Y’Kele Korean B-B-Q has been putting a satisfying char on its grilled meats for 27 years at Waikele Center and holding its own against ever-growing competition from restaurant chains.
The homestyle cooking of Y’Kele sets it apart for shoppers at the discount and designer outlet mall in Waipahu. Up until a few years ago it was the only Korean restaurant in the center, according to Jinnie Yoon, whose parents founded Y’Kele.
THE BUSINESS
The restaurant began as part of the local Tasty Korean Barbecue franchise, but soon the late owner, Kwang Yoon and his wife, Kyung Ho Yoon, broke off to continue on their own, their daughter said.
Her father renamed the restaurant and catering business, playing on the word Waikele, with a Y to represent the family’s last name, she said.
Shortly after her father died in 2001, her mother sold the restaurant to an owner who adapted the recipes to suit local tastes, making them saltier and sweeter, Jinnie Yoon said. But after five years, her mother decided to buy the business back and kept the evolved menu. She runs the daily operations with about 15 employees, with Jinnie stepping in to help.
Despite steep growth in competition from other food vendors over the years, steady support has come from neighboring residents and shopping center employees, Jinnie said, in addition to a steady stream of Asian tourists.
WHAT TO ORDER
Best- sellers include the kalbi short ribs, $11.99 for a mini with rice and two side dishes or $15.99 for a regular serving and four sides. Another favorite is meat jun chicken, $10.99 and $14.99.
Those side dishes comprise a plethora of the usual Korean choices in generous portions, including kim chee and the ubiquitous mac salad, but most are vegetable-based.
Yook gae jang soup (spicy beef and vegetable) is also popular at $9.99 or $12.99; as well as the mandoo kook soo (dumpling) soup for $9.99. In general, plates sell for $10 to $15, with protein- only orders of meat, chicken or fish about $9 or $10.
Y’KELE B-B-Q
Waikele Center, Waipahu
>> Call: 676-0988
>> Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays; 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Sundays
>> Seating: Lots of tables indoors
>> Parking: Free stalls in the shopping center
Grab and Go focuses on takeout food, convenience meals and other quick bites. Email ideas to crave@staradvertiser.com.
