After a long day at work, my friend and I were eager to unwind and enjoy a relaxing evening out. Hachiya Express in Surfside Beach had come highly recommended for its flavorful Japanese dishes, a reputation for speedy service, and their affordable prices.
As I walked through the door, the first thing that struck me was the inviting simplicity of the restaurant’s interior. It was well-organized, with a clear flow from the entrance to the ordering counter, where friendly staff greeted me with warm smiles. The space was busy, filled with families sharing laughter over steaming bowls of soup, college students chatting between bites of sushi, and even a few local law enforcement officers enjoying their meals, all adding to the community feel of the place.
What really caught my attention was the open kitchen. From where I stood, I could see the chefs at work, their hands moving with practiced precision as they prepared each dish. There was something mesmerizing about it – the way they handled the ingredients, turning simple cuts of meat and fresh vegetables into beautiful, aromatic plates of food. It wasn’t just cooking; it was a performance, and I was in the front row.
I started my meal with the Spring Roll, priced at $4.50. The golden-brown appetizer revealed a crunchy, flavorful interior filled with fresh, crisp vegetables. The side dipping sauce was just sweet enough to complement the savory flavors.
I then tried the Japanese Onion Soup, priced at $2.95. The large bowl was warm, with a comforting broth that enveloped me like a blanket. The flavors were delicate yet distinct – a dish I know I’ll keep coming back for.
Feeling adventurous, I tried the Jamaican Sushi Roll, priced at $8.25. The roll was surprisingly filling, with a generous portion of tuna, crab, cucumber, and Japanese chili pepper. The spicy kick from the chili pepper coating added a bold contrast to the fresh, clean taste of the tuna and crab.
As I observed the chefs’ precision in ensuring they didn’t overcook the multiple orders of steak, my Shrimp & Hibachi Steak, priced at $16.75, arrived within no longer than 10 minutes. The mound of shrimp were cooked just right, while the steak was tender with a deep, savory flavor that spoke to the quality of the ingredients. I couldn’t resist adding a generous drizzle of their house-made yum yum sauce – creamy with a slight sweetness that perfectly complemented the steak.
One of the highlights of my visit was the sauce bar, a dedicated area offering five house-made sauces: teriyaki, yum yum, ginger, mustard, and hot. Each sauce added its own unique twist to the dishes, allowing me to customize my meal to my taste. I found myself particularly drawn to the ginger sauce, with its bright, tangy flavor that paired beautifully with the grilled vegetables.
My friend indulged in a popular menu choice, the Chicken & Steak Teriyaki, priced at $18.50. The housemade teriyaki sauce was rich and savory, clinging to the tender pieces of chicken and steak with just the right amount of sweetness. Each bite was a blend of flavors, making it the kind of dish that invites you to savor and fully appreciate every taste.
Of course, we couldn’t end the meal without dessert. The Molten Chocolate Lava Cake, priced at $5.95, was as decadent as it sounds. As I cut into the cake, warm, rich chocolate oozed out, creating a perfect pairing with the soft, spongy exterior. After enjoying this, I look forward to indulging in their cheesecake on my next visit.
“The food might be good, but is it worth the price?”
As I finished my meal and sat back, content and satisfied, I couldn’t help but come to the conclusion that this is absolutely worth the price. The quality of the dishes, the engaging open kitchen, and the overall welcoming atmosphere made every dollar spent well worth it. Hachiya Express is a bit of a hidden gem, nestled within a shopping mall in Surfside Beach. Its unassuming location makes it easy to overlook, but once you discover it, you’ll find a delightful meal.
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The Content Food Critic was founded in 2022 by Sophia Edens, a graduate of Coastal Carolina University, where she earned her English degree along with a minor in Communication.
Originally from Maryland, Sophia’s upbringing exposed her to a rich culture of eastern shore cuisine. Now based in South Carolina, she draws on her passion for cooking to gain a deeper understanding of food journalism and refine her own unique perspective.
Sophia believes in savoring life’s culinary delights with a sense of contentment and joy. Her mission is simple: to explore the world of food and share her experiences, focusing on the most appetizing and affordable restaurants.