Oahu's sushi scene is set to welcome a new player with the opening of Ichika Sushi, nested within Tempura Ichika in Honolulu. The sushi counter, which will open its doors on August 1, 2024, is offering an omakase menu crafted by Chef Ken Kawakami. An Osaka native and Tokyo-trained sushi chef, Kawakami arrives in Hawaii with a commitment to the traditions of his craft. "Because I like traditional style, you know, then Hawaii so many now, but mostly region style, you know, my mind are only traditional... That's why I, I don't want too much salt. Not too much cook, only more good fish quality. This is very important, you know," he told KITV.
The intimate sushi counter will feature 18 to 20 courses, an appetizer, soup, and a delectable dessert with prices set at $150 plus tax and gratuity. Only seven diners per seating will have the chance to savor the traditional experience, which emphasizes fish quality over heavy seasoning or cooking. Ichika Sushi is conveniently located at 434 Piikoi Street, with free self-parking available in the lot behind or street metered stalls, for those willing to pay until 6:30 p.m.
For those eager to preview what Chef Kawakami has to offer, Tempura Ichika's Instagram announced a soft opening price of $120 for an omakase that includes 10-12 courses, appetizers, and dessert. Diners have already been treated to culinary highlights such as Nodoguro with yuzu salt, Hokkaido hairy crab with Hokkaido uni, and a refreshing yuzu sorbet to close the meal. Seatings are at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m., and as with the official opening, the counter hosts seven guests at a time, ensuring a personalized dining experience.
The sushi counter sources the majority of its fish from Japan, homing in on the essence of traditional Japanese flavors, something that's been amply illustrated by dishes like marinated tuna, chutoro, unagi with salt and wasabi, and an uni handroll that promises to transport diners straight to the shores of Japan. As the new gem of Honolulu's dining scene, Ichika is poised to set a standard for sushi aficionados when it warmly opens its doors to the public on the first day of August. For reservations, gourmet enthusiasts are encouraged to act quickly – those seven seats are likely to fill up faster than you can say "omakase".
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