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Do You Okazuya?

© Lottie Tagupa

Although Hawaii has one or two excellent traditional delis, the mother lode lies in Okazuya. Pronounced "oh KAH zoo yah, Okazuya are prepared local delicacies that can be found in small unassuming establishments called delicatessens. These establishments are usually family affairs established long before the first pickle arrived in Hawaii, and served sushi decades before it became chic. You will find no sandwiches or tables at these establishments, but you will find a counter s filled with hot and cold local delicacies like no where else in the world. Okazuya is a Japanese concept that has become a mainstay of Hawaii's cultural experience. Be sure to arrive no later than 1 p.m. at most of these places to get the best selection. With so many to choose from, you will find trying to limit yourself to a plate will be difficult.

Fukuya's in Moiliili on Oahu is a wonderful spot with limited parking. They do wedding catering as well as small take out lunches. The selection here offers typical standards or teriyaki chicken, shrimp tempura and macaroni salad. The hash patties are my favorite there, not too spicy or large, and they are delicately shaped. All the selections at Fukuya's are wonderfully tasty. However, the prices are a bit too high for me.

If you are interested in not spending so much, try Ebisu's just up the road in McCully on King Street. It is both literally and proverbially the hole in the wall, located just across the street from McCully street Jack In The Box. Prices are very reasonable, selections are varied, and they are closed on Wednesdays. Pull up in front and make your choices. Everything is good, but the selection is not as vast as other places.

However, the best counter on Oahu is The Gulick Delicatessen. You will find a crowd there every weekend morning, because the portions are generous and the selection is great. My favorite dish at Gulick is the Butterfish in Japanese Nitsuke sauce and the sweet potato tempura. They also feature sushi, teriyaki ahi and Fried Mahi-mahi. They also have shoyu chicken and nishime, which is a Japanese cucumber salad. Gulick has no parking except for what you can find on the street, so be prepared to circle the block one or twice before going in.

Okazuya is a unique Hawaii experience. Enjoy!

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