What to Eat During September’s Okinawan Feastival in Honolulu
Not the festival, the FEASTival: 28 eateries continue the celebration of all foods Okinawan with special dishes until Sept. 18.
Okinawan FEASTival is a delicious way we can support Okinawan-owned restaurants and food businesses on O‘ahu. From the opening of American Cafe in 1923 to today, there have been over 350. Most have closed, but a new generation of around 65 Okinawan-owned eateries are here today.
The 4th Okinawan FEASTival runs from Sept. 4–18 and features Uchinanchu-licious specials at 28 local restaurants and food businesses. Not only does it shine a spotlight on a cuisine with a distinct flavor and character that is completely different from Japanese food, it’s also an ‘ono way to discover new eateries and revisit old favorites. Go HERE for a complete list and HERE to find out when each special is available and which you’ll need to preorder.
Afterward, the hope is you’ll continue to support these local restaurants. Here’s what each one is offering and when:
SEE ALSO: Your Insider Guide to the 41st Okinawan Festival
Okinawan Sweet Potato Andagi and Okinawan Zenzai, Aloha Andagi
Junko Bise and her crew will pop up in the covered parking lot of Marukai Dillingham serving regular andagi and Okinawan sweet potato andagi. You’ll want to try the hot Okinawan Zenzai that features barley and kidney beans.
Sept. 15–17, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until sold out, 2310 Kamehameha Hwy, @alohaandagi_llc
Loco Moco Taco Rice, Aloha Table
Aloha Table marries Hawai‘i and Okinawa favorites with its taco rice with loco moco demi-gravy sauce ($19.50) and Alo-Hai-Sai Sampler (‘ahi and Okinawan mozuku seaweed poke, Aloha Tofu and local goya poke, Okinawan fish cake rolled with chives; $17). Call or go online to make a reservation. Validated parking at Hyatt Centric.
Aug. 24–Sept. 18, 2238 Lau‘ula St. #2F, (808) 922-2221, waikiki.alohatable.com, @alohatable_waikiki
Jimami Dofu, Aloha Tofu
From Sept. 4 to 16, Aloha Tofu Factory will handmake this Okinawan peanut tofu with a sweet sauce. This is not regularly offered, so don’t miss the chance to try this iconic Okinawan snack. Limit 5 per customer (3.5 oz for $4.50).
Owner Paul Uyehara is also offering discounts on Yushidofu (soft, silky tofu with a custardy texture) and ‘Ohana Soy Sauce (a dashi shoyu that pairs well with tofu). You can get a quarter-scoop of Yushidofu for $4, a half-scoop for $7 and Ohana Soy Sauce for $7.50. Call to preorder and set your pickup date and time at Aloha Tofu Factory in Kalihi.
Sept. 4–16, 961 Akepo Lane, (808) 845-2669, aloha-tofu.com, @alohatofufactory
Goya Beer and Soki Soba, Beer Lab HI
A special release, limited run of goya (bitter melon) beer with a new goya bingata design will be available to drink at Beer Lab HI locations starting Sept. 1, while supplies last. Preorder will launch Aug. 31 at 1:30 p.m. online (see website below).
Beer Lab’s Pearlridge location (98-1005 Moanalua Road) will serve soki soba featuring Okuhara kamaboko.
Sept. 9-11, multiple locations, beerlabhi.com, @beerlabhi
Okinawan Sweet Potato Crunch, Chibi Confectionery
Chibi’s is baking up this treat of Okinawan sweet potato on a buttery macadamia nut crust, plus Shikuwasa Glazed Shortbread, and Miso Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies (using white miso). Order via the website or call to inquire about pickup locations.
Sept. 4–20, (808) 383-0063, chibiconfectionery.com, @chibiconfectionery
Shikuwasa Shave Ice, Chillest Shave Ice
Chillest will feature this Okinawan citrus shave ice, as well as a Caramel Kokuto (Okinawan black sugar) drizzle. Follow their Instagram for dates and times of pop-ups. Cash and Venmo only.
Sept. 9 and 16, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fishcake, 307 Kamani St., @chillestshaveice
Vegan Okinawan Taco Rice, Coco Bloom Kitchen
Chef Jun Sakamoto of Coco Bloom Kitchen has created a Vegan Okinawa Taco Rice with Kahumana Organic Farm green mix, local tomato, local avocado, Aloha Tofu soboro meat, vegan cheese, vegan mayo sauce, multigrain rice and Okinawan sweet potato chips. Call to order.
Sept. 4–18, 3221 Wai‘alae Ave. Suite A-3, cafe.coco-bloom.com, @cocobloomkitchen
Goya Champuru Omurice With Mushroom Gravy, Feast
Feast joins FEASTival with an exclusive dish featuring wok-charred Spam, bitter melon and a buttery soft scrambled egg. Order online via the website.
