123 Foods using Taste of The Marianas as springboard

An old favorite is currently plying its trade every Saturday night at the 25th Annual Taste of The Marianas International Food Festival Park.

123 Foods may look like just an ordinary stall at the American Memorial Park but it’s so much more, especially if you have time to watch their video conveniently shown in front of their Taste of Marianas setup.

“Although the official opening of 123 Foods was in 2019, the actual opening goes back in the ’80s. We used to own Keeraku Japanese Restaurant and Rakuen Korean BBQ Restaurant in Garapan. As we’ve been around for a long time, we have the expertise in food quality, knowledge of local’s favorite taste, and are aware of different cultural backgrounds. In short, we can guarantee of the taste that locals love,” said owner Sean Lee.

At the Taste of Marianas, 123 Foods has been quite a hit with their classic galbi bento, spicy chicken fried rice, red rice balls, and hot brownies with ice cream all certified bestsellers.

“Since this is our first public event, there’s been a lot of work and preparation. Lots of chaos as well. But I think we are getting the hang of it. We offer a variety of fusion foods of Korean, Japanese, Filipino, Italian, and local,” said Lee.

As well as their old Keeraku and Rakuen customers pining for the old Garapan restaurant’s staples, 123 Foods pleasantly has a hit a chord with the newer generation at the Taste of the Marianas.

“Actually, lots of people showed gratitude and excitement for us coming back. Especially for our galbi bento. There are several different restaurants serving the same dish on island, but it never tastes the same as Rakuen’s galbi bento. Youngsters and those newer to the island who didn’t experience our old restaurants, they also showed interest on our food and our story as well. Those who tried our food all of them were surprised as to its quality,” said Lee.

Lee admitted that the family business was one of the casualties of the economic downturn in the early 2010s, but he said 123 Foods is slowly picking up the pieces, starting four years ago when they opened 123 Store in Chalan Kanoa.

Lee points out that in a way 123 Foods at the Taste of Marinas is their reintroduction to Saipan’s dining scene.

“Our booth at Taste of Marianas is our promotion. It’s a stepping stone in our business to bring back the old dishes from Keeraku and Rakuen restaurants. Since all our orders are party tray based, not many customers have easy access to our foods. We’ve specially created each and every menu for the people.”

The 25th Annual Taste of The Marianas International Food Festival Park’s last day is this Saturday and Lee said

123 Foods is ready to serve the appetites of locals and tourists alike from 5pm to 11pm.

123 Store in Chalan Kanoa is open from Monday to Sunday, 6am-9pm. For more information, call (670) 235-1231 or visit them on Facebook and Instagram: “123 Store.” Currently, 123 Store is only taking special party tray orders and cannot accommodate dine-in customers