Chirashi Don ($7.95)
KuruKuru Sushi, which has locations in Pearl Kai Shopping Center and Kahala Mall, is known for treating customers to a unique, interactive sushi experience and serving fresh, authentic Japanese cuisine. The family-owned restaurant boasts delicious offerings from its conveyor belt sushi classics along with its diverse menu options.
This week, we learned more about everything KuruKuru Sushi has to offer from its co-owner and chief financial officer, Tsunaki Goto, who is a second-generation owner after Tetsuo and Mieko Goto founded the eatery more than two decades ago.
DO: Could you give us a brief history about KuruKuru Sushi.
TG: It started with my parents’ generation back in 1986 with their first restaurant called Gonbei in Honolulu. They brought authentic dishes from Japan, created their own homemade sauces and used seasonal ingredients.
Throughout the 40 years of being in the restaurant business, some of the recipes still remain the same and have been passed down to KuruKuru Sushi.
We opened our Pearl Kai Shopping Center location in 2003 and the Kahala Mall eatery in 2011.
DO: Describe the restaurant’s ambiance and décor.
TG: We like to keep a casual, at-home feel to our restaurant so it is inviting to all ages. We want to be that place for our customers, whether it’s family and friends coming in to celebrate special occasions or just one person sitting at the counter for a quick bite. KuruKuru is appealing to tourists because of our conveyor-belt-style options, and we do not have too many on this island. Takeout is really popular as well. Locals like to stop by after the beach for a quick takeout, or take out a platter for parties. Another unique thing about us is that we offer a variety of items; not just sushi.
DO: What are KuruKuru Sushi’s bestselling dishes?
TG: One of our most popular items is the Spicy Tuna Don. It boasts spicy ahi served atop a bowl of rice, and our housemade spicy sauce elevates the dish even more. The Chicken Karaage, Tem pura Pumpkin, Dynamite, Seared Garlic Ahi, Seared Garlic Hamachi and Seared Garlic Salmon are also popular options. (Contact store for all prices.)
DO: What are some unique items that can be found on the menu?
TG: Our homemade Chawanmushi is hard to find at Japanese restaurants nowadays, so it’s very popular. It’s an egg custard dish that features a savory flavor and is a comfort food for all ages. Meanwhile, the Chirashi Don showcases a variety of fresh seafood and vegetables that are usually only served at high-end sushi restaurants. KuruKuru’s Curry Udon is also a unique, bestselling item, which boasts an udon noodle soup that is made fresh daily and not from a package.
Agedashi Tofu is also very popular and is complemented with our homemade soup broth.
DO: Do you have any “pro tips” when dining at the restaurant?
TG: Order our tempura items with our spicy sauce and the Spam with our unagi sauce — those are not on the menu. People also like to order Tonkatsu and Curry Bowl to make it into a Katsu Curry Bowl.
DO: What experience do you hope customers take away when dining at KuruKuru Sushi?
TG: We hope our customers enjoy our family-oriented business and indulge in a variety of our other items in addition to our delicious sushi.
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