Tadashi

I met @deniset73 at Tadashi in Pearl Kai Center.  It's been decades since I went to Tadashi - it was often a spot I'd go to when I used to work at the airport.

Things have changed, however, since then.  It seems like they are still operating as they did during the pandemic, with tables spaced out very far apart, and a bunch of tables / chairs pushed up against the wall in the back.  You also have 90 minutes to dine.  

Soba, Tsukemono, Miso Soup

We both ordered teishoku, which comes with soba, tsukemono, miso foup, and rice. 

Butterfish Misoyaki

I had the Teriyaki Chicken & Tempura Special Combination Teishoku.

I was very surprised by the huge portion of teriyaki chicken, which also came with a side salad.  The sauce was good, but the chicken was a bit on the tougher side.  The tempura was good, although I thought the batter could've been crisper.

The service was attentive and the food was fine.  There seemed to be lots of regulars dining, and it was nice to see all locals. 

Denise did her research, and read that if you pay by cash, you get a 7% discount, so she had cash handy!

We were done with dinner in less than an hour!

Tadashi
98-199 Kamehameha Hwy

Aiea, HI 96701

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Shiro's Saimin Haven

I love Shiro's Saimin Haven.  I’ve been going to Shiro's in Waimalu ever since I was a little kid . . . it was a spot where my friends and I would go to for dinner during high school, and it’s still a go-to spot for whenever I’m craving comfort food.

I’ve always ordered either a Saimin or Wun Tun Min, and only in my adult life did I start ordering French Fries + Gravy on the side.

Wun Tun Min

French Fries with Gravy

Talk about comfort food!

Double Hula Bacon Burga

Orange Bang Float

It was nice to see so many local families dining, spanning generations, and loved how there were so many people running into others they know.

Shiro’s is a true community fixture . .

Shiro's Saimin Haven

98-020 Kamehameha Highway

Aiea, HI  96701

(808) 488-8824

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La Birria Pearl Kai Opens Today (4/8)!

La Birria opens its newest location at Pearl Kai today!  

They opened up the first La Birria food truck back in Oct. 2020 with a simple concept in mind — to take one menu item — birria tacos, and excel at it.

They have since expanded to 2 brick-and-mortars, as well as franchises.

You’ll find all the usual faves at the new spot — Birria Queso Tacos, Hell Fire Tacos, and Birria Ramen.

Birria Queso Tacos

Birria Ramen

If you dare risk your tongue, buy a Mexican Roulette pack of 12 tacos, one of which is a Hell Fire Taco (I've only ever made it through 2 bites).

Mexican Roulette (11 Birria Questo + 1 Hidden Hell Fire)

Agua Fresca • Horchata • Cold Brew Horchata • Strawberry Horchata

Congrats to the La Birria Team!

La Birria - Pearl Kai

98-199 Kamehameha Hwy

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$10.99 Regular Chicken Katsu Plate at Oh My Grill

6 years ago, a friend told me about Oh My Grill in Pearl City, which had an amazing deal for a regular plate of Chicken Katsu + a drink.   

Although now it's $10.99 and a drink is no longer included, it's still a great deal in today's times.  

It was a generous serving with rice and mac salad - definitely worth at least 2 meals!

BBQ Chicken

The BBQ Chicken plate is $10.99 as well! 

Mix Plate (Mochiko Chicken & Garlic Fish)

The other offerings are also reasonably-priced, and servings generous.

 Oh My Grill
98-199 Kamehameha Highway
Pearl Kai Shopping Center C, 7
Aiea, HI 96701

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The Hall by Beer Lab HI

It was an impromptu get together at The Hall by Beer Lab HI at Pearlridge.  It was packed at 730pm and people were still coming in past 9pm when I left.

It's no surprise, as The Hall is a fun place to hang out with friends and family while eating good food! 

Onion Rings

Grilled Cheese Sando with Tots

I didn't care for the cheesy crust on the grilled cheese, but the tots were so crispy and addicting! 

