All the Special Dishes During Okinawan Feastival Sept. 2–16, 2024 (2024)

Kame, kame! Eat, eat! The 5th Okinawan Feastival runs from Sept. 2 to 16 with Uchinanchu-licious specials at 25 restaurants and food businesses around the island. Not only does it showcase a cuisine with a distinct character and flavors that are completely different from Japanese food, it’s also an ‘ono way to discover new eateries and revisit old favorites.

Go here for a complete list of specials and here to find out when each special is available and which you’ll need to preorder.

Okinawan Feastival is a delicious way we can support Okinawan-owned (and Okinawan-at-heart) restaurants and food businesses. From the opening of American Café in 1923 to today, there have been more than 350 in Hawai‘i. Most have closed, but a new generation of around 66 Okinawan-owned eateries and food businesses are operating on O‘ahu today.

Okinawan Feastival runs for two weeks, but my hope is that these local restaurants will continue to get our support throughout the year. Here’s what each one is offering and when:

SEE ALSO:Your Insider Guide to the 42nd Okinawan Festival

Aloha Andagi: Okinawan Sweet Potato Andagi and Okinawan Jushime

Junko Bise and her crew will pop up in the covered parking lot of Marukai Dillingham serving regular andagi and Okinawan sweet potato andagi. Jushime (Okinawan seasoned rice) will also be on sale.

Sept. 20–22, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. or until sold out, 2310 Kamehameha Highway, @alohaandagi_llc

Aloha Table Waikīkī: Omu Taco Rice and Poke with Umibudo

Okinawan-at-heart Aloha Table marries Hawai‘i and Okinawa favorites with its omu taco rice, local catch ‘ahi poke with umibudo (Okinawan sea grape) topping, and Aloha Tofu poke with umibudo. For drinks: Shikuwasa Beer (Okinawa lime with Aloha Beer Blonde Ale), Hai-Tai (Aloha Awamori, Mahina Dark Rum, guava juice, pineapple juice, shikuwasa juice, mai tai syrup) and Orion Beer.

Call or go online to make a reservation. Validated parking at Hyatt Centric.

Aug. 31–Sept. 16, 2238 Lau‘ula St. #2F, (808) 922-2221, waikiki.alohatable.com, @alohatable_waikiki

SEE ALSO: Where to Park in Waikīkī

Aloha Tofu: Jimami Dofu

From Sept. 2 to 16, Aloha Tofu Factory will hand-make this Okinawan peanut tofu with a sweet sauce. This is not regularly offered, so don’t miss the chance to try this iconic Okinawan snack. Limit 5 per customer ($4.75 each).

Owner Paul Uyehara is also offering discounts on yushidofu (soft, silky tofu with a custardy texture) and ‘Ohana Soy Sauce (a dashi shoyu that pairs well with tofu). You can get a quarter-scoop of yushidofu for $4.75 and ‘Ohana Soy Sauce for $8. Call to preorder and set your pickup date and time at Aloha Tofu Factory in Kalihi.

Sept. 2–16, 961 Akepo Lane, (808) 845-2669, aloha-tofu.com, @alohatofufactory

Beer Lab HI: Shikuwasa Beer and Rafute

A special-release limited run of Uchina Time (made with shikuwasa, Okinawan lemon lime) beer with a new bingata design will be available at Beer Lab locations starting Aug. 30, while supplies last. Preorder will launch Aug. 29 at 1:30 p.m. online (see website below).

Beer Lab’s Pearlridge location (98-1005 Moanalua Road) will serve their version of rafute (slow-braised pork belly, panko-crusted and deep-fried) and andagi (coated with sweet and spicy bacon).

Aug. 30, multiple locations, beerlabhi.com, @beerlabhi

Bing Mi Hawai‘i: Rafute Jianbing

Mark Kuga will be creating a rafute version of jianbing, “one of the most popular street foods originating from villages of Northern China,” according to Frolic’s Thomas Obungen, who calls it “the better Crunchwrap Supreme.”

Tuesday: Fishcake (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.); Wednesday: Hapa Market (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.); Thursday: Hapa Market (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.); Friday: Hapa Market (noon to 7 p.m.); Saturday: Pearlridge (8 a.m. to noon)

Sept. 2–16, multiple locations, @bing.mi808

SEE ALSO: Best of HONOLULU 2024: Food and Drinks on O‘ahu

Chibi Confectionery: Shikuwasa Cheesecake

Chibi’s is baking up a Shikuwasa (Okinawan lemon lime) Cheesecake, Okinawan Sweet Potato Custard on a buttery macadamia nut crust and Miso Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies (using white miso). Order via the website or call to inquire about pickup locations.

Sept. 2–16, (808) 383-0063, chibiconfectionery.com, @chibiconfectionery

Chillest Shave Ice: Shikuwasa Shave Ice with Kokuto Drizzle

Chillest will feature this Okinawan citrus shave ice, as well as a caramel kokuto (Okinawan black sugar) drizzle. Follow their Instagram for dates and times of pop-ups. Cash and Venmo only.

