The Tamashiro Market located in Kalihi is the place to go to experience the goodness of Hawaii, past and present. The market is famous for its fresh seafood and produce. But there is more. It represents the flavors and smells of all the ethnic groups that settled Hawaii many years ago. And it is all displayed in a “mom and pop” sort of way, clean and organized and yet cluttered. You have to experience this to understand the meaning.

My favorite is their tako poke (marinated boiled octopus), the one made with Japanese octopus. It is crunchy and fresh. There is much more to buy in the seafood section. You will be surprised at the huge selection of fresh ahi tuna . There are so many other fish which I am not familiar with, but all are so tasty as long as you prepare them the way the knowledgeable local fishmonger suggests.

I enjoy checking out what the others are buying especially when it comes to fruits and vegetables. There is nothing better than fresh vegetables prepared in the various ethnic ways. The cozy and friendly atmosphere of Tamashiro Market makes it easy for you to step out of your comfort zone and ask the person next to you how they are going to prepare their dishes. I’m talking about those long stringy green things, bitter melon and green bananas and papayas, all foreign to a Japanese American like me who was raised in Japan.

For you visitors, I suggest you go to Tamashiro Market and experience Hawaii’s culture through all their ready-to-eat items prepared daily.