Okazuya in Japanese combines the words “okazu,” meaning served with rice, and “ya,” meaning store. When you visit an eatery of this style for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, you’ll enjoy the food and the following benefits.

3 Benefits of Okazuya

1. No Set Limits

Satisfy large and picky eaters alike with an assortment of serving sizes, including hefty plates and smaller lunchtime bento boxes. Bring the entire family for a meal—everyone will find a mixture of food to pile onto their plates for dine-in and carry-out. With full bellies all around, it won’t take long before they’re requesting another trip to the okazuya.

2. Variety of Food

Blending a selection of Asian cuisine with local specialties gives these restaurants a unique range of dishes, making each visit different from the last. Barbecue meat, fried chicken, and tempura are just a few entrees that can be combined with vegetables, noodles, or musubi to create a colorful assortment for your meal.

3. Tasty Flavor Combinations

No matter your preference, you’ll find something to satisfy your cravings with an array of sweet tastes, salty flavors, and tangy seasonings. Having such a variety available lets you mix and match flavors and textures. Contrast the salt and crunch of nori chicken with the mild sweetness and soft mouthfeel of cone sushi, or balance the many meats on your plate with some nishime.

For over 70 years, Kawamato Store in Hilo, HI, has provided the Big Island with local okazuya cuisine. Specializing in Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino foods combined with local delicacies, they offer a daily selection of tasty dishes. They also cater birthday parties, graduations, and any other gathering requiring a delicious spread. Visit their website for a look at their menu, or call them at (808) 935-8209 to inquire about which dishes are available. You can also preview their choices on Facebook.