Visit Big Island: I Luv Dumplings

I finally got to check out I Luv Dumplings in Honokaa, which specializes in gyoza, karaage, hirata buns, and more Japanese dishes.

Wet Gyoza

Ginger Pork Gyoza (taken out for the photo)

Of course we had to try the Gyoza. You can get it with a sauce on the side, or served "wet," in a broth (we got pork).

It was so delicious! Both the broth and the gyoza were so full of flavor.

Karaage Chicken Ooki Bowl

Each Ooki Bowl is humungous (ooki means large in Japanese). A bowl of furikake-topped rice, cucumber, daikon, slaw, jalapenos, umami mayo, bonito, and nori, along with huge pieces of juicy fried chicken, was more than enough to satisfy. I could only finish a 1/3 and I ended up packing up the rest.

Karaage Chicken Hirata Buns

The Karaage Chicken Hirata Buns were huge as well, stuffed with the same tasty chicken and accompaniments from the Ooki Bowl. Just one was so filling! I had known these types of buns to be called bao, so after my lunch there I dug into the history of Hirata buns. I always love learning something new whenever I dine!

Having just opened about a year ago, the owners did a nice job intertwining Japanese cuisine with Honokaa history.

Highly recommend!

I Luv Dumplings
45-3625 Mamane St unit F

Honokaa, HI 96727
 

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Visit Hawai`i Island: Honoka`a Public House

We spent some time in Honoka`a looking for a place to do take-out.  After some unsuccessful attempts at other spots, we decided to go to Honoka`a Public House, and we were pleasantly surprised with the food!

Pastrami on Rye

I don't normally eat beef, but the Signature Pastrami on Rye was just too hard to resist!  Tri-tip is house-brined for 13 days, then slow-smoked, and then stacked on marbled rye bread (sauerkraut is an additional cost).  The sandwich is served with Ukranian Freedom Sauce (get it?).  

It was absolutely delish, and so huge!  I would definitely order it again - the pastrami was seasoned well and really one of the best I've had. 

French Dip

My friend really enjoyed the French Dip, and he especially liked the au jus.

The service was prompt and friendly, and I wouldn't hesitate to get food from there again, or even dine in!

Honoka`a Public House
45-3490 Mamane St Unit G
Honokaa, HI 96727

(808) 775-1666

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