Get ready to get grilling — Hangang Hawaiʻi Kai just opened in Niu Valley Shopping Center (next to Gyotaku). The restaurant — which officially opened last Thursday — is currently open for both lunch and dinner.
The menu is the same as the restaurant’s first Ala Moana location. The prime beef nine-course meal ($70 per person) is highly recommended, since it includes a variety of meats. Meats — ranging from marinated ribs and beef brisket to Japanese wagyu rib-eye — stews, grilled fish, stir-fries, soups and cold noodles can also be ordered a la carte. The menu is extensive, so it’s best to go in a group.
The prix fixe menu starts with 10 banchan, including kimchi, sweet potatoes, fishcake and pickled onions. You’ll also get a salad with dressing, onion salad and lettuce wraps (for wrapping the meats).
The meat selection includes prime beef brisket, prime beef skirt or prime neck chain beef, prime sirloin steak bites, prime rib-eye cap or wagyu chuck flap tail. The meats come with pink salt and a trio of dipping sauces — sesame oil with salt and pepper; housemade sauce with pineapple, wasabi and mustard; and sweet soy sauce.
Of the meats, the wagyu chuck flap tail was my favorite, due to its beefy flavor and tender texture.
After the meats come Korean steamed eggs, kimchi pancake, and your choice of Korean cold noodles (choose between original or spicy) or stew (kimchi, soybean paste or soft tofu stew). The Korean steamed eggs is one of my favorite courses; I can’t get enough of their fluffy texture.
We also opted for the spicy Korean cold noodles and soft tofu stew. The tofu stew can be served mild, upon request; this version also includes seafood.
The meal ends with a refreshing fruit dessert — which is welcome after all that beefy goodness.
CONTACT
Hangang Hawaiʻi Kai
549 Halemaʻumaʻu St. Unit B4, Honolulu
808-784-0001
Instagram: @hangang_hawaiikai
Open daily, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., 5-10 p.m.
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
