Debu Brings Giant Kimbap Rolls and Inari Bombs to Ke‘eaumoku

Photo: Maddy Chow

Debu, Hawai‘i’s first shop offering Korean-style stuffed inari pockets, just opened at Azure Ala Moana and is worth checking out. The shop gets its name from dewang yubuchobap, or generous deep-fried sweet tofu pockets filled with sushi rice and toppings. Even more giant and not to be overlooked are the kimbap rolls, described by co-owner David Lee as a cross between kimbap and makizushi.

Both yubuchobap and kimbap are favorite Korean snacks. “Traditionally, yubuchobap is a simple fried bean curd pouch filled with rice mixed with fried vegetables. My father used to prepare this as our picnic lunch during weekends,” says Lee, whose wife Jane also owns the shop. “What made his yubuchobap special were the creative toppings he added like eggs, Spam, bulgogi and more. These picnic lunches are happy memories for my sister and me.”

Photo: Maddy Chow

Yubuchobap are similar to poke bombs, the main difference being the variety of toppings at Debu. 19 choices rotate in a self-serve display. You can choose four ($11.76), six ($17.10), eight ($22.56) or 10 (27.90), though some choices will cost a little extra. We decide on 10 to try a variety. I’m full after eating only three, and remember, you need to save space for the rolls. Even without the rolls, 10 is more than enough for two people to share.

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Photo: Maddy Chow

Here’s my ranking of our 10 yubuchobap, starting with my favorites:

Unagi: Workers can sear the surface of the unagi for you, adding another dimension of flavor. This is my number one choice not just because unagi is one of my favorite types of sushi, but because here it practically melts in your mouth.

Salmon: The salmon has a fresh, clean flavor with a hint of wasabi, giving it a slight kick and making it taste more like nigiri sushi. Order this classic if you are a basic eater like me.

Zesty Salmon: This comes with a little bit of mayo and the zest and juice of lemon. It is a little bit of a twist that makes it super refreshing, especially on a hot day.

Spicy ‘Ahi: Exactly what you would expect with no hidden surprises. This is a choice you will not regret, with a perfect balance of creaminess and fish.

Photo: Maddy Chow

Avocado: An amazing option for vegans and vegetarians because it is so creamy (plain yubu and seaweed salad yubu are also vegan). It is also one of my favorites because it is so simple and garnished with a little bit of takuan. The avocado is similar to guacamole, but completely smooth with no chunks.

Bulgogi: I like the idea of bulgogi on a yubuchobap, but the beef is a little overcooked and dry both times I try it. The flavors are on point, though—a little sweet and a little salty.

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Spam: Pan-fried cubes of Spam taste best when seared right before you get this. The char is amazing, and you can taste a hint of shoyu. If you are a Spam lover, you need to try this; if not, the seafood options are more worth your money.

Corn Salad: A very creamy corn mix complements the deep-fried tofu pocket. Both are on the sweeter side. I’m not a super fan of mayo so it’s not one of my favorites, though my friend thoroughly enjoys this one.

Mentaiko: Personally, I don’t think I am meant to eat mentaiko. If you are or if you’re feeling a little adventurous, you should try it: This one is super creamy and has a few ikura to top it off.

My absolute favorites at Debu are the kimbap rolls. The four types include the signature Debu Roll, an Unagi Debu Roll and an ‘Ahi Debu Roll, all stuffed with different combinations of cucumber, egg, avocado, green onion, shrimp tempura, yellow takuan or danmuji and other ingredients. The rolls vary in price from $11.89 to $19.89, with unagi being the most expensive. Lee says the Debu Roll, minus the shrimp tempura and egg and with added veggies, can be made vegan.

Photo: Maddy Chow

We decide to get the Salmon Debu Roll ($16.89). The number and abundance of fillings make the roll so delicious and very much worth it. Each piece is at least three inches across and too big to fit in one bite. When I go back, I’ll try another roll because I really love the quality and amount of filling stuffed inside.

Parking at Azure, where you’ll also find Ireh Korean restaurant and a YiFang Fruit Tea shop, is free for customers on the building’s second floor. There’s some counter seating inside and table seating outside, or you can get your yubuchobap and rolls to go, traditional style.

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., 641 Ke‘eaumoku St., Suite #2, debuyubu.com, @debu.hawaii