Kaka'ako Farmers Market Haul

It's been a long time since we've visited the Kaka'ako Farmers Market. It has moved several times over the years due to the non-stop construction and development in the Ward area. It is currently located on two blocks on Ala Moana Blvd, where Ala Moana Blvd intersects with Ward Avenue/Ilalo Streets. Parking is located on the Diamond Head side of Ilalo Street, where the old Fisherman's Wharf restaurant once stood.  

I came here for one thing only (you'll see it at the very end of this post), but we picked up some other items along the way. Here's what our haul looked like:

Fresh Coconut Water - there are a couple of vendors at the Kaka'ako Farmers Market, showcasing their skills as they crack open the coconuts right before your eyes. 

My sons were intrigued by the process and enjoyed their fresh coconut water!

Vegan Tofu Mazemen from Ezogiku - Ezogiku is one of Oahu's OG ramen-yas. In addition to their restaurants in Waikiki and Pearl City, they also have a booth at the Kaka'ako Farmers Market. They sell three types of mazemen (broth-less mixed ramen noodles). The hubby tried the Vegan Tofu mazemen - it was good but spicy!

Garbonzoat Hawaii Protein bars -  I love trying homemade protein bars as they tend to taste better than the commercially packaged ones. These are from Garbonzoat Hawaii.  The top is strawberry dark chocolate protein bar and is their most popular flavor. The ones without strawberries is their coconut almond protein bar. 

Ulu and Kalo Bakery - Coconut Macadamia Granola and Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies. I picked up the granola for myself - it's made with gluten-free oats, naturally sweetened, and vegan! The cookies were a gift for my niece who is gluten-sensitive. I love that their products are made with local ingredients, gluten-free, plant-based, and onolicious!

And here's the real reason for coming to the Kaka'ako Farmers Market today - Izu's Mochi! She used to have very long lines and sell out quickly. There was a very short line when I came today, and I ordered a couple of boxes to gift to friends.  Her mochi is all homemade and topped with cute decorations! The mochi is really soft and melts in your mouth. She does a lot of custom orders and you can see her creations on Instagram (@izusmochi). 

 

The Kaka'ako Farmers Market is open every Saturday from 8 am - 12 pm.  Follow on Instagram (@alohafarmlovers) for updates.

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KAKA'AKO FARMERS MARKET
919 ALA MOANA BLVD

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Mochi, Boba, Noods, and more at Kaka'ako Farmers Market at Ward Village

Heading to the Kaka'ako Farmers Market at Ward Village this coming Saturday morning? Here are some ideas on what to eat:

Premium Strawberry Mochi from Daizu Tei - starting at $4 per piece with a 4-piece minimum, it's a bit pricey, but worth it! Other fruit fillings are available - go early before they sell out! 

Tempura from Rinka - they sell grab-n-go bentos, but the best thing to get here is the tempura, which is made to order, right on the spot! 

Jin Dui from Ocean Dim Sum - you don't normally see Chinese food at a farmers market, but Ocean Dim Sum fills that void with their dim sum selections. 

Boba Bros - organic milk tea with boba!

Youpo Noodles - spicy hand-pulled noodles with cumin lamb, beef, pork and shrimp curry, or mushroom with tofu. Warning: these noodles ARE SPICY. But if you can take the heat, you'll want to try these! Stop at this booth first and put your order in - they're currently one of the most popular vendors at the moment.

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Kaka'ako Farmers Market at Ward Village

1050 Ala Moana Blvd

Saturdays 8 am - 12 pm

 

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Delicious Finds at the Kakaako Farmer's Market

After a couple of hours of social tennis with my BFFs on a Saturday morning, we all decided to head over to the Kakaako Farmers Market to get a bite to eat. 

It has been years since I've been to the Kakaako Farmers Market, and it sure has changed.  It is a lot larger than before, and there are A LOT of vendors selling prepared foods and artisan products. 

Our first stop was at Boba Bros, since we all love boba. I tried the creme tea which is made with organic black assam tea. I liked the drink itself - the boba was a bit on the hard side. 

Next we stopped at Rinka, where they fry the tempura right on the spot, always made-to-order. Two of my friends ordered tempura bowls to-go. I picked up some chicken karaage, which were already pre-made. 

As we made our way through the market towards the paved section, we came across the vendor that sells Korean food (I do not know the name of the vendor, but they are the only vendor there selling Korean food!). She was out of Jap Chae (which I really wanted!), but I got these chive pancakes which were delicious.

Last but not least, I finally got my hands on Katsu Sando 808's Tonkatsu sando.  This sando lives up to the hype, with its pillowy soft shokupan bread and crispy tonkatsu pork.  The next time I make it down to the market I'm going to try their Wagyu menchi katsu burger!

 

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