Yogurstory Writes the Book on Asian Fusion Fare

In the ever-changing world of restaurants, YogurStory has undergone some big changes. What started out as a quaint dessert cafe has evolved into one of the island’s most highly rated full-service restaurants. Starting this month, YogurStory kicks off its new menu, bringing back a few old favorites as well as introducing some new dishes that are sure to please the palate.

“There were some things we took off the menu for a period of time, but our customers insisted we bring them back,” says executive chef Andy Dalan, who opened the eatery when it first debuted. “Having been in the business for many years, we understand what our customers like and use that knowledge to put out quality, Asian fusion-style dishes with a creative twist.”

Those who frequented the eatery in earlier years will be happy to see back on the menu favorites like Oinker ($14), a fried rice symphony of bacon, ham, pork adobo, egg, Portuguese sauce and green onions. “After much feedback, we are happy to welcome the Oinker back,” says Dalan. “It is truly a meat lover’s dish and can satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.”

In harmony with its diverse customer demographic, YogurStory is happy to present several new Asian-inspired items for customers to try. The K-Town Chicken & Waffle ($13) offers a twist to the classic chicken-and-waffle dish by marinating six chicken wings in a sauce medley of Gochujang, soy sauce, garlic, cilantro and lemon zest. “Since we are located in the Koreatown of Hawaii, we wanted to showcase the different Korean flavors with a dish that could be savory, sweet and spicy,” says Dalan.

Currently open exclusively for brunch with dinner service soon to come, the eatery offers all the daytime staples in a full range of styles and flavor profiles. Popular choices include the Pope Benedict ($13), a classically prepared eggs benedict with roasted greens, mushrooms and red peppers topped with pesto and balsamic. Fans of a refreshing salad will enjoy the Ninja Tofu Salad ($11) with mixed greens, watercress, tofu, tomatoes and crispy salmon skin underneath a tangy codfish vinaigrette.

Paying homage to a popular Filipino cuisine, YogurStory’s newest waffle, the Waffle Pino ($12), is the ultimate dessert and consists of an ube waffle topped with haupia sauce, ube ice cream, toasted coconut and halo-halo garnish. “I have been cooking Asian-style cuisine all my life having been born and raised in Hawaii,” says Dalan. “With experience, I have found the different flavors that make up our community’s melting pot of cultures work extremely well together and wanted my menu to reflect that fact.”

With access to a supermarket directly behind the eatery, Dalan frequently walks over to grab fresh produce and experiment with new recipes. “I constantly play with new ingredients to get inspired,” says the chef, who regularly researches food trends in areas like New York City and Los Angeles.

To amplify the restaurant’s full-spectrum menu using only the freshest ingredients, YogurStory is also dedicated to offering impeccable customer service. “Our customers always come first,” explains Na’o Fukazawa, the front of house manager, who comes to the eatery after being named the top server at Roy’s Waikiki. “People usually eat their first meal with us, so our mission is to help them start off their day in the best possible way.”

In addition to enjoying brunch, customers are welcome to reserve the YogurStory space for private events. The whimsically decorated space, reminiscent of the cafes that appear in popular Korean drama shows, offer the ideal ambiance for bridal showers, anniversary parties and more.

Parking is available on both sides of the restaurant.

YogurStory

815 Keeaumoku St. Ste. 105, Honolulu
942-0505
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Saturday-Sunday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

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