Cheap Eats Archives - Honolulu Magazine

Date Night Market: $60 Feast for Two at Pearlridge’s Village Night Market

Lucas Kamata — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 19:00:20 +0000

Photo: Lucas Kamata

The night market in the Pearlridge parking lot fronting TJ Maxx starts at 5 p.m., when the day is beginning to cool down. Live music acts interacting with the crowd, fairy lights strung on tents, and the smell of delicious food creates a lively atmosphere. One tip up front: Bring a few friends along. Why? Seating is limited, and this way one of you can save a spot at one of the tables while someone grabs food. So how did our $60 foodie date go?

Market: Village Night Market
When: Saturdays, 5 to 9 p.m.
Where: 98-1005 Moanalua Road
Info: @village.events.hawaii

My favorite dish of the evening is the one we start with. Pelmeshki is a vendor specializing in Russian dumplings, or pelmeni. At Pelmeshki, for $16, you get 16 bite-size pierogies filled with a beef and pork mixture, served either steamed or pan-fried, but for the order we’re splitting, my girlfriend has the great idea of choosing both. I get it with sour cream, the traditional condiment, and it adds a light contrast to the meaty dumplings. I also ask try the shoyu chile, the most popular option.

Personally, my favorite meal is dumplings, like gyoza and rice. While I enjoy the crispy pan-fried dumplings, my girlfriend prefers the softer, steamed ones. It’s interesting to see how the different textures offer different experiences, making it an excellent option for a side dish or main course.

Photo: Lucas Kamata

As the night grows chilly, we warm up with a shared bowl of Miso Butter Corn Ramen from Ramen Spot Beach for $15.50. The savory, rich miso broth feels comforting. The ramen is sprinkled with tender chashu, bright green onions and an expertly marinated egg. The sweet corn is a nice touch, balancing out the butteriness. We’ve saved some of the pierogies from Pelmeski and we eat them alongside the ramen, almost like gyoza, which makes for a tasty and almost conventional combination!

Photo: Lucas Kamata

Our food adventure continued with a Clam Chowder Bread Bowl from Moore 4 U, especially irresistible since I’ve never seen a bread bowl at a night market. For $16, you get a hearty clam chowder or pasta inside a bread bowl. The clam chowder is thick, creamy and flavorful. While my bowl doesn’t contain clams, a generous amount of potatoes and crispy bacon adds texture and depth. The soft, fluffy sourdough bowl is perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of chowder. I’m a big bread fan and would get this again.

Photo: Lucas Kamata

To end our night on a sweet note, we stop by Da Mochi Guys for their Cookie Butter Crunch, a four-pack of pink mochi generously filled with cookie butter, for $10. The chewy mochi, with its sweet and slightly salted cookie butter filling, is the right dessert to finish our meal.

Photo: Lucas Kamata

Our total before tax tonight is $57.50 for a shared four-course dinner for two. Fullness factor for both of us is 10 out of 10. All in all, this night market offers an outstanding mix at good prices. The market says it will continue every Saturday evening through the holiday season, with no breaks. So bring friends, scope out the vendors and make a game plan for your own foodie date night at the market!

Taka’s Box Lunch May Have the Best Loco Moco in Hawai‘i

Gregg Hoshida — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 18:30:59 +0000

Editor’s Note: A text from Gregg Hoshida today made us remember this post, originally published in May 2023, about a loco moco so superlative it catapulted onto Our Top 5: Best Loco Mocos in Hawaiʻi. So here it is again, perfect for a season of comfort foods.

Oh, and Gregg’s text today? It was about a different spot not far from Taka’s that has captured his heart and taste buds. Look for it soon on Frolic.

Photo: Gregg Hoshida

As a dish, the loco moco seems simple enough. Rice, hamburger patty, brown gravy and a fried egg. For aficionados and purists, its simplicity means that every humble ingredient needs to be transcendent, every component well thought out. Such is the case with the loco moco at Taka’s Box Lunch. From the first grain of rice to the last drop of gravy, Taka’s is, in my opinion, a serious contender for best loco moco in the state.

