An Unique Eating Experience That’s Not to be Missed
December 25, 2015 by Larry Shapiro
Most visitors to Honolulu are unable to resist the gravitational pull of the largest shopping and dining venue in the Pacific, Ala Moana Center. It’s sprawling, stylish, open air and always full of surprises. But the real treat here is the Yataimura Food Court and Beer Garden. There are few signs outside so casual passers-by don’t know it exists.
It’s a Japanese themed food village, tucked away on the second floor of the Shirokiya Department store, opposite the large Macy’s.
While Ala Moana center has several restaurants and a traditional food court, If you’re bored with Sbarro, Taco Bell and Panda Express, Yataimura Food Court is for you.
Inexpensive—Plus Many Food Options
Inside, you’re instantly transported to Tokyo with no jet lag and none of Japan’s crazy prices. This place is wildly popular with both locals and Asian and Western tourists in the know.
There’s lots to choose from here. You can get every assortment of eye pleasing and mouth watering bento boxes. Some have fun and tasty fusion combinations like crab and pork shumai, more typically served as a Chinese dim sum treat.
Others are stuffed with fresh teriyaki chicken or tempura prawns. And chefs offer a wide range of grilled meats, wok-fired bowls, soups and noodles galore.
Maybe you’re in the mood for sushi or want to experiment and find out what musubi is all about. If so, this place is for you.
Want a crisp, ice-cold beer with your grilled beef yakitori on a stick? You’re in luck because there’s a wide range of domestic and imported brews on offer in the wood trellised indoor beer garden.
Best of all, the food court prices are very reasonable: bentos under $10 and fresh cooked bowls from about $7-$12.
Save Room for Dessert
Store management has expanded the foodie theme of the second level food court to the main store level with the exhibition kitchen of the Kulu Kulu Cake Bakery and Cafe, offering fresh cakes, pastries and cookies.
Plus there’s a Brug Bakery of Hokkaido, a self-serve bake shop which offers up inexpensive, tasty breads and unusual baked goods in convenient individual serving sizes. These are perfect to take home or bring back to your hotel.
Eat and Shop Too
Yataimura Food Court is a unique stop with over 20 different vendors. It’s great for a shopping pick-me-up light bite or a full meal.
And be sure to check out the Shirokiya department store merchandise on the main level. Items on offer range from eyeglasses to a variety of unusual things you won’t find at Macy’s, like Japanese medicines and Good Luck Kitties with their paws up—which are fixtures in most Asian restaurants and businesses.
Shirokiya is a must see when in Honolulu, if not to eat, at least to browse.
More Details
The food court hours: Daily 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The main level department store hours: Monday—Saturday 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
c 2015-2023 Larry Shapiro/Fork on the Run
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