Sept. 5–9 and Sept. 12–16, 2845 Lowrey Ave., feast808.square.site, @feast808
Spam Andagi Pop, Hank’s Haute Dogs
Picture a thick slice of seared Spam dipped in andagi batter and fried up, and you get Hank’s Haute Dogs’ back-by-popular-demand pops. Comes with a honey mustard mayo dipping sauce. No preorders, walk-in only, so go early! Orders are limited to two pops per person.
Sept. 4–10, 324 Coral St., (808) 532-4265, hankshautedogs.com, @hankshautedogs
Hibachi Grilled Burger Combo, Hibachi Honolulu
Get a Hibachi Grilled Burger and Fries Combo for $11.50, a $2 discount off the regular price. Must mention Okinawan FEASTival to get the discount. Choice of Basic Burger, Teri Burger, Jalapeño Burger or Blue Cheese Burger. One hour validated parking available.
Sept. 4–18, 514 Keawe St., (808) 762-0845, hibachihonolulumarket.com, @hibachihonolulu
Aunty Kay’s Sweet Potato Manju and Big FEASTival Sale, Ige’s Halawa
Aunty Kay’s Sweet Potato Manju will be available to preorder online (see website below) from Sept. 1, with pickup on Sept. 6, 9 and 13.
Ige’s Big Okinawan FEASTival Sale will be on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Preorder Okinawan Mixed Plate and Andagi by the dozen from Sept. 10. There will be a a lot of baked goods on sale, all first come, first served.
Sept. 16, 99-1086B Iwaena St., (808) 486-6868, igeshalawa.com, @igeshalawa
Okinawan Taco Rice Suppli, Ili‘ili Cash & Carry
Ili‘ili Cash & Carry’s Okinawan FEASTival dish will be a merging of Roman and Okinawan cuisine. It uses carnaroli risotto rice to make a taco rice croquette, inspired by the Taco Rice at Ethel’s Grill. Preorder by phone or online.
Sept. 5-18, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., 2065 S. Beretania St., (808) 367-0606, @iliili_cash_carry
FEASTival Sausage, Island Sausage
This special features a house-made pork sausage with house-made bun, okonomiyaki topping (house-made sauce with Kewpie mayo, bonito flakes, aonori, pickled ginger) and fries. Call to order. Validated parking available.
Sept. 4–8, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Suite 6F, (808) 888-0509, islandsausage.com, @island.sausage
Gluten-free AndaGhee, Kapa Hale
Made with rice flour and ghee, this special is chef-owner Keaka Lee’s take on Okinawan doughnuts. Mochi donut meets andagi! Fried to order. Order online or call the restaurant. For lunch, preorder 24 hours in advance.
Sept. 4–18, 4614 Kilāuea Ave., Suite 102, (808) 888-2060, kapahale.com, @4614kapahale
Free Pork & Bittermelon Dish With $50 Order, Kin Wah Chop Suey
Kin Wah is celebrating its Okinawan part-owner Joy: When you spend $50 or more on a single order, the restaurant will throw in a free order of Pork and Bitter Melon in Black Bean Sauce. Call (808) 247-4812 to make a reservation or order. Must mention FEASTival.
Sept. 5–17, 45-588 Kamehameha Hwy, (808) 247-4812, kinwahchopsuey.com
Umibudo (Okinawan Sea Grapes), Kona Abalone
This super popular seaweed grown in Okinawa pairs well with seafood and has a satisfying crunch. It’s now grown in Kona, so we have access to fresh umibudo! Order and pick up at Kona Abalone on Kapahulu or at the KCC Saturday Farmers Market. Preorder is required, as it takes 3–4 days to arrive from Kona. Also available at Nijiya Ala Moana, Don Quijote Kaheka, and Marukai.
Ongoing, 415 Kapahulu Ave., (808) 941-4120, bigislandabalone.com, @konaabalone
Okinawan Dinner Night, Mango Street Grill
This Wahiawā restaurant’s Okinawa Dinner Night will feature three special appetizer options (Agedashi Tofu, Agenasu, Chicken Yakitori Sticks), a Shoyu Pork entrée and dessert of Mini Andagi with option to add on ice cream. Live entertainment by Afuso Ryu Hawaii. Call to make a reservation.
Sept. 17, 5 to 8 p.m., 130 Mango St., (808) 627-5451, centraloahueventcenter.com, @mangostreetgrill
Abura Miso and Jyu Shi Me, Masa & Joyce Okazuya
This Kāne‘ohe okazuya will have several FEASTival dishes: Okinawan Abura Miso (seasoned miso using crispy pork), Jyu Shi Me (Okinawan rice soup), Andagi, Okinawa Soba, Pig’s Feet Soup, Hawai‘i Okinawan Style Oxtail Soup, and Okinawan Sweet Potato Mochi (grilled, not deep-fried). Call to preorder and set date and time of pickup.