Located in industrial Mapunapuna, Taka’s is a modest establishment slightly hidden between the larger businesses that surround it. It took me three passes to find it the first time I went, and, finding the few spaces in front full, I drove some more until I found street parking. The menu is straightforward: Breakfast boxes of eggs and assorted meats ($9), omelets ($10), hamburger sandwiches ($9) and mixed plates ($11.50) point to a restaurant that knows what workers in the surrounding area want.

Photo: Gregg Hoshida

What catches my eye is a handwritten sign: “This isn’t fast food, this is quality food made as fast as we can.” Customers, it says, should allow at least 20 minutes for their orders. Admittedly, waiting 20 minutes for a plate lunch seems pretty daunting at first, but you can always call in your order in advance.

The $13.50 plate contains a bed of white rice nearly invisible under two (!) four-ounce hamburger patties. A blanket of deep brown gravy covers the rice and patties and is topped with two sunny-side eggs with a tiny bit of crispy edge. And because this is Hawai‘i, there’s yet another scoop of white rice accompanied by a scoop of spaghetti “mac” salad.

Photo: Gregg Hoshida

I’ve eaten a lot of loco mocos in my day. This one makes a bold statement on my palate. The patties are perfectly seasoned and fork-tender, a textural must when sandwiched between rice and eggs. Unctuously rich gravy completes the perfect bite. The spaghetti “mac” salad, rarely seen these days, provides cool, creamy relief before I dig in for another hefty bite.

Kanak attack notwithstanding, the loco moco from Taka’s Box Lunch is worth finding parking and waiting for. It has even inspired a new personal goal: Having co-authored Frolic’s statewide Top 5 Loco Moco ranking in 2018, I’m inspired to revisit the quest in this post-pandemic era. Taka’s is that good.

Open Monday to Friday from 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., 830 Mapunapuna St., (808) 834-6918, @takasboxlunch

$10 Eats: Loaded Breakfast Burrito, Mini Mix Plate and Classic Loco Moco

Lucas Kamata — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 18:30:42 +0000

Welcome to $10 Eats, my journey to find filling dishes you can savor without breaking the bank. Today, I’m taking you to three must-visit places not far from the UH-Mānoa campus.

Rainbow Drive-In’s Loco Moco Bowl

Photo: Lucas Kamata

First up is the Loco Moco Bowl from Rainbow Drive-In, a true local classic for just $7.50. Picture this: a mound of rice topped with a seasoned hamburger patty, all smothered with that rich brown gravy. Add a perfectly cooked egg of your choice on top, and you have the ultimate comfort food. It’s a smaller version of the famous loco plate, but the flavors are the same, incredibly bold and satisfying. This dish is a must for a quick lunch or a casual dinner, and trust me: It’s a decent portion that will leave you feeling full and happy. Also at Rainbow’s, things like the Chili Dog Boat and Rainbow Royal with double patties are less than $10.

Multiple locations, (808) 737-0177, rainbowdrivein.com, @rainbowdrivein

Okata Bento’s Mini Mix Plates

Photo: Lucas Kamata

Next, let’s head to Okata Bento in Kaimukī for the Mini Mix Plate featuring your choice of meat. From the menu of beef teriyaki, char siu chicken, tonkatsu and other hard-to-choose classics, I decide on the Mahi Mahi and Teriyaki Chicken for $9.50. This is a delightful flavor combo. The Mahi Mahi is expertly grilled, while the teriyaki chicken is sweet and savory with a nice char. What’s unique about Okata Bento is that your meal is prepared fresh when you order it, ensuring you get a piping hot experience every time. Just remember to bring some cash, as Okata doesn’t accept plastic.

