The popular Japanese folk song Sakura, Sakura showcases silky-haired chanteuses whose golden voices offer lilting lyrics and hypnotic beats into the air — all eluding to the enchanting nature of the sakura (Japanese Cherry Blossom).
After listening to its lovely harmony harkening to the coming of Spring and all things fresh and green, it’s no mystery as to why the creators of Sakura Terrace Japanese Cafe, an eatery presently romancing patrons, would choose this moniker as its mast-head.
Perhaps one reason that the dishes are so fresh here, is that the concept of the restaurant directly was inspired by Tokyo’s world-famous Tsukiji Market, known for providing the freshest daily fare to Japan’s residents.
Mirroring this renowned market, Sakura Terrace boasts a menu offering an ample selection of fresh and healthy seafood daily, including scrumptious sashimi bowls, bentos, tempura and more, all within a tranquil and modern setting in the heart of Honolulu.
Vegetable Roll ($8)
And what about the restaurant’s vegetarian-friendly fare options? They’re certainly song-worthy, and teasing taste buds to a tune of three this week. So, raise your voice, raise your glass and raise that fork, because it’s time to sample some Sakura Terrace favorites.
Signature Macadamia Nut Tofu ($6) is a delicious dish accented with ground macadamia nuts, soy sauce and konbu dashi.
“The dish was inspired from the goma sesame seed tofu dish,” chef Takayuki Sekine explains. “Quite a bit of macadamia nut is ground to get the delicious flavor within the tofu. I’m proud to present this tasty, delicious creation to my customers.”
Bijin Salad ($9) brings to the table a bed of mixed vegetables, cucumber, avocado, tomato, watercress, red onion, yellow bell pepper, radish, papaya and tofu, topped with Sakura’s house dressing and a perfect crunch of sliced almonds.
Vegetable Roll ($8) also will vie for your attention, offering a satisfying bundle of Japanese rice, takuan, yama gobo, cucumber, radish sprouts, shiso, red leaf lettuce, avocado and mountain yam.
When asked what sets Sakura Terrace cuisine apart from the rest, Sekine comments that it’s “fresh, with healthy and quality ingredients, and made to order.” Sekine also mentions the presentation as “each bite is infused with traditional Japanese cuisine combined with modernity.”
Fresh, seasonal and naturally beautiful, this Sakura really is in full bloom, and definitely gives something to sing about.
Sakura Terrace Japanese Cafe
1240 S. King St., Honolulu
591-1181
Tuesday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–3 p.m. (lunch) and 5–10 p.m. (dinner)
Honolulu, HI 96814
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