For those familiar with the vibrant aisles of Don Quijote Kaheka in Honolulu, stepping inside is often an adventurous experience. Amidst the eclectic mix of goods, from everyday necessities to unique finds, there’s always something new to discover, especially for food enthusiasts. On a recent visit, a promising aroma led me to a new vendor named Wagyukushi, skillfully grilling washugyu beef skewers. I knew I had to return to properly experience this new offering.
Previously, this spot next to Sushi Robot was home to Donki’s Jonetz Yakitori, offering grilled chicken skewers. While budget-friendly, it didn’t quite capture the buzz and eventually closed. However, on December 1st, Wagyukushi, also a Donki venture, emerged in its place. The question was: would it truly deliver on the promise of delicious beef?
The answer is a resounding yes. Wagyukushi presents a simple yet incredibly tasty concept. They take thinly sliced, frozen washugyu beef, stack it meticulously, skewer it, and then slice it into distinctive square columns. This layered approach is reminiscent of Nana Ai Katsu’s tonkatsu, but with beef instead of pork and significantly more layers – without the panko coating. These skewers are then expertly grilled on a flattop grill and finished with a flavorful sauce. Priced at $5.99 for one skewer, $9.99 for two, and $12.99 for a plate that includes two skewers, rice, and salad, it’s an exceptional value, particularly for (American) wagyu beef. The simplicity is part of its charm.
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Bringing a friend along to share the experience, we both agreed that these skewers are like a beef mille feuille. Each skewer is grilled fresh to order, resulting in wonderfully crispy edges and a tender interior. 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,” it’s more accurately described as very tender. These skewers evoke the authentic taste and presentation of street food found in Japanese markets or shopping districts, though in Japan, they might add a dramatic torching finish.
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The poster also mentions a special wasabi sauce flavoring, but the wasabi kick is subtle. We both craved a more pronounced zing, perhaps even some kizami wasabi to cut through the richness of the marbled beef after a couple of skewers. However, the seasoning of salt and generous pepper was perfect for my palate, and the savory drippings were absorbed by every delicious grain of rice, which stood out in both taste and texture.
The next time a grocery run to Donki is on the agenda, a wagyu skewer from Wagyukushi will definitely be on my shopping list. It’s simply too delicious and convenient to miss.
Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., 801 Kaheka St., @donquijotehi