Local Style Fried Noodles

Everyone loved the noodles.  It was the hit of the table. 

Crispy Pork

Chicken Wings

All the food we ordered was great.

It's always a good time at The Hall!

The Hall by Beer Lab HI at Pearlridge
Uptown, 98-1005 Moanalua Rd Unit #884

Aiea, HI

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Kapiolani Coffee Shop

I've only been to Kapiolani Coffee Shop in Aiea once before, over 10 years ago, and I'm glad it's still around.  

Oxtail Soup

They are known for their Oxtail Soup. My friend loves Oxtail Soup, and he said it was really good, although he wishes there were peanuts and shiitake. He did say the meat was perfectly simmered and the broth tasted good.

Saimin, French Fries, Gravy

I got my favorite comfort food trio - Saimin, French Fries, and Gravy. I love French Fries and gravy but this gravy was a little too thin.

The saimin was a very generous size (I got the regular size) and although I thought the broth was a bit under-seasoned, the bowl of saimin was very satisfying (I barely finished it - they gave a lot of noodles and fixings!).

Service was friendly, and it was great to see a steady stream of customers patronizing the restaurant.

Kapiolani Coffee Shop
98-020 Kamehameha Hwy
Aiea, HI 96701
(808) 488-7708

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Newtown Korean Restaurant

My in-laws have been raving about Newtown Korean Restaurant for ages, and they finally treated us to dinner so we could experience it for ourselves. And honestly? It did not disappoint.

From the moment we walked in, the service was warm and welcoming. The dining room has that comfortable, homey feel that makes you want to settle in and stay awhile. Portions here are known to be generous, so we ordered family-style and shared everything.

Our dinner lineup included kal bi, seafood pancake, fried shrimp, fried mandoo, and a deep-fried whole chicken. 

Before any of the mains even reached the table, seven small plates of banchan arrived to tide us over—each one delicious and fresh.

Every dish had something to love, but the kal bi and seafood pancake were the clear standouts for me. 

The kal bi was tender and flavorful, and the pancake had that perfect balance of crisp edges and soft, savory interior. The fried shrimp did seem like the premade frozen kind, but my boys devoured it, so no complaints there.

All in all, I can absolutely see why my in-laws enjoy coming here so much. Good food, friendly service, and a cozy atmosphere—it’s an easy place to relax, enjoy a meal, and feel right at home.

NEWTOWN KOREAN RESTAURANT

98-820 MOANALUA RD.

808-200-3786

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Fuji Sushi and Teppanyaki

I finally made it to Fuji Sushi and Teppanyaki located at Pearlridge Shopping Center.
Our group of five shared a teppanyaki table with another party of three. On the hibachi
menu are a variety of choices including vegetable, chicken, NY steak, filet mignon,
shrimp, scallops and combo options. The hibachi dinner entrees are accompanied with
miso soup, tossed salad, hibachi noodles, shrimp appetizer, hibachi veggies, and
steamed white rice.

Ready for our teppanyaki!

Ice cream tempura

Bar seating

Several teppanyaki tables

Our chef was lively and energetic and had us laughing from the start. He put on a great
show and cooked up the hibachi orders perfectly. Some of our party were good sports
and opted to get sake squirted into their mouths thinking it was just water. It was not. It
was real sake which made us laugh even more. We had a really fun time at Fuji Sushi
and Teppanyaki.

The restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner. They offer dine-in, take out, and
catering and are able to host private parties.

Fuji Sushi and Teppanyaki

98-129 Kaonohi St

Aiea, HI 96701

808-486-7777

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Kehau's Kitchen

This year, we celebrated Grandparents Day with a special meal at Kehau’s Kitchen, a local favorite that my sister-in-law has been raving about ever since her first visit. After hearing her glowing reviews for months, I was really looking forward to finally trying it out — and it did not disappoint!

