months have proven that customers are open to trying something new, even at their go-to eateries. “Surprisingly Potato Fries ($2.20) have been a hit,” says Moon, “and people really like Kabocha Tempura ($2.20) and our new Sesame Balls ($2.20) dessert as well.”

At Genki Sushi, your favorites will always be there, but you can also look forward to a fresh catch.

Genki Sushi

Ward Center
1200 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu (and various locations)

678.3180 (Waikele)
735.7700 (Kapahulu)
485.0227 (Waiau)
247.9595 (Kaneohe)
942.9102 (Ala Moana)
683.1003 (Ewa Town Center)
591.5600 (Ward Center)
373.4033 (Aina Haina)
674.4227 (Kapolei)

Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Some location hours vary, call for details.

genkisushiusa.com