New in Mililani: Familiar Japanese-Style Crepes at Roll Creperie

Photo: Eric Baranda

Crepe lovers have a new reason to head to Central Oahu: The same couple who managed Marion Crepes at the old Shirokiya Japan Village Walk recently opened their own crepe place in Mililani Shopping Center. I’m happy to report that Masa and Ashley Okamoto’s new Roll Creperie features the same kind of hand-held crepes in a cone the couple were known for at Ala Moana Center.

The menu is extensive, boasting sweet and savory crepes. In fact, there are more than 50 sweet choices and dozens more toppings. You can go as simple as a butter-sugar-cinnamon crepe ($6) or as fancy as a strawberry banana custard caramel cheesecake sundae crepe ($14.50, and try saying that five times). Choices such as matcha tiramisu ($10.50) or strawberry azuki cream crepes ($8.50) remind you that Roll Creperie specializes in Japanese-style crepes.

Seven savory options range from the simple ham and cheese ($9.50) to a shrimp avocado caesar salad crepe ($12). Or you can go the DIY route and choose your own ingredients.

Genevese is packed with ham, mozzarella, greens and pesto. Photo: Eric Baranda

My favorite is the Genovese ($10), a savory best-seller composed of ham, melted mozzarella, spring mix salad and house basil sauce. The crepe wrapping is still the same and still delicious, but with a slight sweetness that helps bring the savory flavors to the fore. The standout is the house basil sauce. Its light, refreshing zestiness and gentle herbaceous flavor go well with the saltiness of the ham. No hint of oil or grease, a very green and healthy wrap. Like a sandwich, but more fun and less messy.

Creme brulee crepe, packed to go. Photo: Eric Baranda

Another savory crowd favorite, the chicken cheese basil crepe ($12), is a tad dry for my liking. But I can happily recommend the creme brulee crepe ($13) with its strawberries, blueberries, custard, cornflakes, torched brown sugar, whipped cream and ice cream. The thin crepe has a pliant, springy texture with a delicate sweetness that enhances the creamy sugariness of the filling. The ingredients form a medley of flavors like bright honey. There is a sharp yet pleasant contrast with the slight bitterness and crunch from the torched sugar, which only enhances the creaminess and sweetness even more.

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Lines can be long at Roll Creperie, especially on weekends. This is because it’s a two-person operation and the Okamotos, with 15 years of experience between them crafting Japanese-style crepes, make each one with great care. They’ve even won crepe competitions in Japan, including beating out nearly 100 other Marion Crepe locations on criteria such as speed, proportion and taste.

They tell me it was Ashley who felt Mililani was an ideal location for their new shop. The cooler weather enhances the enjoyment of crepes, and there is a lack of crepe shops nearby. The Okamotos weren’t prepared for the crowds that found the shop in its opening weeks and worry about customers who have to wait, especially those who’ve made the trek from far away. Ashley reports those lines have died down, especially on weekdays. The bottom line is that Roll Creperie is worth a visit if you find yourself in the area.

Open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 95-221 Kipapa Dr., (808) 321-1068, rollcreperie.com, @rollcreperie