Hawaii Feasting: New to Me 2021
In my time back in Hawaii there has been no shortage of new and delicious places to eat. I recently shared some of the lunch places my co-workers have introduced to me (and there are more to come). This post is a bit of a catchall of more new-to-me places - some breakfasts, some dinner, some snacks, and some dessert. Enjoy!
Moké's Bread & Breakfast - Kaimuki
I first learned about Moké's when a friend posted a picture of lilikoi pancakes. I instantly wanted them (lilikoi is one of my favorite flavors) and I wasn't disappointed. I went with a friend who was visiting from the mainland. We each got savory dishes and shared the pancakes for "dessert." They were everything I hoped for. And the next time my friend visits, it's on our list of places to eat.
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Lilikoi pancakes from Moké's Bread & Breakfast |
Purvé Donut Stop - Kuono Marketplace, Kahala
Purvé has long been on my list of favorites but with the opening of a second shop in Kahala, they upped the game with the addition of donut breakfast sandwiches. My favorite is the Uptuck - bacon, egg, and cheese in a maple glazed donut. Mmmmm. The sandwiches are only offered at the Kahala location but both locations offer the ube granita.
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Breakfast donut sandwich and ube granita from Purvé |
Molokai Hot Bread Truck
A loaf of Molokai Hot Bread is not much to look at - it's a big round pillowly loaf of bread. What will grab your attention is the weight when it's handed to you and that comes from the delicious fillings. Our favorite is ube cheesecake but to be honest, we haven't one we didn't like. The lines can be long, depending on the location. Check out their Instagram and website to find out the daily locations and monthly special flavors.
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Molokai Hot Bread truck and ube cheesecake and chocolate chip cheesecake breads |
Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery
Leonard's is the most famous bakery in Hawaii for malasadas. Pipeline Bakeshop in Kaimuki also makes a great malasada - a little more substantial but equally delicious. The bakeshop also makes great cake bombs and other pastries. Or, for a little more decadence, get your malasada filled with homemade ice cream.
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Malasadas from Pipeline Bakeshop |
Hawaiian Chip Company
Located in Kalihi, the Hawaiian Chip Company serves up freshly fried taro and sweet potato chips. Prior to the pandemic, you could season your fresh-from-the-fryer, still warm chips with a variety of seasonings - like furikake, garlic salt, and hot chili powder. Now they will provide different seasoning packets at your request. With chips this fresh, just a sprinkling of salt is more than enough. And while you're there, head across the street to 'Ōlena by Chef Ron Simon for some delicious food and drink to go along with your chips.
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Freshly made taro and sweet potato chips from Hawaiian Chip Company |
TBD…by Chef Vikram Garg
TBD.. is the kind of restaurant I associate with large metropolitan cities - New York, Boston - without the pretense. Service is wonderful and the food is delicious. By Hawaii standards, it's a special occasion restaurant and one I look forward to going to again. And speaking of Instagrammable food, check out the mango kulfi ice pop.
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Mango kulfi |
Somi Somi - Ala Moana Shopping Center
I'm always on the lookout for Instagrammable food that tastes as good as it looks. Somi Somi's vibrant soft serve, colorful toppings, and fish-shaped waffle cones check off the right boxes. The challenge, in Hawaii, is getting a good picture before it starts melting down your hand.
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Ube and vanilla swirled soft serve from Somi Somi |
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