Asuka Nabe + Shabu Shabu

Asuka Nabe + Shabu Shabu is located in Kaimuki on Waialae Ave across from Coffee Talk. They are known for having delicious soup bases for shabu shabu. They are open for lunch on select days and open for dinner daily. Their lunch menu is limited. I recommend coming for dinner instead because they have a larger nabe selection. There are also more soup bases to choose from. My favorite soup bases are the paitan and the asuka classic. If you can't decide what to eat, order a nabe. It has a little bit of everything inside. The nabe portions are big so if you have a small appetite, you might want to share the nabe and just add on a couple more items.

If you come with a big group, reservations are recommend. Their booths are set up to seat 4-6 people. As for parking, you have the option of two paid parking lots. There's one behind First Hawaiian Bank and one across Bank of Hawaii. If you get lucky, you may find some street parking on Waialae or 11th Ave.

For more information about Asuka Nabe + Shabu Shabu, visit asukanabe.com.

3620 Waialae Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816
(808) 735-6666

Asuka Classic Soup Base

Asuka Nabe (meats, seafood, mushrooms, aburaage)

Asuka Nabe (vegetables, dumpling, udon)

Chris Kajioka Pop-Up Dinner at MW Restaurant

Chris Kajioka @ckcuisine, the former chef of Vintage Cave, recently did a pop-up dinner at the MW Restaurant. I was invited to this special dinner by Grant aka Chuggy Bear. The food served that night was delicious. The portions looked small but at the end of the night, I left with a full stomach. If you enjoy food and trying new things, I highly recommend trying Chris' food.

Vegetables Raw & Cooked, Buttermilk

Oysters, Alliums

Smoked Onion Dip, Roe, Lavosh

Duck Pastrami

Ramp "1000" Island, Chris Sy's Bread

Foie Gras, Fig Jam (Supplement)

Grilled Hamachi Collar, Kohlrabi, Black Garlic Emulsion (Supplement)

Glazed Pork Belly, Apple, Verjus & Lamb Shoulder, Honey, Shallot

Flatbread, Za'atar, Garlic, Duck Fat

Spreads & Condiments
(Picquillo Almond, Eggplant Balasamic, Cauliflower Yogurt Dill,
Harissa Hot Sauce, Pickled Onion, Marinated Cucumbers)

Roasted Cabbage, Anchovy, Apple, Parmesan

Doughnut, Brown Butter, Medjool Date

Nanzan GiroGiro

Nanzan GiroGiro is located near Ala Moana Center. They offer a kaiseki (multi-course Japanese dinner) which consist of 6 items. The restaurant has bar style seating and the kitchen is in the center. While you eat, you can watch the chefs and staff prepare your next course. The chefs and staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. There are a few of them who also speak fluent Japanese.

If you plan to dine here, you must make reservations in advance. The kaiseki is $50 (dessert not included). If you want the dessert, it's $58. Their menu changes every month. For parking, they have a few spaces in front of the restaurant and some parallel spaces across the street on Pensacola.

One unique thing about this restaurant is that all the bowls and plates your food comes in are made by the owner. Some of the pieces are very detailed and photo worthy. There is a small gallery on the side that showcases more of the owner's work if you wish to buy them.

560 Pensacola St
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 524-014

Uni, Potato Sauce, Bonito Soup Jelly, Cooked Bonito,
Micro Amaranth Edamame, Mini Tomato Pickles, Wasabi Soy Sauce,
Micro Nalo Greens

Yuan Grilled Short Rib, Grilled Eggplant Soup, Cucumber, Salt,
Wasabi, Shiso Leaf, Ayu Bone Cracker, Bell Pepper Pickles

Ayu Somen, Junsai, Yuba (soy milk paper), Tat Soi,
Yuzu Kosho Pepper, Lime

Yuan Grilled Sea Bass, Green Beans, Mizuna mixed w/
Sesame Sauce, Brown Rice, Kale & Watercress Smoothie

Anago Tempura, Foie Gras, Gobo, Mashed Taro Tempura,
Egg Ankake Sauce, Ginger, Zuccini, Green Onions

Hamo Tempura, Hamo Broth & Maitake Mushroom Rice,
Nori, Wasabi, Bubu-Arare

Sweet Red Bean, Pine Nuts, Cocoa Cake
Peach Ice Cream, Sweet Potato Sauce
Honey & Apple Macaroon

Matcha