Sept. 7 and 14, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Fishcake, 307 Kamani St., @chillestshaveice

Ige’s Halawa: Aunty Kay’s Sweet Potato Manju and Big Feastival Sale

Aunty Kay’s Sweet Potato Manju will be available to preorder online (see website below) from Aug. 21, with pickup on Sept. 4, 7 and 11.

Ige’s Big Okinawan Feastival Sale will be on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Preorder Okinawan Mixed Plate, andagi and many other items. There will be a lot of baked goods on sale, all first come, first served.

Sept. 14, 99-1086B Iwaena St., (808) 486-6868, igeshalawa.com, @igeshalawa

Kapa Hale: Anda da Sea, Kapa Hale

Okinawan-at-heart Keaka Lee will be serving up his new Anda da Sea (under the sea) creation of crispy crab, shrimp and corn hush puppy andagi with batayaki sauce. Limited quantities per day. Preorder online now (see website below) or phone in your order.

Sept. 2–8, 4614 Kilāuea Ave., Suite 102, (808) 888-2060, kapahale.com, @4614kapahale

KC Waffle Dog @ Da ‘Ohana Kine Snack Shop: Rafute Waffle

Dayton Asato is bringing back the Rafute Waffle that debuted at the 1st Okinawan Feastival! He is partnering with Da ‘Ohana Kine Snack Shop this year. Picture the KC Waffle cut in half, with a slice of pork belly rafute replacing da hot dog!

Only available on the weekends of Feastival at Da ‘Ohana Kine Snack Shop. Saturdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. No reservations.

Sept. 7–8 & 15–16, 2065 S. King St. #103, (808) 782-1590, @kcwaffledog,@daohanakinesnackshop

Kin Wah Chop Suey: Free Pork & Bittermelon Dish With $50 Order

Kin Wah is celebrating its Okinawan part-owner Joy: When you spend $50 or more on a single order, the restaurant will throw in a free order of Pork and Bitter Melon in Black Bean Sauce. Call (808) 247-4812 to make a reservation or order. Must mention Feastival when you order.

Sept. 3–10, 45-588 Kamehameha Hwy, (808) 247-4812, kinwahchopsuey.com

Mango Street Grill: Okinawan Dinner Night

This Wahiawā restaurant’s Okinawa Dinner Night will feature Okinawan-inspired foods. Live entertainment by Afuso Ryu Hawai‘i and Steve Lucas & the MSG Band. $10 presale reservations, $20 at the door. Presale reservations end at 12 noon on Friday, Sept. 13. Limited seating and all sales are final.

Sept. 17, 5 to 8 p.m., 130 Mango St., (808) 627-5451, centraloahueventcenter.com, @mangostreetgrill

Masa & Joyce Okazuya: Abura Miso and Jyu Shi Me

This Kāne‘ohe okazuya will have several Feastival dishes: Okinawan Abura Miso (seasoned miso using crispy pork), Jyu Shi Me (Okinawan rice soup), Andagi, Okinawa Soba, Pig’s Feet Soup, Hawai‘i Okinawan-Style Oxtail Soup and Okinawan Sweet Potato Mochi (grilled, not deep-fried). Call to preorder and set the date and time of pickup.

Ongoing, 45-582 Kamehameha Hwy, (808) 235-6129, @masaandjoyce

Obake Honolulu: Rafute Bowl and Palm Angel co*cktail

Okinawan-at-heart Obake’s Feastival-exclusive dish is a Rafute Bowl of tender pork belly simmered in soy, awamori and mojito and garnished with an ajitama egg and pickles. A special Palm Angel co*cktail offering has Cor Cor Okinawan Rum, lemongrass, palm sugar, Cocchi Americano, makrut leaf, lemon, egg white. No reservations, walk-in only.

Grill Cart Feastival Exclusive (located in the courtyard behind Obake): Taco Rice Sausage with Smoked Mauka Meats veal sausage, taco seasoned rice, sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese. Topped with avocado, shredded lettuce and hot sauce. Sept. 5–7, Thursday 7 p.m. to midnight, Friday and Saturday 7 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Sept. 4–7, 1112 Smith St., obakehonolulu.com, @obakehonolulu

Purvé Donut Stop: Purvé-agi

Purvé has created its version of andagi! The Purvé-agi comes with an Okinawan sweet potato dipping sauce (or you can request a drizzle on top). Limited quantities available each day.

Sept. 9–16, Ku‘ono Marketplace, 4210 Wai‘alae Ave., purvehawaii.com, @purvedonutstop

Roy’s Hawai‘i Kai: Grilled Ginger Pork Chop

Roy Yamaguchi connects to his Okinawan roots with this pork chop with creamy Okinawan sweet potato and Aloha Tofu champuru ($49). Only available at Roy’s Hawai‘i Kai for dine-in or takeout. Limited amounts will be made each day, so preorder the Feastival special by phone or when making your reservation on OpenTable.

