Japanese-style hamburger steak spot is opening in Kaimukī

This new Japanese-style hamburger steak spot is opening on Monday, Nov. 24 in Kaimukī.

Marujuu Hawaiʻi is located in the former space of Chubbies Burgers in Kaimukī. Photo by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta (Aloha State Daily Staff)

Located in the former Chubbies Burgers space in Kaimukī, Marujuu Hawaiʻi — owned by restaurant group Funergy Group Inc., which operates Tori Ton, Izakaya Tenkichi and Totoya — specializes in Japanese-style hamburger steaks.

Interior of Marujuu Hawaiʻi. Photo by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta (Aloha State Daily Staff)

The restaurant interior was modeled, and now boasts a vibrant yellow hue and anime on the walls. The design was inspired by Akihabara, a neighborhood in Tokyo, according to Funergy Group Inc. owner Takuya Tsutsumi.

Originally, Tsutsumi was thinking to open another izakaya, but decided to go with the “hamburger steak” concept instead.

“It’s very popular in Japan now, since maybe three or four years ago,” he says.

He explains that the eatery’s name refers to the hamburger steak’s shape (“maru”) and the sizzling sound made when it’s cooked (“ju”).

Hamburger steaks are made to order. Photo by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta (Aloha State Daily Staff)

Tsutsumi explains that the hamburger steaks are first cooked on the grill, then in the oven, and are served on a sizzling platter; its sauce is poured tableside.

“There’s a combination of a little bit of pork, beef, the beef fat and a secret recipe,” Tsutsumi says.

He explains that the eatery’s sauces are homemade, making each dish unique.

“The original sauce takes more than seven hours to make,” he says.

Hamburger steak sets come in two sizes — regular ($23.50) or large ($28.50) — and include vegetables, pasta, miso soup and rice.

Choose from sauces like signature onion, sweet garlic soy glaze, grated daikon ponzu, green onion salt marinade, and Gorgonzola cheese. While the signature onion — boasting a nice balance of sweet and savory — is projected to be the most popular option, I’m partial to the rich, creamy Gorgonzola.

Regular hamburger steak ($23.50) with signature onion sauce. Photo by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta (Aloha State Daily Staff)

The hamburger steaks are thick, juicy, tender and ultra flavorful — even before the sauce is added. Customers can add extra toppings like grilled onions ($2), garlic chips ($1.90), grilled bacon ($3.90) and more.

Regular hamburger steak ($23.50) with Gorgonzola cheese sauce. Photo by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta (Aloha State Daily Staff)Braised hamburg in mushroom demi-glace sauce ($24.50). Photo by Kelli Shiroma Braiotta (Aloha State Daily Staff)

Tsutsumi also recommends trying the eatery’s braised hamburg in mushroom demi-glace sauce. This option comes with the same side dishes as the original hamburger steak; choose from regular ($24.50) or large ($29.50) sizes. There’s also a keiki size ($12.50) that is served with potatoes, carrots, broccoli and pasta.

Marujuu also offers chicken steak ($17.90) — choose from yuzu pepper sauce, signature onion sauce or sweet garlic soy glaze — and rib-eye steak ($29.50 regular, $38.50 large).

“We marinate the chicken overnight so it’s very tender,” Tsutsumi says. “We use chicken thighs.”

The eatery will be open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. and from 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner (last call 9:15 p.m.) Wednesdays to Mondays (it’s closed on Tuesdays). Right now, it’s first come, first served; a reservation system may be set up in the future.

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CONTACT
Marujuu Hawaiʻi
1145 12th Ave., Honolulu
Instagram: @marujuu_hawaii
Open 11 a.m.-2:15 p.m., 5-10 p.m. (last call 9:15 p.m.) Wednesdays to Mondays
Closed Tuesdays

Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.