Minatoku Kitchen Brings Japanese Comfort Cooking to Mō‘ili‘ili
(Partner Content) This plate lunch spot aims to bring joy through Japanese dishes that taste like home.
Photo: Thomas Obungen
Right across from Longs Drugs by University Avenue sits Minatoku Kitchen, a quaint bento spot with lots of heart. Opened in 2023 in the old Hide-Chan Restaurant spot, it’s still a relatively new restaurant that has been flying under the radar. But with a menu inspired by Japanese home cooking and a focus on quality, Minatoku just might be your next new favorite.
Japanese comfort reigns here, and it starts with the most important ingredient: rice. Minatoku specifically uses Uonuma Koshihikari, a high-end brand of rice that’s considered a luxury in Japan. Its pleasant aroma, sweetness and texture pair well with the flavors of home cooking in dishes like the hamburger steak, one of Minatoku’s most popular options. And for good reason: the demi-glace is made from scratch and requires hours to get just right.
Photo: Thomas Obungen
The inspiration to open Minatoku Kitchen came after the pandemic. “When we were unable to go outside for days on end, the only thing that gave us pleasure was food,” says owner Yoshimi Koizimi. “No matter how hard things are, when you eat delicious food, you can forget about your troubles.” His hope for the restaurant is to bring joy through food. Safe to say, it’s working, as Minatoku has now launched dinner service to meet customer demand.
Photo: Thomas Obungen
The evening menu features Japanese fusion cuisine that tastes like coming home for dinner. Yoshimi stresses the importance of hospitality and comfort, adding that his chef is always willing to make the dishes you’re craving, even if it’s not on the menu. With 20 years of restaurant experience in Japan, Minatoku’s chef is familiar with Japanese, Chinese and Italian cuisine, and has a flair for creativity when it comes to making something new.
Minatoku Kitchen, 2471 S. King St., (808) 312-8633, @minatokukitchen, minatoku-k.com
