Some Things Should Never Change

Ozoni Soup ($8.85)

The New Year signifies new resolutions, goals and beginnings — it’s a fresh start.

However, it’s common practice to ring in the new by paying homage to the old, through traditions. Many Japanese customs revolve around symbolism and food, and the New Year is no different. Enter Sekiya’s Restaurant & Delicatessen, a familiar and well loved culinary institution (they’ve been open since 1935), located behind Market City Shopping Center and across from Kaimuki High School.

Sekiya’s began as a saimin shop and blossomed during and after the war.

They sold various okazu (Japanese delicatessen foods), plate lunches, and desserts.

Sekiya’s Restaurant & Delicatessen has been owned and operated by the same family for four generations and is incredibly ohana-oriented.

In fact, they even honor senior citizens on Mondays — seniors (ages 65 and older) receive 10 percent off dine-in orders.

A TASTY TRADITION

In Japanese culture, a delicious way to welcome a brand new year on its eve is by enjoying Ozoni Soup ($8.85), a dish that symbolizes good luck. This savory dish includes small pieces of mochi, won bok, green onions, carrots and dashi soup broth made with shrimp. “Anyone who’s had the ozoni, remembers the ozoni,” says Sekiya’s Restaurant & Delicatessen manager and chef Trey Paresa. “We like to keep it simple.” The restaurant will be open on New Year’s Eve from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will also be offering party platter catering services for the holidays (while supplies last).