If you’ve ever wanted to try the high-quality meats Kakaʻako-based Han No Daidokoro is known for without committing to a full tasting menu, now’s your chance.
The Ward Village restaurant recently started a new happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. Mondays to Fridays. And it includes far more than A5 Miyazaki beef and washu beef.
Meat lovers will gravitate toward the “Taste of Han” 2-ounce meat samplers. Choose from tasting portions of washu beef, including kalbi and flank steak ($8 each), outside skirt and mixed hormone ($13), and premium kalbi, filet mignon and rib-eye ($18). If you’re feeling bougie, the A5 Miyazaki beef trio ($62) is also available. It features a chef’s choice of three different meats. While it’s a pricier option, nothing beats the buttery mouthfeel and umami flavor.
The eatery also features a variety of pūpū, ranging from more adventurous options to cooked favorites. Beef tongue sashimi ($18) — thinly sliced top-quality beef tongue served with chef’s original sauce and seasonal garnishes — is a customer favorite.
Popular starters include the tomato salad ($6), Han’s potato salad ($6) and chili sesame tofu ($6). The tomato salad — sliced locally grown tomatoes with onion dressing, chopped pickled ginger and shiso leaves — is bright and refreshing, especially when eaten between bites of meat. Han’s potato salad is one of my new favorites. It’s filled with chunky potatoes and the cucumber, carrots and sweet onions give it a nice crunch. The chili sesame tofu looks hotter than it really is; the soft tofu’s chili sesame sauce is mild but gradually intensifies as you eat more.
If you want something comforting and flavorful, opt for the bibimbap ($9) or hot stone bibimbap ($12). The latter features a colorful mix of veggies, meat and a fried egg atop Japanese Koshihikari rice that’s cooked in a hot stone bowl. The beef bowl ($11) with Japanese-style simmered washu beef and sweet onions with pickled red ginger is good option if you want a cooked dish. The washu beef is savory and flavorful, with a bright zing from the ginger.
Speaking of comfort food — the Nikomi bowl ($8) is another unique option. Similar to a stew in texture, this dish features stewed Miyazaki beef and washu beef tendon in a miso-based soup with daikon radish and potato jelly with leeks. It might not be the combo for everyone, but we enjoyed the miso flavor, along with the mix of meat and veggies.
Han No Daidokoro’s happy hour is available throughout the restaurant, and customers can make reservations for it.
CONTACT
Han No Daidokoro
Ward Village
1108 Auahi St. Ste. 150, Honolulu
808-517-3229
hannodaidokoro.com
Instagram: @hannodaidokoro
Happy hour available from 4-6 p.m. Mondays-Fridays
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
