For those familiar with the bustling aisles of Don Quijote Kaheka, the thrill of discovering something new is part of the experience. Venturing into Donki, as locals fondly call it, often feels like an expedition, promising unique finds and everyday necessities at wallet-friendly prices. On a recent visit to replenish groceries, a new culinary spot caught my eye: Wagyukushi, a vendor skillfully grilling washugyu beef skewers. A mental note was made to return and sample their offerings.
Wagyukushi Front Credit Thomas Obungen
Image: The Wagyukushi stand at Don Quijote Kaheka in Honolulu, HI, showcasing its menu of grilled wagyu beef skewers.
This prime location, nestled next to Sushi Robot, previously housed Donki’s Jonetz Yakitori, known for its grilled chicken skewers. While Jonetz Yakitori offered an affordable option, it lacked the excitement factor and eventually closed its doors a few months prior. However, on December 1st, Wagyukushi, also under Donki’s management, emerged in its place. The question then became: does Wagyukushi elevate the culinary offerings and bring something truly special to Don Quijote Honolulu Kaheka?
Wagyukushi Takeout Credit Thomas Obungen
Image: Takeout wagyu beef skewers from Wagyukushi at Don Quijote Honolulu on Kaheka Street, ready for customers.
The answer is a resounding yes. Wagyukushi delivers a simple yet incredibly tasty experience. They utilize thinly sliced, frozen washugyu beef, which is meticulously stacked, skewered, and then cut into distinctive square columns. This layering technique is reminiscent of Nana Ai Katsu’s tonkatsu preparation, but with significantly more layers of beef and without the panko coating. Instead, these beef skewers are expertly grilled on a flattop and finished with a flavorful sauce. Priced at $5.99 for a single skewer, $9.99 for two, and $12.99 for a plate complete with two skewers, rice, and salad, it presents exceptional value, especially for (American) wagyu beef. The offering is straightforward and satisfyingly delicious.
Wagyukushi Plate Credit Thomas Obungen
Image: A Wagyukushi plate meal featuring two wagyu beef skewers, a side of rice, and a fresh salad, available at Don Quijote Kaheka in Honolulu.
SEE ALSO: Luxe Japanese Beef Elevates Yakiniku Grilling at Kaka‘ako’s Han no Daidokoro
On my return visit, I brought a friend to share the experience, and we both agreed that these skewers are akin to the mille feuille of beef. Each skewer is grilled to order, resulting in delightful crispy edges and a tender, juicy center. The thin slicing of the beef makes it incredibly easy to eat, eliminating any struggle with tough sinew or bones. While the promotional poster boasts “melt-in-the-mouth beef,” the texture is more accurately described as wonderfully tender. These skewers evoke the authentic taste and presentation of street food found in Japanese markets or shopping streets, although the theatrical torching often seen in Japan is absent here.
Wagyukushi Beef Macro Credit Thomas Obungen
Image: A macro shot highlighting the layered texture of Wagyukushi’s grilled wagyu beef skewers, a popular item at Don Quijote Honolulu.
SEE ALSO: Farmers Market Finds: Egyptian Koshari and Kebab Plates in Kaka‘ako and Kailua
The poster also mentions a special wasabi sauce flavoring the beef, but the wasabi’s distinctive kick is subtle, almost undetectable. Both my friend and I craved a more pronounced wasabi presence, perhaps even a touch of kizami wasabi to elevate the flavor profile. Towards the end of enjoying two skewers, we found ourselves desiring something with a bit more zest to balance the richness of the marbled beef. However, the seasoning of salt and generous pepper was perfectly to my liking, and the savory drippings beautifully complemented the rice, which was also notably excellent in both taste and texture.
The next time a grocery run to Donki on Kaheka Street is on the agenda, indulging in at least one wagyu skewer from Wagyukushi will undoubtedly be on my shopping list. It’s simply too delicious to pass up when you’re at Don Quijote Honolulu.
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 801 Kaheka St., @donquijotehi
