Meat lovers, rejoice — a new yakiniku spot is holding its grand opening today.
Hiromi-Ya, sister company of Waikīkī-based Sato Seafood, offers yakiniku, hot pot and side dishes. Meats include specialty items from Japan, according to business owner Hiromi Koh (and yes, she’s pictured in the business logo).
Now that Sato Seafood has been open for about three years, Koh felt that it was time to launch a new concept based on something she loves — yakiniku.
Grills are provided for each table for diners to cook their meats. The meat selection includes beef tongue ($19.95), kalbi ($24.95), harami ($19.95) and more. Be sure to ask your server about select meats that are imported from Japan. During a media preview, the meat selection included zabuton ($34.95), which is known for its marbling, rich texture and beefy flavor.
You can dip the meats in either lemon or a housemade secret sauce. Both are tasty, but the secret sauce has a bolder, more umami flavor. You can supplement your meaty meal with sides like chanja ($8) — a Korean dish consisting of spicy marinated cod innards — Tanuki tofu ($10) and kimchi ($6). The kimchi is from I Heart Kimchi, a vendor at the Kaka'ako farmers market on Saturdays.
The Hiromi-ya horumon hot pot experience costs $68.95, but it’s designed to be shared among three to four people. The hot pot comes assorted vegetables, along with garlic and homemade hot sauce (tategi sauce) to add to the broth. It’s a generous serving, and you can always take home your leftovers.
If you order the hot pot, you can also add the cheese risotto set ($11.95), which is also designed to feed three to four people. The cheese makes the broth slightly less spicy, and the risotto texture is comforting.
Desserts will change monthly, according to Koh. During our media preview, we tried the business’s homemade tangerine jelly ($4.95), which was a refreshing finish to the meal.
FYI: the restaurant is BYOB indefinitely, according to Koh. There’s no corkage fee, and the eatery provides glasses and ice for guests who bring drinks. There’s even a small fridge diners can use.
CONTACT
Hiromi-Ya
758 Kapahulu Ave. Space B, Honolulu
808-628-1530
Instagram: @hiromiya808
Open: 5-11 p.m. Sun-Mon, Wed-Thurs, 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Fri-Sat, closed Tuesdays
Paid public lot behind the restaurant, or street parking available
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
