Okome Hawaiʻi, which opened its Kapolei location in Ka Makana Aliʻi in 2017, is known for its grab-and-go bentos, handmade rolls and nigiri sushi.
The biz launched a new concept at its second location, which just soft opened in SALT At Our Kakaʻako.
Located in the former space of Redfish Poke, Okome Tendon & Poke — run by business partners Justin Youn, Jake Co and Helen Lee — specializes in authentic Japanese ten-don, or tempura rice bowls. The biz uses Kubota rice, which is imported from Japan and milled in Hawai‘i.
“‘Rice done right’ is going to be our motto,” says Jake Co. “The rice is going to be where we shine; we’re really taking special care and attention to make sure the rice is good.”
The menu at this location is completely different from the one Okome’s Kapolei store. You won’t find sushi and bentos; rather, this concept focuses on customizable poke bowls and tempura bowls.
The eatery still offers a quick-service concept; customers can order in person or via the digital kiosks. The fast-casual eatery features a renovated interior, with wall designs intended to represent both Hawaiʻi (the waves) and Japan (the wooden interior). There’s also counter seating available.
Okome Tendon & Poke’s most unique dish is its Hawaiian ten-don ($24.75-$26.75), which features the customer’s choice of poke and tempura in the same bowl. Choose from ‘ahi, salmon or hamachi poke, which comes with shrimp, mushroom, sweet potato, kabocha, eggplant, shishito pepper, nori and egg tempura over rice.
“We wanted to bring something different, yet familiar,” Helen Lee says. “Everyone knows about ten-don, everyone knows about poke; why don’t we give them both?”
The tempura is always fried to order in beef tallow instead of seed oils, according to Co. The tempura is lightly breaded so it stays ultra crispy.
“The beef tallow makes a difference in making it crispier, less greasy and easier on the palate,” says Co. “It pairs well with the seasoned rice.”
While the Hawaiian ten-don is expected to be popular, other unique choices include steak ten-don ($24.75), ‘ahi lover ten-don ($24.75) and kimchi Kurobuta ten-don ($22.75). The latter includes spicy pork steak, kimchi, and the same tempura pieces as the Hawaiian ten-don.
Those who opt for more traditional ten-don can choose from veggie ($14.75), shrimp ($19.75) and aburi salmon ten-don ($22.75).
The eatery also offers a build-your-own poke bowl menu. Customers can choose their bowl size ($9-$18); base (sushi rice, multi-grain brown sushi rice or mixed greens), seafood (‘ahi, salmon, octopus or a mix; and a sauce (shoyu, sesame oil or mayo). Toppings — ranging from garlic chips (50 cents) and kimchi ($1.50) to masago ($2.50) and ikura ($4) — are an additional cost.
Pre-set combos, like the Volcano bowl ($19.75) — spicy ‘ahi poke, shrimp tempura, shoyu poke and seaweed salad over sushi rice — will also be available.
Okome’s Kapolei and Kakaʻako locations both offer Oʻahu Coffee, which is made and brewed by Youn. Options range from vanilla latte ($5.50) and mint cream latte ($5.50) to Americano ($4.50) and matcha lattes ($5.50).
The business will eventually set up online ordering and delivery. Customers can expect these after the eatery’s grand opening, which is still to be determined.
In the meantime, customers can look forward to the launch of KoLab, an innovative concept from Co and Lee. They duo used to run Morning Feed, a breakfast pop-up at 808 Center. KoLab — a blend of “Korean,” “laboratory” and “collaboration” — will feature Korean-inspired cuisine, showcasing bold flavors and creative collaborations.
“We’re Okome’s laboratory division,” Co says. “We’ve got some exciting dishes, and we’re still going to use our platform to partner with some other local talents to showcase their artistry. We’ll try to incorporate their products into our products.”
KoLab’s menu — which will include dishes like the Good Moanin burrito ($19.95), made with rib-eye steak, kimchi hashbrowns, eggs, Oaxacan cheese and KoLab sauce in a toasted flour tortilla — will be served from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays only, starting Dec. 21.
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CONTACT
Okome Tendon & Poke
SALT At Our Kakaʻako
685 Auahi St., Honolulu
Instagram: @okome.at.salt
Open 10:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays (closed Sundays)
KoLab menu available 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays only (starting Dec. 21).
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
