When it comes to their new businesses — Burger Ave., which specializes in gourmet burgers, and Ihawan Ave., which offers street food-style skewers — husband-and-wife team Joshua Dein Pagtama and Enerisa Pagtama say they were inspired by their personal taste and love of food. The duo’s businesses officially launched a few months ago; they currently pop up at events across Oʻahu.
“As a couple with a highly competitive and entrepreneurial mindset, we wanted to created something truly distinct,” Enerisa Pagtama says. “We absolutely love premium wagyu beef, and we are equally obsessed with matcha. We decided to boldly combine the two, resulting in a unique, flavor-packed fusion concept that you won’t find anywhere else.”
Ihawan — which means “grill” in Tagalog — is Enerisa’s business and features a line-up of skewers. Customers can choose from wagyu ($10), Pinoy pork ($6), chicken teriyaki ($6), garlic shrimp ($6) and more.
“We are known for our signature skewers, served alongside our refreshing, housemade black Gulaman juice, which is a traditional black jelly drink enhanced with sweet vanilla extract,” Enerisa explains.
She says the wagyu skewer is a customer favorite.
“Our premium, juicy, wagyu beef skewers are paired with our inventive, tangy matcha vinegar sauce,” she says. “Customers constantly tell us it’s an absolute flavor bomb. The lobster balls are our second best-seller on the grill.”
Joshua, meanwhile, heads up Burger Ave., which specializes in wagyu beef patties.
“Every burger features a premium, juicy wagyu beef patty nestled inside a soft, toasted brioche bun,” he says. “You can upgrade any burger to a full combo meal, served with our crispy seashore garlic fries and a refreshing soda pop (our custom-flavored specialty sodas).”
The wagyu loaded ($20) is the most popular flavor. It includes a wagyu patty topped with bacon, white onions, sauteed mushrooms, the business’s signature housemade matcha garlic aioli and matcha powder on top.
Other options include the wagyu boss ($18) — wagyu beef patty with double cheese, pickles, white onions, matcha garlic aioli and matcha powder — Aloha wagyu ($19), which includes a pineapple slice, and wagyu herbs ($19). The latter features a wagyu beef patty topped with double cheese, pickled radish and carrots, cilantro, white onions and spicy honey Sriracha sauce.
“The Aloha wagyu is a perfect taste of the Islands; it has sweet grilled pineapple and a rich teriyaki sauce,” Joshua says. “The wagyu boss is simple and classic; the wagyu herbs features a fresh, vibrant twist. The housemade pickled radish and carrots is made Filipino atchara style (a popular pickled condiment).
“Our fusion of matcha into the savory dishes makes us unique,” he adds. “Using matcha as a culinary component in our garlic aioli and vinegar sauces creates an incredible depth of flavor that cuts through the richness of the premium wagyu. It’s a culinary boundary we are proud to push.”
Ihawan Ave. and Burger Ave. pop up at Wai Kai, What the Truck?! and Ka Makana Aliʻi. For the businesses’ event schedule, follow their Instagram account.
“Everything we do is driven by love,” Enerisa says. “For us, this isn’t just about running a business; it’s about the community. The people we serve aren’t just customers; they become an extension of our family.”
“We are always growing and love hearing from the community,” Joshua adds. “We are open to suggestions and recommendations from our guests, so we can continue to elevate our food and serve you all even better.”
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Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
