Meals that make you ‘merry go round’ at Genki

Walking into Genki Sushi, one is met with a literal whirlwind of eye-teasing temptations. The first thing customers catch a glimpse of when gliding through the glass doors of this happening sushi spot is a conveyor belt packed to the hilt with yummy looking Japanese cuisine — each item whirring by, just begging to be devoured bite by delicious bite.

David Moon, director of purchasing at the establishment — which has won several Ilima Awards for its stellar sushi — says there are “many reasons that Genki Sushi is so popular and a great place to eat.” He describes the restaurant as “a family place that’s always convenient (the eatery has a wealth of branches clustered around the islands of Hawaii) and simple.”

Genki’s edible delights include Agedashi Tofu ($3), a dish that features cubed then fried soybean curd coupled with a delicious dashi sauce alongside for dipping or pouring over. A nice fit for the vegetarians among the dining crowd, this selection is sure to satisfy.

Bringing similar crispness and crunch to the table is Genki’s Oyster Fry ($4), presenting panko-breaded oysters fried just right, and served alongside an order of your choice of ponzu or Tonkatsu sauces atop a thin bed of sliced cabbage.

With its taste off-the-charts and its consistency presenting just the right amount of crumbly crispness on the outside and almost-buttery seafood softness on the inside, Moon explains with a smile that, “This one we brought back by popular demand.”

Ordered off the nigiri section of the menu, Garlic Salmon ($3) gives diners a protein-packed slab of savory and super fresh salmon bundled above a wedge of white rice. Topped with a delectable drizzle of garlic mayo, this sushi selection is the perfect balance of light yet filling cuisine.

After enjoying a lovely meal here, Moon makes sure we don’t miss out on the tantalizing dessert selections also available at the eatery. Take your pick among a variety of mochi, gourmet cupcakes, mochi ice cream and more to end your Genki Sushi experience on a sweet note.

Genki Sushi

Ward Centre (with additional locations)
1200 Ala Moana Blvd., Bldg. 3, Honolulu
591-5600
Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
genkisushiusa.com