Photo: Melissa Chang
Most people shopping at International Marketplace don’t realize there are some tantalizing vendors inside Mitsuwa, the Japanese grocery on the second floor. Heck, they probably don’t even know there’s a food court in the back of the store!
Last summer, food court owner Mike Yoshino brought in the limited-time Hokkaido ramen festival, which introduced bowls from different ramen makers on Japan’s northern island. Since then, Yoshino has been launching other pop-ups in Waikīkī on three-month rotations. The newest, Kanazawa Curry and Mochill, just opened a couple of weeks ago.
SEE ALSO: Where to Park in Waikīkī
Kanazawa curry—created in that city in 1955 and trademarked in 2005—is distinct from other Japanese curry in that it’s richer, thicker and deep brown. Proteins including sausage, tonkatsu or chicken katsu are placed on top (which is good for the Instagram!). Then it’s served on a stainless steel platter with shredded cabbage and drizzled with a savory sauce.
Photo: Melissa Chang
Mitsuwa’s Kanazawa curry vendor has a secret ingredient that gives it an extra layer of richness and umami. In the same food court, Yoshino’s Omusubi Fujimaru sells wagyu at relatively more affordable prices—everything from a small steak to a Flintstone-sized slab. The Kanazawa curry is made with broth derived from the wagyu trimmings.
The best-selling curry combo ($18.50) includes two fried shrimp and a sliced filet of chicken or pork katsu. We also tried the fried shrimp curry and the chicken karaage curry (both $16.75). It doesn’t matter which proteins you choose since they are basically good, meaty and crunchy. But the curry sauce is definitely a (wagyu) cut above, with layers of complexity and rich flavor. My family gave resounding approval.
Kuromitsu black honey and kinako crepe. Photo: Melissa Chang
For dessert, there are mochi crepes from the new Mochill, a famous mochi doughnut shop from California. Most of the menu is a variation of strawberry, banana, strawberry and banana crepes (they’re not selling the doughnuts here) with layers of toppings like ice cream or whipped cream. We tried the basic strawberry banana with whipped cream ($11.50), the kuromitsu kinako with ice cream ($13.50) and an açaí ($15) that’s one of five Hawai‘i-exclusive flavors. You can’t go wrong with whatever filling you prefer. My favorite, which is also a staff favorite, was the açaí since it wasn’t too sweet and had nice contrasts of flavors and textures.
Speaking of texture, Mochill’s use of mochi flour—these crepes are gluten-free—creates an extra chewiness, though the texture is still light.
The Mitsuwa food court is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Validated parking is free for the first hour with a minimum $25 (total) purchase from these pop-ups in Waikīkī or anywhere at International Marketplace; after that, it’s $2 per hour for the next two hours.
2330 Kalākaua Ave., @mitsuwawaikiki_foodhall, @mochillsf