One of the first things I noticed about the menu was that it’s split into two parts: local and Mexican. Such an interesting mix! Everyone in my family gravitated toward the local side of the menu... except me. I went for the burrito bowl.

 I’ve always loved Mexican food, but rarely get to enjoy it since my boys aren't big fans. It hit the spot! 

Here’s what the rest of the family ordered:

• One of my sons chose the smoked meat, which had a nice kick to it — just enough spice to be exciting without overpowering the dish.

  

• Grandpa went with the classic shoyu chicken — tender, savory, and comforting.

  

• My other son ordered the teri beef, and let me tell you, it looked so good. He cleaned his plate, which tells you everything you need to know!

  
  

  

• My sister-in-law stayed loyal to her favorite — the Kamakaze Nachos — which she claims are to-die-for. I finally got to try a bite, and she’s absolutely right.

  
  

  

• My husband went with the two-choice poke plate, and both varieties of poke were incredibly fresh. You could really taste the quality of the fish.

  
  

  

Even though we dined in, all the food came in takeout containers. Honestly, I didn’t mind at all. The portions are generous, so we likely would’ve asked for boxes anyway. This just made it more convenient.

The vibe was casual and friendly. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you're eating at someone's house!

Will I be back? Definitely. There are still so many things I want to try — and maybe I’ll even get one of the boys to try a taco next time. 😉

Open 7 days a week!

KEHAU'S KITHCEN

98-150 KAONOHI STREET (WESTRIDGE SHOPPING CENTER)

808-487-2220

 

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The Hall by Beer Lab HI at Pearlridge

 

We recently had a quick pau hana at The Hall by Beer Lab HI at Pearlridge.

Crispy Pork

The Crispy Pork was lechon kawali style, and it was so good - reminded me of being at my grandparents' house as a kid!

Smoked Meat Fries

The Smoked Meat Fries were so addicting.  The Smoked Meat had a BBQ glaze, and the fries alone were great too!

Local Style Fried Noodles

The Local Style Fried Noodles were so tasty - some of the best I've had in a long time!  They did not skimp on the ingredients!

What I love about Beer Lab is it's perfect for large groups since everyone can order via the app for their own party.  No need to fuss with calculating everyone's portion or multiple bills.  

Looking forward to the next pau Hana!

The Hall by Beer Lab HI at Pearlridge
Uptown, 98-1005 Moanalua Rd Unit #884

Aiea, HI

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Dixie Grill BBQ and Crab Shack

Pulled pork sandwich

If you don’t know, Dixie Grill BBQ and Crab Shack is a casual restaurant in Aiea offering food
and drink of the “barbeque belt and coastal regions of the southeastern United States.” This
means brisket, pulled pork, fried pickles, okra, crab, and more!

The restaurant has indoor seating and a private room, but I liked the backyard feel of the
covered picnic tables. Our group was taken care of by awesome servers who regularly checked on us. Our food and drinks arrived quickly and my pulled pork sandwich was delicious! I had fun taste testing my sandwich with the 6 different barbeque sauces they offered.

They offer catering and can accommodate group reservations and private parties. Happy hour is daily from 3pm to 6pm. 

Dixie Grill

99-016 Kamehameha HwyAiea, HI 96701

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Forty Niner Restaurant Takeout

Forty Niner makes it easy to get plate lunches to satisfy your hunger.

Egg Burger

Ribeye Steak

Hapa Pancakes

The Hapa Pancakes consisted of pancakes covered with coconut sauce and drizzled with Nutella.

Fried Rice Omelette

Housemade Chorizo Hash & Egg

I had the Housemade Chorizo Hash & Egg.  The chorizo hash was very smokey, with a bit of heat.  It was a lot of food.

I thought prices were reasonable, and we all enjoyed our food.

Online ordering made take-out quick and easy.

Forty Niner Restaurant

98-110 Honomanu Street

Aiea, HI 96701
808-484-1940

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