Sept. 2–16, 6600 Kalaniana‘ole Highway Suite 110, (808) 396-7697, royyamaguchi.com, @royshawaii

Skull & Crown Trading: Shoyu-Braised Salmon with Sweet Pea Champuru

Okinawan-at-heart Skull & Crown will have two Feastival specials: Shoyu and Coconut Braised Salmon served with mushroom and sweet pea champuru and beni imo purée and Sata Andagi with beni imo anglaise. Reservations can be made thru Resy.

Sept. 3–7, 5 to 11 p.m., 62 N. Hotel St., skullandcrowntrading.com, @skullandcrowntradingco

Shima-ya: Braised Rafute and Pickled Goya Udon

Ryne Shimabukuro will serve up two-hour Braised Rafute Udon with house-made pickled goya, green onions and chile threads in a house-made broth. Udon is handmade and cooked to order. Special available on Sept. 7 at Fishcake. Reserve your udon from Sept. 5 via IG Direct Message. Walk-in orders will be taken after 2 p.m.

Sept. 7, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 307 Kamani St., @shimas_oodles.of.noodles

Sunrise Restaurant: 5 Okinawan Soups

Katsu and Tomoko Tamayose will offer takeout orders of Pig’s Feet Soup, Nakami (Intestine) Soup, Spare Rib Soup, Okinawan Miso Soup and Okinawa Soba on weekdays. Nakami is not on the regular menu and worth a try. You can start preordering now. Please provide name, order and date/time of pickup. Feel free to add in other Okinawan dishes like goya champuru and Mama’s Champuru!

Sept. 3–6 and 9–13, 525 Kapahulu Ave. #A, (808) 737-4118, thesunriserestaurant.com, @sunriserestauranthawaii

Tango Contemporary Café: Rafute Benedict

Lawrence Nakamoto’s Rafute Benedict features slow-braised pork belly, toasted house-made focaccia, poached eggs, crispy Okinawan sweet potatoes, beni shoga and hollandaise sauce. Only available at breakfast and brunch, dine-in or take out. No preorders.

Sept. 2–16, Monday to Friday 7 to 10 a.m. (last order 9:45 a.m.) and Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (last order 1:45 p.m.), 1288 Ala Moana Blvd. #120, (808) 593-7288, tangocafehawaii.com, @tangocafehonolulu

Tatsuo’s Hawai‘i: Containers of Okinawan Dishes to Go

Tatsuo’s will be selling 1-lb containers of Shoyu Pork ($16.50), 24-oz containers of Spare Rib Soup ($18) and Chicken Nishime ($14 for 1 lb and $27 for 2 lb), Yakisoba Plate ($15), as well as Namasu ($6 for ½ lb), Takuan ($6 for ½ lb), Wakame Namasu ($6 for ½ lb) and Pickled Ogo ($7 for ½ lb). If goya is available, there will be 1-lb containers of Pork Goya Champuru ($16.75).

You can start preordering now. Please provide name, order and schedule date/time of pickup. Specify if you want the food hot or cold.

Sept. 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2224 Alahao Pl #200, (808) 841-2044, tatsuoshawaii.com, @tatsuoshawaii

Teruya’s Andagi: Andadog and Special Okinawan Bento

Week 1: Andadog (hot dog on a stick, dipped in andagi batter and fried)! $3 apiece. Call (808) 389-1714 to preorder Andadog.

Week 2: Special Okinawan Bento (Spam roll, Okinawan yakisoba, shoyu pork, bitter melon, sweet potato mochi). Limited quantities, no preorders.

Andagi, sweet potato mochi and regular bentos will also be available.

Sept. 3–7 and Sept. 10–14, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 1104 Pensacola St., (808) 389-1714, teruyasandagi.com, @teruyas_andagi

Voyage by Chef Amin: Candy Lemon Andagi and Honey Miso Pork Belly

Okinawan Feastival specials include Candy Lemon Andagi and Honey Miso Pork Belly plate. Follow Chef Amin on Instagram to see dates, times and locations. DM via IG to preorder.

Dates and locations vary, (808) 202-0288, @voyagechefamin

Yo Mama’s Mochi & Snacks: Okinawan Sweet Potato Jam

Okinawan Sweet Potato Jam (8-oz jar, $12) is only available during Feastival. A sweet spread with a vibrant purple color for toast, ice cream topping or other desserts. Preorder online now (see website below).

Preorder pickups Sept. 18, 3 p.m. at Salt Lake Shopping Center; Sept. 21, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nordstrom Ala Moana.yomamasmochiandsnacks.com, @yomamas.mochi

Zigu: Pork Rafute, Okinawa Soba & Kokuto Chin-bin

Okinawan-at-heart Zigu’s Okinawan Feastival Specials are Pork Belly “Rafute” with boiled egg, daikon and lau lau leaves; Okinawa Soba with rafute, boiled egg and baby bok choy; Housemade Aloha Awamori Koregusu with Hawaiian chile peppers; Kokuto Chin-bin with caramelized pineapples and Okinawan sweet potato purée; and assorted Okinawan drinks. Call for reservations. Validated parking across the street at Hyatt Centric.

Aug. 30–Sept. 15, 413 Seaside Ave., (808) 212-9252, zigu.us, @zigu.hi