3616 Wai‘alae Ave., (808) 737-6063, @okatabento

Burritos at Koa Pancake House

Photo: Lucas Kamata

Last, let’s not forget the massive burritos at Koa Pancake House. This is a tossup: My friends swear by the Vinha D’alhos Burrito with fried potatoes, onions and eggs for $7.50, while my go-to is the Koa Breakfast Burrito with Portuguese sausage, cheese, eggs and potatoes for $6.95. There’s also a Veggie Burrito. These burritos are enormous! The vinha d’alhos one is stuffed with marinated pork loin that bursts with flavor in a soft tortilla. Each bite offers a combination of savory flavors and textures that make your taste buds dance. It’s perfect for anyone with a good appetite but not a hefty wallet.

Multiple locations, (808) 739-7778, koapancakehouse.com, @koapancakehouse

Hungry yet? Stay tuned for Part 2 because I’m exploring options for cheap burgers and pizza.

At Super Pho in Kaimukī, Seven Courses of Beef Are a $50 Feast for Two

Martha Cheng — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 18:30:52 +0000

Editor’s Note: In April 2022, when this article was published, a traditional feast of seven courses of beef at Super Pho, or bo bay mon, was $40 for two. That was eye-popping. But even now, at $50, it’s still dazzling. We’ve updated this post—read on for Martha Cheng’s take.

Clockwise from top: vinegar beef fondue; a platter including meatballs and bo la lot (beef wrapped in betel leaf); and congee. Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Bo bay mon, or seven courses of beef, is not the orgy of beef you might expect. What I love about it: It feels special enough to be festive, what with the lavish variety, the wrapping of rolls tableside and dipping thin slices of beef into a vinegar fondue, and yet it’s surprisingly refreshing and comforting for everyday meals, with the heaps of fresh herbs, lettuce and pickles and a soothing finish of congee. The beef is treated more as a condiment, harkening back to when meat was considered a luxury—the bo bay mon tradition dates to 1930 when the restaurant Au Pagolac opened in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

In Honolulu, where bo bay mon disappeared after A Little Bit of Saigon stopped serving it in the 1990s, it made a comeback when Super Pho in Kaimukī opened nineteen years ago.

Beef congee. Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

The seven courses of beef can vary, but they usually highlight various cooking techniques, much like Japanese kaiseki. At Super Pho, where the bo bay mon is $50 for two, it begins with a beef salad, thin rare slices of cooked beef tossed with equally thin slices of lemon, rind and all, a fistful of torn rau ram (Vietnamese coriander), onions, peanuts, fried shallots. And what really makes it a salad you can’t get enough of—a sprinkling of sugary pork dust and ethereally fried skin on top.

Courses two, three, four and five arrive on a large platter overflowing with herbs, including cilantro, purple shiso and mint. And then there’s lettuce, cucumbers, vermicelli and pickled daikon, which you’re meant to roll into rounds of rice paper with the beef. Or not: I also enjoyed treating the DIY rolls more like bites of salad while eating the beef separately, the better to taste the nuances. Here, it’s prepared as a steamed meatloaf and various grilled preparations: skewers, meatballs wrapped in tissue-thin caul fat and beef wrapped in la lot leaves.

The traditional dipping sauce for your rolls is mam nem, a fermented anchovy sauce that Super Pho makes with lemongrass, ginger and fresh pineapple. But if it’s too potent for you, you can also ask for the more familiar nuoc cham.

Beef dipped in a vinegar fondue. Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Then, course six, beef fondue—a carpaccio of beef arrives, and a Sterno-fueled pot of vinegary broth. And to finish, a warming beef congee.

My friend and I had originally stepped into Super Pho for noodle soup. I had seen bo bay mon on the menu for years, but always said I’d get it “next time.” Finally, this time, we said, if not now, then when? It shook us out of our routine and delighted us on an otherwise mundane weekday. And all that for not much more than the price of two bowls of pho.

Angel Le Tran, Super Pho’s manager, said bò 7 món has been popular ever since the restaurant opened, and the day I talked to him, a couple from Colorado had ordered it—just two days after they arrived in Honolulu, when they also ate it. “People get it first thing when we open at 10 a.m. and late night at 9:30 p.m. with wine and beer,” he says. He remembers eating it when he was a child in Ho Chi Minh City, and though, at one time, it was reserved for special occasions like weddings, given the cost of beef, it has since become one of Vietnam’s most beloved foods, in part because “it’s just really fun.”

