ARE you looking for mouthwatering burgers made personally by a chef in Saipan? How about wraps that are authentically flavored by fresh ingredients bursting with local flavors?
Look nowhere else but INAS’ Kitchen.
Five years ago, INAS’ Kitchen co-owner Sonnie Sablan opened the restaurant in Sadog Tasi to give the community members a taste of the famous western California taco and wraps, but with an island twist.
It is the only restaurant with a live kitchen making wraps and burgers.
“I personally made my own wraps and tried to be creative with the flavors. Wraps are originally from the Tex-Mex region but I wanted to give the community something different by fusing our local flavors,” Sablan said.
One of the Western/Chamorro fusion tacos that is a hit on their menu is the Shrimp Kelaguen Taco.
Kelaguen is a famous local dish in the Marianas.
Eventually, chef’s special lunch was added to the menu and the popularity of sandwiches and wraps gave birth to the mouthwatering burgers which are personally made by Sablan.
“We make sure that we order fresh ingredients. Our patties are not factory made. We make it from scratch and from Angus beef,” he said.
Aside from the live kitchen, INAS’ Kitchen is also known for Sablan’s anniversary and occasion-inspired burgers, which he specifically makes in celebration of the restaurant’s anniversaries or to celebrate local events.
Among these burgers inspired by the culture and tradition of Saipan are the Masisu burger, Pika burger and the Da Kåksaka Burger X.
Sablan also formulated a vegan burger, Beyond Burger, to support community members who are trying to lose weight or eat healthy.
Beyond Burger is a burger made of plant-based ingredients that taste like real beef.
“It is like eating a burger made with Angus beef except that it’s made of plant,” he said.
Grateful to the community
Sablan said INAS’ Kitchen has always been supportive of local businesses.
“We often partner with local businesses and help each other promote our brands,” he said.
This month, INAS’ Kitchen is partnering with Mighty Purple Café in celebration of the Lenten season.
They also partnered with Tribe Marianas recently and sell INAS’ Kitchen merch such as T-shirts.
Sablan, who is a 2019 Saipan Young Professional of the Year Nominee, believes that for businesses to thrive in a close-knit community like the Marianas, supporting each other is essential.
He also assures that with each milestone, INAS’ Kitchen is able to give back to the community through donations and outreach services such as the recent donation they gave to Karidat and Kristo Rai Parish Church.
INAS’ Kitchen truly values the community and its local heritage not only through the flavors of the food served, but also through its brand.
Its logo is a combination of the famous attribution to the Chamorro culture which is the Taga rock, along with a machete and a chef’s knife.
Sablan expressed his gratitude to the community for nominating them and voting for them for Best of the Marianas.
“It is because of the support of the community that we have reached this far. It was a long journey especially during the Covid-19 season, but because of the support of the community, we are still here today,” he said.
Asked if there will be something new to look forward to on their menu this year, Sablan said, “We will surprise you with our anniversary-inspired burger which will only be available during our anniversary month.”
For more information visit INAS’ Kitchen at Sadog Tasi, Saipan. They are open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Call (670) 488-1267 to place an order.
