Still Cooking

What started as a place to share a few cherished recipes with family and friends has grown into an iconic local restaurant over the past 75 years.

Opened in 1935 by current owner Joy Morihara’s grandparents, Sekiya’s Restaurant and Delicatessen on Kaimuki Avenue is a community staple still serving up traditional favorites.

From soups and donburi to seafood dishes, burgers and more, there is always something to choose from at this eatery. “We offer a wide variety, the sort of food you can eat everyday,” says Morihara. And since all the delectable menu items are home-style and cooked from scratch, Sekiya’s has become a home away from home for many. “A lot of customers eat here all the time.”

The establishment also specializes in Okazu, or Japanese delicatessen foods. As the first items sold there, Okazu make up the food foundation of this legendary spot and are still offered today. Patrons can choose from an assortment of small dishes such as barbecue meat (85 cents a slice), miso soup ($1.75 small, $2.95 medium, $4.95 large), and vegetable tempura ($1.10). Frequenters also enjoy the various sushi options available at the delicatessen counter as you enter the restaurant.

For dine-in customers, the full course meal accompanying the entree of your choice includes miso soup, rice, tsukemono, and a pot of green tea to complete your dining experience. However, save room for dessert because you’ll love the old-diner feel of the fountain service favorites like hot fudge sundaes, milk shakes, and Root Beer Floats.

With a huge selection of homemade comfort foods, you’ll want to make this longstanding restaurant part of your family tradition if it isn’t already.

Signature Dishes at Sekiya’s

Dine-in or takeout these hot menu items and more:

Beef Sukiyaki Udon ($14.95)

Cooked from scratch with shiitake mushroom, tofu, watercress, round onion, Island egg, makina, green onion, gobo, and udon, this dish is bursting with flavor. It’s also available with chicken or pork and is served with the full course meal. “Older, more traditional people like to eat this,” Morihara says.

Chicken Katsu ($11.95)

Morihara says that this crispy local favorite consisting of panko-crusted fried chicken and homemade katsu sauce is popular amongst the younger crowds. Together with the full course meal, you’ll be more than satisfied.

Saimin ($6.95 large)

This No. 1 dish features a homemade broth that mixes dried shrimp, char siu, vegetables, and chicken broth. “The saimin’s always a favorite, gotta have it with the BBQ Stick ($1.95).” Slurp up those noodle in small ($5.18), large ($6.95), or x-large ($9.37) bowls.

Sekiya’s Restaurant and Delicatessen

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