Rolling with Tradition

Caterpillar Roll

Kunio Restaurant is located in Waikele Outlet Mall, it is a traditional Japanese restaurant offering things like teishoku dinners, sukiyaki, and sushi; there is definitely something for everyone. Usually I order teriyaki beef teishoku, which is like a complete meal. Teishoku are served with miso soup, salad, rice, and the meal, in tho case teri beef. However, I wasn't as hungry and decided to opt for a simpler meal, so I chose to have a sushi roll. A caterpillar roll has unagi (fresh water eel), cucumber, and mayo inside and on the outside it is topped with fresh slices of avocado and drizzled with "house sauce", it was so yummy and fresh, especially with the side of ginger. No wasabi needed.

Check out Kunio Restaurant:

Waikele Center
94-799 Lumiaina St, Ste 2F
Waipahu, HI 96797

http://restaurantkunio.com/

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so pho, so good

Tofu-Vege Pho

Pho is a vietnamese soup and has become very popular over the years with many varieties from vegetarian to a meat combo with beef, tripe, and tendons. I was never a fan of this noodle soup growing up but I have come to love it! My favorite is tofu vegetable at  Pho Five-O in Aiea. What makes eating pho so good is the dipping sauce that you create to your liking. I like to put hoisin, sriracha, and the red garlicky paste (unsure of the name). Without the basil and sauce Pho can come off plain or bland, so don't be afraid to try it with these "flavor enhancers" it'll make your experience one of great taste! Pairing your hot pho with spring or summer rolls will sure to satisfy any hunger. 

Visit Pho Five-O: 
98-020 Kamehameha Hwy
Aiea, HI 96701
http://www.phofive-o.com
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I Spy Acai

Mini Acai Bowl ($5.50)

Tucked in the streets of Kalihi, yes Kalihi, there is a small cafe named Family Roots. My friend Allie is always on the lookout for new places that serve Acai Bowls. They serve up light food fare, perfect for lunch on the go, items include salads, sandwich wraps, and deliciously pressed paninis. Aside from that, my friends and I all ordered their acai bowl, which comes in a mini ($5.50) or regular size ($7.50). Atop the layer of acai were an array of fresh fruit from bananas to blackberries as well as crunchy granola, and all bowls are drizzled with your choice of organic honey or agave. It was the perfect all-in-one meal for a warm afternoon!

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Visit Family Roots: 
2153 N King St
Kalihi, Honolulu, HI 96819

For Sushi Lovers!

Hakone Japanese Restaurant is located in the Waikiki Prince Hotel, and is a must stop for Japanese and sushi lovers. My family and I went there to celebrate the joint birthday of my grandparents! Hakone is a favorite of my dad because of the assortment of sashimi and sushi bar. It is an all you can eat buffet but only Friday through Sunday. There are a variety of Japanese delicacies from oden, shabu shabu, shoyu pork belly, and tempura. Not only is Hakone a spot for traditional japanese foods, it is famous for the all you can eat sushi assortment. There are traditional nigiri (toro, ahi, hamachi, salmon, amaebi etc.), hand rolls (california, spicy ahi, etc.), and even specialty nigiri like unagi (eel), ikura (salmon roe) and uni (sea urchin). All sushi nigiri are prepared by hand by their in house Itamae (sushi chef), the line grows fast but it's worth it. For the conservatives and the adventurous, Hakone is sure to fancy any japanese craving, especially those who love seafood!

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Check them out: http://www.princeresortshawaii.com/hawaii-prince-hotel-waikiki/hawaii-prince-hakone.php

Assorted Handmade Nigiri

Assorted Sashimi

My Belly is Lucky

Amidst the bustling streets of Chinatown on the corner of North Hotel Street and Smith lies an eclectic and sophisticated Asian Fusion bar. With a wide selection of beers, wines, and spirits. Lucky Belly provides customers with a small menu that is sure to pack a punch, whether you're hungry or just want to relax with co-workers after a busy week. Smaller portions allow consumers to order a few of the things off the menu making it perfect for sharing. One of the more popular appetizers is the pork belly bao, tender pieces of pork belly are sandwiched between pillowy buns and sauced with sweet sake hoisin. Another recommendation is the watercress and chicharones salad, fresh watercress is paired with halved cherry tomatoes and immersed in a peppered sherry vinaigrette, so good! It was only right to also order one of the LB's ramen, I ordered the Belly Bowl, the meatiest of the bunch. The broth was very yummy, and the seaweed, bean sprouts, and soft-boiled egg made it a real treat. Squirt some chili oil in the broth and the taste totally transforms into a spicy masterpiece. Overall, a great space with a modern twist, glad I stopped to check it out.


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*If you plan to go to the Belly make reservations, its growing popularity fills up seats quickly!
luckybelly.com