3538 Wai‘alae Ave., (808) 735-9989, superphowaialae.com

Here’s Why Saimin Is So Good

Aaron Avilla — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 18:30:14 +0000

When you dine out as much as Aaron Avilla does, you have to be in tune with the culinary scene or you’ll get bored real quick. An IT professional by day, Aaron likes a lot of different foods but loves few and has opinions on everything.

Judging from the Facebook comments on a recent repost of Mari Taketa’s “What is it about saimin?”, it is safe to say that not liking saimin is very unpopular. Less popular than rail. Less popular than TMT. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a one-sided reaction to such an honest and harmless opinion about food! The reaction speaks to the fierce loyalty Hawai‘i residents have for their unique version of Asian noodles in a bowl. Mari wondered if saimin is worthy of this loyalty, or is our loyalty a product of nostalgia and hallowed history? A lot of people were upset by the question, but no one was answering it.

My initial reaction was disbelief: Why would anyone not like saimin? It’s perfect! But I started thinking … is it really perfect? Is it even good?

Saimin is basically three things: noodles, broth and toppings. Saimin places in town do each of these components differently and with different degrees of success.

Noodles

Much like ramen, saimin noodles come in a range. Thick or thin? Soft or chewy? It really depends on your taste. Personally? I like both. Shige’s in Wahiawā is well-known for its house-made noodles, which are thicker and have some firmness. This is my choice for when I want my noodles to have some body to them.

Photo: Aaron Avilla

Sometimes, I prefer thin noodles. You would think that thick noodles are more filling when you are extra hungry, but I find thin noodles to be much more filling as you can fit more into the bowl. When you can’t get to Nori’s on the Big Island to get their Hilo-style thin saimin noodles, you can get a very comparable substitute at Forty Niner Restaurant in ‘Aiea.

Broth

The broth is rather simple when compared to its ramen counterpart. It is usually steeped from some combination fish stock, shrimp, bonito flakes and soy sauce and takes less time to make. Broths vary in flavor and quality.

Photo: Aaron Avilla

One broth that is done differently and stands out is at Palace Saimin in Kalihi. Crafted from a recipe that dates back to the 1940s, this broth is made by simmering beef and pork bones for hours. It has a ton of flavor while maintaining the clean and clear body of a saimin broth. Plus, it is served at the right temperature (steaming!) and is always consistent.

Toppings

No bowl of saimin is complete without toppings. Some restaurants stick with the simple combo of green onion, char siu pork and kamaboko while others will add in some kind of lunch meat like Spam or ham, and many have the option to add vegetables like won bok cabbage and bean sprouts.

You won’t find Zippy’s on many people’s best saimin list, but you’ll find it on mine because they have a pork saimin that I really enjoy, especially when ordered with extra garnishes. It comes loaded with char siu and traditional roast pork along with sliced egg, green onion, kamaboko and choy sum—all of which go terrific with your hot mustard and shoyu dipping sauce (especially the choy sum)!

Photo: Aaron Avilla

Saimin is not ramen and it is not pho. Saimin will never be considered an umami bomb with complex flavors that tickle taste buds you never knew you had. Yes, it is familiar and nostalgic, but only because of its goodness. Saimin is simple, and sometimes simple is exactly what you need.

SEE ALSO: Saimin: I Get It

Date Night Market: A $60 Sunset Date at ‘Ono Grindz & Mākeke

Lucas Kamata — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 18:30:15 +0000

Photo: Lucas Kamata

If you’re looking for a fresh take on night markets, ‘Ono Grindz & Mākeke in ‘Ewa Beach offers a laid-back experience perfect for a date night under $60. Set against the backdrop of Wai Kai’s waterfront, with live music and a vibrant sunset, this 4 to 8 p.m. event is a must-visit for food lovers. Pro tip: Bring something to sit on, as there’s a spacious grassy area where you can relax and enjoy the scenery—ducks included! There’s a public bathroom nearby and even a wave pool.

