When in Hawaii, a visit to Shirokiya is recommended (+ slideshow)

When Shirokiya first came to Hawaii in 1959, it was a department store from Japan. In 2001, due to the weak Japanese economy, the store became locally-owned but it retained its niche by continuing to carry quality merchandise from Japan. It is located at Ala Moana Center (in Honolulu), next to Macys, and has been in its present location since 1966.

A two-level complex, Shirokiya offers Japanese arts and crafts, Shiseido cosmetics, the latest in home entertainment electronics and cameras, toys, futons, kimonos, jewelry, handbags and more. Many customers browse and shop here because they can find items here that they cannot find in any other store in Hawaii.

Besides the shoppers (both residents and visitors), there is also a huge contingent who will go to Shirokiya solely for the Asian food they sell on the second floor, accessible via escalator, second floor parking deck or stairs. Here you can find frozen and chilled foods that you wont find in other markets but, they also have a fabulous food hall. Theres an amazing variety of snacks items, pastries, sushi, side dishes and ready-to-eat meals. Lots of workers are behind counters preparing foods and packaging them for customers. The Japanese and Korean bentos (boxed lunches) vary in price but are usually under $10 each. Theres garlic chicken, shrimp tempura, spicy pork, butter fish, meat jun (hashed meat that is dipped in egg and fried), somen salad, shoyu chicken, chef salad, combo meals and more ... The essential to budget travel is to prepare ahead. When it comes to family trips, globetrotting, well-deserved holidays and/or going to see new spots we have never been before, the reality of cost and budgeting is always in the back of our heads. Preparation and spending our travel budget wisely is a consideration for most families. Reducing spending and fees, while still enjoying your vacation to its fullest, is the key to certain accomplishment and fiscal liability. Your pocketbook and family will thank you! The thinking behind economizing money while journeying is simple: Even if your personal finances is incredibly limited, you can still take a break and enjoy life! Simply put, life is just too short to never step out of the door or leaving the homestead! Also thinking about that while traveling, regardless of whether on a funds or not, even the smallest of things can all add op to a big vacation or travel bill!. all pre-packaged. At one counter, the rice had not yet been included in the bento but a sign said to ask for hot rice ... what a nice gesture.



Although most bentos are reasonably priced, your lunch cost can start to climb if you start supplementing your lunch with a side order of edamame (soy beans) or pickled vegetables or shumai or sushi or any of the many tempting items available for purchase.

Within the food hall is an area dedicated to preparing made-to-order ramen, udon and gyoza. For a relatively small cooking space, they have a good selection to choose from with prices starting from $3.95 for the mini-ramen. Look for the photo galley at the end / bottom of this story.

There is a seating area with tables and chairs for two but a party of four or more can be easily accommodated by pulling tables together ... this area looks like it seats 50 or more. The lunch hour is usually quite busy but many opt to buy their lunch and take it to go.

Shirokiya also offers an evening ala carte buffet from 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays thru Saturdays.
One other popular feature of the food hall is the in-store promotion. Conducted throughout the year, the promotions usually focus on a region of Japan and food items from the region are brought in for customers to peruse, taste little samples and purchase. It can be very crowded, hectic and fun during lunchtime when a promotion is taking place.

Shirokiya
www.shirokiya.com
1450 Ala Moana Blvd 2250
Honolulu, HI 96814-4665
(808) 973-9111

If you enjoy Asian foods, the following stories may also interest you:
Sekiyas, Menchanko Tei and Sushi Ten at Waikele

For my take on other affordable and fun things to see and do in Hawaii, click on one of the following:

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