A CLOSER LOOK AT THIS WEEK’S HOUSE SPECIAL: Two Layered Osechi Box ($199 plus tax)
Convenience, quality and authentic Japanese fare meld effortlessly at Mamaya. The Pearl Kai Shopping Center establishment specializes in Japanese-style bento boxes, and although they are pre-packaged, Mamaya replenishes its bentos frequently to guarantee freshness.
Store manager Dan Kobayashi already is looking ahead to the new year, as Mamaya features the special Two Layered Osechi Box.
“As a new year approaches, we have prepared a very traditional Two Layered Osechi Box that the whole family can enjoy at home. We want our customers to enjoy the enhanced flavors of Mamaya’s homemade Osechi,” says store manager Dan Kobayashi.
Osechi is very popular among Japanese families, and all are welcomed to try it. Patrons may reserve their new year’s bento box now through Saturday Dec. 27, and pickup is from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. New Year’s Eve. Mamaya staff kindly ask that you inform them of your preferred pickup time. “Two Layered Osechi only can be reserved at the store and paid for at the time of reservation,” says Kobayashi.
The bento box presents traditional Japanese New Year foods. The layers of Osechi features Sweet Black Beans, Salted Herring Roe and Sweet Omelet Roll, along with Celebration Shrimp, Shoyu Sugar-glazed Sardines, Kona Abalone and Tuskemono with radish and carrots.
Compartments also are reserved for Gobo with Sesame Seeds, Vinaigrette Marinated Octopus and Seasoned Salmon Roe.
There’s something for everyone in the bento box. Other compartments are packed with Mashed Sweet Potato with Sweet Chestnuts, Celebration Fishcake, Simmered Konbu Rolls (konbu represents joy), Rose Shaped Salmon with Capers, Grilled Yellowtail with Teriyaki Sauce, Sweet Shoyu Beef and Nishime.
Osechi as a whole is supposed to bring good luck and good health for the upcoming year, and each bento item symbolizes something.
For example, Shoyu Sugar-glazed Sardines represents an abundant harvest and Salted Herring Roe signifies a wish to be gifted with children in the new year.
“The (bento) box will be wrapped in a celebration cloth, and placed inside a nice bag with five celebration chopsticks,” confirms Kobayashi.
Mamaya
Pearl Kai Shopping Center
98-199 Kamehameha Hwy., Aiea
492-1863
Daily, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
Aiea, HI 96701
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