It’s no coincidence musubi starts with “mmmmm.” Ma’ona Musubi in downtown Honolulu, HI, serves up traditional Japanese and Hawaiian musubi that will make your mouth (and your wallet) happy. How do they do it? According to the chefs, it’s all about the kaeshi.

This traditional Japanese sauce is made from soy sauce, mirin (a sweet rice wine that tastes similar to sake) and sugar, and it tastes the best when udon chefs make it. It’s often used as a base for Japanese soup and dipping sauces but is versatile enough to be delicious in just about any savory Japanese dish.

The chefs at Ma’ona have two types of kaeshi: kake and tsuke, and these are used for the base of all its musubis. The kaeshi is homemade and aged, unlike anything you will find at other musubi restaurants. It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet, with a depth that makes Ma’ona’s musubis unique.

If you want high-quality, homemade, authentic ingredients, Ma’ona Musubi will please your palate. They use locally milled premium Tsuyahime rice imported from Japan that’s cooked to perfection. Its texture is fluffy and never over or under done. A popular menu favorite is the salmon musubi, which is marinated in kaeshi ahead of time for the flavor you can only get at Ma’ona.

Conveniently located in downtown Honolulu, this is the perfect place for busy professionals who want to grab a quick, delicious, and healthy lunch. With many seafood and vegetarian-friendly dishes, the menu will appeal to every discerning musubi-lover. Ma’ona Musubi also offers catering, perfect for business meetings or family gatherings.  

You don’t have to sacrifice quality and taste for speed. Ma’ona Musubi is great for a quick grab-and-go lunch or the best breakfast around. You’ll find Ma’ona Musubi on Alakea Street by the Central Pacific Bank, right in the heart of downtown. Order ahead at (808) 536-8009, or visit the website for a menu and directions.