Maki and Nigiri Sushi Assortment Bento

You can’t help but go into sensory overload and bliss upon walking around the upper level food department at Shirokiya Ala Moana. It’s like being at a Japanese Festival every day of the year! As soon as you get up the escalator, the smell of tempura frying immediately hits you. Just in front of the escalator are Japanese housewares products, such as special knives, kitchen gadgets and utensils. Next to that are Japanese pharmeceuticals and personal care products, followed by a large snack section.

There’s also a Ramen station and self-serve buffet line in a separate room with various local and Japanese favorites.
My favorite area is where the many ready-to-eat bentos are. In the middle of the bento tables are a station where they prepare specials of the day and other freshly-prepared delicacies during the day.

These are just a small sample of the many oishii bentos available at this institution known as Shirokiya!…


Nishime and Okara (Soy Beans Meal)


Nigiri and Maki made with Big Eye Ahi


Okawa

L-R, Front to back row: Okinawan Yaki Soba, Kimpiri Combo (Gobo & Hasu), Nishime, Seki-Han, Gobo Kimpiri (Burdock), Hasu Kimpiri (Lotus Roots)


Sozai (similar to Andagi)


Assorted Tsukemono (pickled vegetables)


Mixed Bento. this photo is bad, but, at least you can see here how the many ala carte items are assembled together here in an all-in-one meal. There’s many different options to choose.


Fresh-made Shrimp and Vegetable Tempura


Shrimp Tempura being cooked in a wok

Shirokiya’s upper level is one of my favorite places to eat, not only in Ala Moana Shopping Center, but in all of Honolulu! Truly authentic Japanese cuisine (one of my favorite) at very reasonable prices. If you go there after 5pm, they mark down most bento items from about 10 to 50% off.


Shirokiya at Ala Moana Center, upper level entrance

Shirokiya’s Ala Moana location is the last remaining in Hawaii. There used to be one in Pearlridge center in Aiea and on Maui in Kaahumanu Center, but those closed down. Shirokiya is now owned by a group of local investors, who bought the store from it’s parent company in Japan.