Market: ‘Ono Grindz & Mākeke at Wai Kai
When: Every Thursday, 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: 91-1621 Keoneula Blvd.
Parking: Free onsite
Instagram: @onogrindzandmakeke

Let’s dive into the food. We’re kicking things off with an ikura and salmon hand roll from Sato Seafood for $7.50. The hand roll is light but generously packed with flavor—the fresh salmon and the little bursts of ikura are incredibly satisfying. It’s the perfect starter to tease your appetite without filling you too quickly.

Photo: Lucas Kamata

Now, we go for something heartier—the brisket plate from Hometown BBQ. For $21, it comes with two sides. I wish I knew that the plate already had a bed of rice under the meat. If I were to go again, I would choose another side instead of rice. This dish is hefty, to say the least. The brisket is perfectly tender, with that melt-in-your-mouth quality you crave in good barbecue, and my side choice of garlic-buttered corn adds a sweet, rich contrast. Paired with the rice, it’s a perfect option to share or keep all to yourself if you’re really hungry.

Photo: Lucas Kamata

For a change of pace, we try the Lahem Bi Ajin (minced lamb and cheese) from Saj Beirut for $15. The lamb from this Lebanese vendor is beautifully spiced, and the cheese adds a creamy richness that balances the dish perfectly. The dish comes with a side of cheese sauce that adds a good contrast to the salty flavors. It is served in a warm, soft flatbread, making it a great hand-held option as we stroll through the market, enjoying the live music and the colorful sunset over the waterfront.

Photo: Lucas Kamata

With $43.50 spent so far, we still have room to indulge in a dessert. There’s a plethora to choose from—Columbian inspired alfajor cookies and brownies at Aloha Alfajores to mochi waffles brimming with ice cream and chocolate at Hit the Spot Sweets. No matter what you choose, ‘Ono Grindz & Mākeke is more than just the food—its great eats, live music and sunset view make this a perfect spot for a relaxed, romantic evening.

As we watch the sun dip below the horizon, I can’t help but feel excited for the next stop on our night market journey. If you’re planning a trip, don’t forget your picnic blanket, and be ready for some incredible food. Stay tuned for when we check out What the Truck?! for more budget date night ideas!

You Voted: Here’s Your Top 5 Shave Ice on Oʻahu

Thomas Obungen — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 18:30:48 +0000

Editor’s Note: We published these reader poll results in June 2023 in the heat of summer after our own ranking of shave ice was decidedly different from our readers’ picks. Well, it might be after the autumn equinox, but it still feels like summer heat has a grip on us. Now’s a good time to remind you to find solace in as many icy treats possible.

When it comes to shave ice, it’s a difficult task for anyone to name one shop the best over another. With so many factors to consider, from the texture of the snow to the intensity of the syrups and the quality of the toppings, one list isn’t going to truly show the depth and breadth of our love for this icy treat. So we put the question to our readers, asking them to vote for their favorites.

We learned that although many of Honolulu’s new-age shave ice shops have passionate followings, the classics we grew up with have staying power. Thanks to this list, it looks like we have a lot more ground to cover and we’re not mad about it: Our reader poll last Friday listed 26 shave ice shops across O‘ahu; readers wrote in more than two dozen others. The No. 1 shave ice purveyor isn’t even a shop, but it commanded nearly a third of the total vote. The rest of the race was much closer, with some shops separated by a mere few votes.

Get your spoons ready—these are your picks for the top 5 shave ice on O‘ahu.

Photo: Melissa Chang

No. 5: Shimazu Store

Pass by this iconic shop on School Street on a hot day, and you’ll see a crowd outside enjoying enormous ice cones. A second location inside Hawai‘i’s Favorite Kitchens in Kapahulu is also a must-stop for locals and visitors. With 6.3% of the total vote in our reader poll, Shimazu Store proves that when you stick to the classics, folks from all generations will gladly return for a taste of small-kid time in the form of huge shave ice cones.