Ongoing, 45-582 Kamehameha Hwy, (808) 235-6129, @masaandjoyce
Rafute Ravioli and Tako Raisu Hand Roll, Obake Honolulu
Obake’s FEASTival-exclusive dishes are a house-made Ravioli with Awamori-Braised Pork Belly, Shoyu, Ginger and Miso ($10); and Tako Raisu, a custom hand roll with Mauka Meats minced Venison, Taco Seasoning, Mirin Valentina with House Soy, Lettuce and Tomato ($6, dinner only). Expect a special cocktail! No reservations, walk-in only.
Sept. 4–9, 1112 Smith St., obakehonolulu.com, @obakehonolulu
$7.50 Breakfast, Pagoda Restaurant
All through September, mention “FEASTival” to get the $7.50 Breakfast Specials for dine-in and takeout. Pagoda Restaurant is now located in the Pagoda Hotel’s International West Ballroom.
Sept. 1–30, weekdays from 7 to 11 a.m., weekends from 7 a.m. to noon, 1525 Rycroft St., (808) 948-8354, pagodahawaii.com, @pagodahawaii
Miso Soy Braised Pork Shank, Roy’s Hawai‘i Kai
Roy Yamaguchi connects to his Okinawan roots with a Miso Soy Braised Pork Shank served with Okinawan Sweet Potato, Roasted Garlic Aloha Tofu Aioli and Champuru Relish ($56). Only available at Roy’s Hawai‘i Kai for dine-in or take out. Limited amounts will be made each day, so preorder the FEASTival special by phone or making your reservation on OpenTable.
Sept. 4–18, 6600 Kalanianaʻole Hwy Suite 110, (808) 396-7697, royyamaguchi.com, @royshawaii
Braised Rafute and Pickled Goya Udon, Shima-ya
Ryne Shimabukuro will serve up two-hour Braised Rafute Udon with house-made Pickled Goya, green onions and chile threads in a house-made broth. Udon is handmade and cooked to order. Special available on Sept. 16 at Fishcake. Reserve your udon from Sept. 14 via IG Direct Message. Walk-in orders will be taken after 2 p.m.
Sept. 16, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 307 Kamani St., @shimas_oodles.of.noodles
5 Okinawan Soups, Sunrise Restaurant
Katsu and Tomoko Tamayose will offer takeout orders of Pig’s Feet Soup, Nakami (Intestine) Soup, Spare Rib Soup, Okinawan Miso Soup and Okinawa Soba on weekdays. Nakami is not on the regular menu and worth a try. Preorders are a must, so call ahead.
Sept. 5–8 and 11–15, 525 Kapahulu Ave. #A, (808) 737-4118, thesunriserestaurant.com, @sunriserestauranthawaii
Rafute Benedict and Special Okinawan Pre-Fixe Dinner, Tango Contemporary Café
Lawrence Nakamoto’s Rafute Benedict features slow-braised pork belly, toasted house-made focaccia, poached eggs, crispy Okinawan sweet potatoes, beni shoga and hollandaise sauce. Only available at breakfast and brunch, dine-in or take out.
A special Okinawan pre fixe dinner (with alcohol pairing) takes place on Sept. 26 at 5 p.m. Courses include Taco Rice Arancini, Cured Kona Kampachi Salad with Umibudo and Shikuwasa Vinaigrette, Rafute, and Okinawan Sweet Potato Creme Brulee. $75 without alcohol, $92 with alcohol. Call to make a reservation.
Sept. 4–18, 1288 Ala Moana Blvd. #120, (808) 593-7288, tangocafehawaii.com, @tangocafehonolulu
Special Okinawan Bento, Teruya’s Andagi
The Special Okinawan Bento of Spam roll, Okinawan yakisoba, shoyu pork, bitter melon and sweet potato mochi is available in limited quantities for $11. Andagi, sweet potato mochi and regular bentos will also be available. No preorders or phone orders.
Sept. 5–9 and 12–16, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1104 Pensacola St., (808) 389-1714, teruyasandagi.com, @teruyas_andagi
Persian Baklava Andagi and Okonomiyaki, Voyage by Chef Amin
Okinawan FEASTival specials of Persian Baklava Andagi (walnuts, pistachio, almond and cardamom minus the phyllo) and Makrut (Kaffir) Lime Andagi, plus Okonomiyaki made with Okinawa soba noodles will be offered at the Voyage food truck at the Jefferson Elementary Saturday Farmers Market. Text Chef Amin at (808) 202-0288 or DM via IG to preorder. He will also be at the Kailua Lokahi Market on Sept. 10 and 17, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Sept. 9 and 16, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., 324 Kapahulu Ave., (808) 202-0288, @voyagechefamin
Rafute, Okinawa Yakisoba and Sanpincha Drinks, Zigu
Zigu’s three FEASTival specials will run the entire month of September: Okinawan-style Braised Pork Belly Rafute with Egg and Daikon ($21), Stir-Fried Okinawa Soba Noodles made “Champuru” Style ($19) and Ikura Shooter with Okinawan Mozuku Seaweed and Hawaiian Ogo. Call for reservations. Validated parking across the street at Hyatt Centric.
Available through September, 413 Seaside Ave., (808) 212-9252, zigu.us, @zigu.hi
