Khan Skewer Restaurant turns up the heat with its variety of meat skewer options. Photo courtesy Khan Skewer Restaurant.
Named after the Mongol warrior and ruler Genghis Khan, Khan Skewer Restaurant, which opened in 2021, is an eatery specializing in Mongolian-flavored meat on skewers.
According to legend, the Mongol warrior supposedly prepared spicy skewers on an open fire for his hungry soldiers.
Patrons can order three or five skewers and select from a variety of meats from beef and lamb to pork belly and chicken thigh. The Mongolian-style restaurant also offers seafood options such as fish tofu, scallop with vermicelli and grilled whole squid.
Co-founder and store manager Fiona Yang tells us more about Khan Skewer Restaurant’s flavor-packed foods.
DO: What makes your skewers unique?
FY: We wanted a restaurant where guests can experience a fusion of styles. We created Khan Skewer to let more people know about the taste of Mongolia in China. The flavor of the seasoning is Mongolian barbecue. All of our spices are imported. But because we’re in Hawaii, we incorporate some Hawaiian features like pineapple or a pineapple applesauce. We also use fresh ingredients and traditional seasonings, and we incorporate Hawaiian pineapples.
DO: Since you are known for your skewers, what are some of your bestselling options?
FY: One of our bestselling skewers is the Maui Venison Skewer ($9.99 for three; $13.99 for five), which feature bite-sized pieces of venison marinated in a blend of Mongolian ingredients such as soy sauce, shaoxin cooking wine, seafood sauce, five-spice powder, cumin, Sichuan peppercorn, ginger and scallion. It is then grilled to perfection, offering a savory and slightly sweet flavor with a hint of smokiness.
There is also the Lamb Skewer ($8.99 for three; $12.99 for five), which uses lamb legs cut into small cubes and marinated in a blend of traditional Mongolian spices and sauces. The lamb is infused with flavors from the soy sauce, garlic, ginger, cumin, star anise, fennel and a hint of chile, giving it a deep, aromatic flavor.
Our newest item is the Spicy Catfish ($48.99), a vibrant and flavorful dish comprised of cooked catfish in a rich sauce — perfect for a main course with a spicy kick. The catfish marinates in a medley of Sichuan peppercorns, dried chile peppers, garlic and ginger, then topped with a sauce of rice wine, soy sauce and dried pepper.
DO: What are some non-skewer options that you recommend?
FY: We do have a lot seafood options. One of these is the Griddle-fried Spicy Shrimp ($28.99). This delectable seafood dish features succulent shrimp seasoned with a bold blend of spices. Cooked on a hot griddle, the shrimp are quickly fried to achieve a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender and juicy center. This dish is often garnished with fresh scallion and served over noodles or vegetables.
DO: What is your favorite dish?
FY: My favorite is the Lamb Skewer and the Spicy Catfish. I like lamb because of my hometown. I grew up in northwest China, where the main food is lamb and beef. And because I’m Mongolian, we love lamb very much.
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