Something new: Whatchafillin’
I can’t believe it’s already been two years since Whatchafillin’ — the truck selling Japanese waffle cakes stuffed with original fillings — first hit the scene. Their version of the Japanese obanyaki/dorayaki (or the Taiwanese chēlún bǐng) was a monthly hit at Eat the Street and a daily hit on the street, all over Honolulu. They later settled at the Kapahulu food truck lot before taking a hiatus.
Anna and Christie Fejeran at their new spot in WZ Entertainment.
Well, the fresh-griddled waffle sandwiches are back, and in a more permanent spot. Christie Fejeran, who originally owned the truck, has passed the business to her sister Anna (but will still be involved). Since Anna manages the WZ Entertainment game center on Waialae Avenue and they’ve been trying to beef up their cafe menu offerings, it was a natural for her to bring in the beloved Whatchafillin’. They’re starting with four waffle items and the new rice cake.
Whatchafillin’s French Kiss.
If you have never eaten at Whatchafillin’, start with the most popular French Kiss, which is filled with ham, Guyere cheese, caramelized onions and mayonnaise. This is like a meal in itself, with a nice mellow blend of sweet and savory.
Whatchafillin’s Hot Stuff.
I wasn’t sure I would like the Hot Stuff when I saw it, because it sounded too rich and too spicy. I was wrong! The cream cheese, cheddar cheese and dried jalapeños are a nice combination, and it’s mixed in the right amounts so you get a little of each.
Whatchafillin’ Baby Cake.
The Fejeran sisters are holding the desserts, above, and shown here is the Baby Cake, filled with New York-style cheesecake and lilikoi sauce. Yum, that’s a classic combo! Dessert on the go is always a good idea. The other dessert (not shown close up since it’s self-explanatory) is the popular Nuts About You, filled with Nutella, peanut butter and sliced bananas.
Cooking the Whatchafillin’ rice cake.
One of the new offerings here will be the mochi rice cake, filled with salmon belly and a choice of ginger miso sauce or chili oil sauce.
Whatchafillin’ rice cake.
When it’s done, they brush it with shoyu and sprinkle furikake. The outside rice is nice and crunchy, while the inside is soft and chewy. You can easily eat this with your hands, but since I’m a delicate blossom, I used a fork.
WZ Entertainment owner Tiana Haraguchi getting a bite of her first Whatchafillin’ in her arcade.
Whatchafillin’ opens tomorrow, January 27, inside WZ Entertainment on Waialae Avenue. They’ll be open daily from 6 to 10 p.m., which Anna says are their peak hours, but will extend hours as the customer base builds. Parking is on the street or upstairs.
Whatchafillin’
3457 Waialae Avenue
808-737-4101
