Your Ultimate Guide to Okazuya in Hawaiʻi
Learn about the history of this old-school Japanese deli and check out where you can start placing ala carte orders of delicious food like cone sushi, musubi, nori chicken and chow fun.
There’s a special place in our hearts for okazuya, an old-school Japanese delicatessen that serves ready-to-eat and takeout dishes. The concept of okazuya has been around for decades and is steeped in history and tradition. Hefty portions of fried chicken, thick noodles full of flavor, carefully packed cone sushi and handmade musubi often line the take-out window of these small, mom-and-pop stores. Even though these stores are typically humble and unassuming, it’s a fun experience to get in line, place your own order of favorite dishes and enjoy at home.
History of Okazuya
The Japanese word “okazuya” is a combination of “okazu,” meaning side dishes, and “ya,” which indicates a shop or store. The concept dates back to 20th century Japan, when there was a growing demand for convenient, quick meals. Unlike traditional, sit-down restaurants, okazuya has a mix-and-match concept where customers can select small dishes to create their own meal box. Typically, you’ll find cone or inari sushi (sushi rice encased in a sweet tofu skin pouch); karaage (Japanese-style fried, crispy chicken); nimono (savory vegetables, meat, or fish simmered in broth) and musubi (rice balls wrapped in seaweed with various fillings).
How It Got To Hawaiʻi
Like so many foods in Hawai‘i that make it special (plate lunch, saimin and Spam musubi, to name a few), the history of okazuya in Hawai‘i is credited to the plantation era when the Japanese immigrants arrived to the islands in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to work in the sugar plantations. They brought with them the tradition and concept of okazuya, shared among families and fellow plantation workers.
Over time, okazuya became an integral part of Hawa‘i’s multicultural culinary landscape. You may notice local ingredients and influences in the menu—for example, some okazuya may offer chicken long rice or teri beef, served right next to more traditional dishes like nimono and musubi. Today, okazuya continues to be a beloved part of Hawaiian cuisine, reflecting the rich history of immigration and cultural exchange in the islands.
How To Order
It can be overwhelming to go to an okazuya if it’s your first time, especially when you see all the aunties and uncles rattling off orders in front of you without skipping a beat. If you’ve never been to an okazuya before, take a moment to peruse the menu. You’ll most likely see fried, grilled and simmered items, such as inari sushi, karaage, nishime or tempura. They’ll be priced ala carte or you can order a pre-made plate—whichever works, but be sure to check whether they only take cash or accept credit cards.
Approach the counter or designated ordering area. Some okazuya may have a paper order form where you mark your selections, while others will have a display for you to point to your choices. Clearly state the quantity of each item that you’d like to order. If you’re still unsure what to get, you can always ask the staff for recommendations. They may also offer additional sides, condiments or extras, so you can add pickles or sauces to elevate your meal. Then, proceed to the counter to pay and enjoy your meal.
Okazuya Shops To Check Out
Here are a few popular and beloved okazuya shops in Hawai‘i.
Fukuya Deli & Catering, Oʻahu
Lunch from Fukuya Deli and Catering on Oʻahu.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox
Fukuya is one of the oldest and most beloved okazuya in Honolulu, family-owned and established since 1939. Customers flock to this small shop for their nori wrapped chicken, nishime, furikake ʻahi, shiso musubi, spicy ʻahi and shrimp tempura.
Fukuya Deli & Catering, 2719 South King St., (808) 946-2073, fukuyadeli.com, @fukuyadeli
Kawamoto Store, Hawaiʻi Island
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There is often a long line, but service is always fast and friendly at this Japanese delicatessen in Hilo. You can mix and match your box or grab one of the pre-made bentos. Some of its stand-out dishes are their fried mahi, Korean fried chicken, cone sushi and nori chicken.
784 Kīlauea Ave., (808) 935-8209, kawamotostore.com
Nu‘uanu Okazuya, Oʻahu
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Quaint and cozy, this mom-and-pop okazuya offers a wide variety of bento boxes, noodle dishes and rice plates. Parking can be a challenge here (street parking only), but its chicken katsu, Spam musubi and teriyaki chicken are always winnahs.
1351 Nu‘uanu Ave., (808) 533-6169
Saint Louis Delicatessen, Oʻahu
A family-owned store that’s been around since the ‘70s, this okazuya keeps things simple with the same recipes that have garnered a loyal local following. Tip: It closes once the food runs out, typically around 1 p.m., so get there in the morning. Fried chicken, long rice, cone sushi, chow fun, namasu and shrimp tempura are the popular dishes. Cash only, so plan accordingly.
3147 Waiʻalae Ave., (808) 732-0955
Gulick Delicatessen, Oʻahu
A plate of faves from Gulick Delicatessen.
Photo: Catherine Toth Fox
A humble, no-frilled okazuya in the heart of Kalihi, where you can make your own plate of delicious items like sweet and sour spare ribs, shoyu chicken, chow fun, and so much more. Like most classic okazuya, the key to their success is their consistency in flavors, portions and recipes throughout the years.
1512 Gulick Ave., (808) 847-1461
