Catering to the Hungry Crowd

LONG KNOWN AS THE GO-TO SPOT for heart-soothing neighborhood comfort food that somehow finds that perfect balance between authentic Japanese inspiration and unique Hawaiian flair, Sekiya’s Restaurant and Delicatessen doles out steaming bowls of goodness alongside affordably delicious okazu offerings that simply hit the spot.

When dining at the family-friendly eatery, which has been a part of Kaimuki’s community for multiple generations, you’ll want to try these feast-worthy winners.

Served simmering, and brimming with broth that boasts veggies, meats and endless flavors, Nabeyaki Udon ($14.45) is one of the most common and popular types of udon. The dish offers a warm concoction of thick wheat-flour noodles, kamaboko (vibrantly colored Japanese fish cake), Shiitake mushroom, chicken, watercress, egg and shrimp tempura. Served in a single bowl, this slurp-worthy selection is a staple at any authentic Japanese establishment, and a must at Sekiya’s.

Those searching for a hearty offering need look no further than Large Saimin & Hamburger Deluxe ($12.90), featuring a made-from-scratch patty grilled to perfection and placed on a hamburger bun with classic fixings of tomato, onion, lettuce and, of course, pickle. Paired with an accompanying bowl of saimin — one could actually call it a tureen, in light of its generous size — the combo meal more than satisfies even the most hefty of appetites.

General manager Lynn Ky shares the secret that makes the restaurant’s saimin so special. “Our broth is homemade,” she explains, “and simmered for five or six hours each day.” After one heavenly sip, patrons understand why Sekiya’s take the extra time.

In addition to enjoying these carefully crafted comfort foods inside the momand-pop shop’s cozy dine-in setting, customers have become accustomed to savoring Sekiya’s cuisine at special occasions off-site as well. Ky calls attention to a wealth of assorted catering items (prices vary), and says the eatery offers “everything from small, lite lunch items to full dinner-type meals” that can be made-to-order and ready for pick-up en route to any party, event or gathering. “Just call a few days ahead — people can call in (orders for) as small as groups of two to very large groups,” adds Ky.

And with more than 40 enticing items to choose from on its catering menu, Sekiya’s patrons have their picks among a wide array of okazu and entree options. So whether it be assorted tempura, cone sushi, shoyu chicken, maki, musubi or more, this charming establishment is more than equipped to supply.

“Mix-n-match pupu platters — for sporting events or for parents to take with them to soccer games or other gatherings — and especially our bento boxes (starting at $5.75) are perfect for that, and are very popular,” Ky says. And in response to Dining Out‘s query of just who the catering menu is “catered to,” in particular?

“Why, everyone!” she assures.

Sekiya’s Restaurant & Delicatessen

2746 Kaimuki Ave.
732-1656
Sunday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
Delicatessen open 8 a.m.-3 p.m.