Multiple locations, @shimazustoreliliha, @shimazu_shave_ice

Photo: Courtesy of Kaulana Shave Ice Creations

No. 4: Kaulana Shave Ice Creations

Another standout on this list, Kaulana Shave Ice Creations isn’t even searchable on Google Maps. But with 6.4% of the vote, passionate fans put it on the map. To get your hands on these icy bowls, you either have to be invited to a party that’s serving them up or attend one of the street festivals where Kaulana pops up.

@kaulana.shaveicecreations

Photo: Courtesy of 6Sixty Apparel

No. 3: Jax Snax (Fomerly 6Sixty Apparel)

Is it strange that a clothing store in Wahiawā would wind up among the Top 5 shave ice on O‘ahu? Not when you realize that they can pump out serious bowls topped with everything from gummy bears to Fruity Pebbles and li hing mui powder. With just five more votes than Kaulana Shave Ice Creations, 6Sixty Apparel lands in the Top 3 shave ice shops on O‘ahu.

670 California Ave., (808) 200-2418, @jaxsnaxhawaii

SEE ALSO: Best Shave Ice on O‘ahu

Photo: Thomas Obungen

No. 2: Waiola Shave Ice

One of our team’s favorites is also one of your favorites. Despite the somewhat strict ordering criteria and some difficult parking at peak times, Waiola is always worth a visit on a hot summer day. Whether you like to hike it over to the Kapahulu location or chill on a side street in McCully, this is a destination for shave ice connoisseurs. Waiola comes in at second place on our list with 7.7% of the vote.

Multiple locations, (808) 949-2269, @waiolashaveice

Photo: Courtesy of Magic Mountain Shave Ice

No. 1: Mountain Magic Shave Ice

With a whopping 29% of the entire vote, this food trailer in a shopping center parking lot is your pick for the best shave ice on O‘ahu. Either we’re missing out or shopping for deals in Waikele makes everyone crave a sugarloaf mountain of ice dressed with syrups, mochi, ube caps and li hing powder. Once a cart near Lowe’s, Mountain Magic Shave Ice has since migrated to the fence near Dick’s Lechon and Leonard Jr’s Hot Malasadas. Given how warm it gets in West O‘ahu, shave ice is the perfect thirst-quenching treat.

Multiple locations, (808) 681-9582, @mountainmagicshaveice

With such close results, failing to mention the remaining shops in the Top 10 would be like forgetting to mention our best friends from hanabata time. They are:

No. 6: Ululani’s Shave Ice – 6.2% of the vote

No. 7: MM Island Shave Ice – 5.7%

No. 8: Chillest Shave Ice – 4.5%

No. 9: Matsumoto Shave Ice – 4.4%

No. 10: Uncle Clay’s House of Pure Aloha – 3.1%

Among write-in votes, the top four were Fine Time Shave Ice and Puchie’s Shave Ice, which both do events and catering, and ‘Ewa Seed Co. of ‘Ewa Beach and Aunty Kalei’s Shave Ice in Pacific Palisades.

Date Night Market: Honolulu Harbor Nights

Lucas Kamata — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 18:30:22 +0000

When you’re bored with dinner and a movie and when Netflix and chill means too much couch time, a date night at the night market is what you need. Popular weekly events that have been popping up around Honolulu bring together ‘ono food and hungry eaters in the cool night air–perfect for a fun date night.

Market: Honolulu Harbor Nights
When: Fridays, 4 to 9 p.m.
Where: Hakuone, 1011 Ala Moana Blvd.
Parking: Free onsite
Instagram: @honoluluharbornights

If you’re looking for a unique date night that’s fun and budget-friendly, Honolulu Harbor Nights in Kaka‘ako is the perfect choice. Not only do you get to try delicious street food from various vendors, but you can soak up an atmosphere filled with live music and fireworks if you time it right. Here’s how you can have a memorable dinner for two for $60.

We arrive just before 7 p.m., and the market is buzzing. We start with a fresh beverage: Aloha Sugar Cane Juice’s pineapple juice ($8) is sweet, tangy and incredibly refreshing.