Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Straits Hawaii

Straits Hawaii serves Singaporean dishes with bold flavors. If you like spicy food, you'll enjoy this place since a lot of their signature dishes have chili peppers in it. I ordered dishes that were mild and they were delicious. My favorites were the garlic noodles, Yeo's chicken salad, and the bone marrow. The drinks are interesting and worth trying. The service was good and our food time came out in a timely manner even with a full restaurant. The prices are high with entrees ranging from $25 - $30 and the seafood items for double that price.

I recommend making reservations in advanced if you want to sit at a table. If you plan to do a walk in, the bar is available. They are located at Ward Village in the former space of Big City Diner next to the movie theater. The interior of the restaurant had dim lighting and loud music during my dinner. As far as space, it is tight. I tried to find the big gaps between 2 chairs so I wouldn't hit anyone getting to the table and leaving after dinner.

For more information about Straits Hawaii, visit straitshawaii.com.

Ward Village
1060 Auahi St #4
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 888-0683

Singapore Satay Sticks

Straits Frites

Yeo's Chicken Salad

Garlic Noodle

Roasted Bone Marrow
Pandan Soda


Thursday, February 29, 2024

Omakase by Bobae

Omakase by Bobae is a sushi bar inside Back Alley Cafe. Chef Bobae is there on Mondays to Wednesdays from 6pm-8:30pm. You walk into Back Alley Cafe, pick a table, the chef comes over to greet you, and you can start ordering from her menu. The fish is fresh and all things are made to order. When they drop off the sushi on your table, they do say to eat it right away so the nori doesn't get soggy. My favorites were the handroll sashimi combo and the 10-piece nigiri. The handroll sashimi combo had a beautiful presentation. It was a fun dish since you can make your own rolls and choose how much fish and rice to wrap with nori. There were also different seasonings that you could put in the hand rolls. The prices were reasonable and these dishes are shareable. Depending on what type of fish you like/dislike or your budget, ordering ala carte sushi might be a better option for some.

If you love going to sushi bars, I recommend checking this place out. The dress code is casual and it's walk in only, they don't accept reservations. For parking, there is street parking available on Sheridian Street. The meters are free after 6pm. Since Chef Bobae does everything herself, the creation of some dishes will take longer so be patient. You can follow her on instgram, @omakasebybobae, for updates. She also makes take out bentos on certain days.

920 Sheridan St
Honolulu, HI 96814

Handroll Sashimi Combo

Pink Sampler

Cali Roll

Uni Sushi

10 Pieces Sushi

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Niu Soft Serve

Niu Soft Serve is a dairy-free ice cream shop located in Mo'ili'ili across from Old Stadium Park. They offer 4 different flavors of soft serve and 2 of the flavors change weekly. The coconut and ube are always available. Some of their weekly flavors consisted of pineapple, orange, strawberry, and chocolate malt. My favorite flavor so far has been the pineapple because it tastes like Dole Whip. Yes, there is a bit of a coconut after taste to all their flavors but it still really good. The soft serve is priced between $6.50 - $7.50 and topping are extra charge. If you're visiting for the first time, I recommend the hot kulolo sundae. If soft serve is not your thing, they also sell shakes, cookies, and pie slices. 

They have tables and chairs inside so you can stay there to enjoy your soft serve. For parking, you can park in front of the store. The parking lot is shared with all the businesses inside Old Stadium Square. 

For more information about Niu Soft Serve, visit niusoftserve.com or follow them on instagram, @niusoftserve

Old Stadium Square
2320 S King St
Honolulu, HI 96826
(808) 436-3739

Pineapple

Orange with strawberry li-hing sauce &
mochi balls
Strawberry & Chocolate Malt

Sunday, February 11, 2024

Gyu Masu

Gyu Masu offers Japanese wagyu. They are a steakhouse located on the west side of Oahu in Kapolei. The interior of the restaurant is spacious, well lit, and great for dining with family or a group of friends. I highly recommend ordering the wagyu over the other types of beef because the wagyu is fatty and will melt in your mouth. They portions are small and it's best to order your own steak and share the sides. The staff were very friendly and they checked on us often to make sure we were good throughout the meal.

For parking, you can park in the hotel parking lot or parallel park along Manawai Street in front of the restaurant. The restaurant has 2 entrances, you can enter from the front door on Manawai Street or the side door which is by the Embassy Suites Kapolei pool. If you have 4 people or less, you can walk in but if you have 5 or more, it might be best to make a reservation.

For more information about Gyu Masu, visit gyumasuhawaii.com.

Embassy Suites Kapolei
725 Manawai St
Kapolei, HI 96707
(808) 888-0172

Wagyu Tenderloin (6 oz)

Porterhouse (16 oz)

Garlic Butter Corn

Button Potatoes

Japanese Souffle Cheesecake w/
Strawberry Drizzle


Friday, January 5, 2024

Fukurou

Fukurou is a sushi bar located inside Buho Cocina y Cantina in Waikiki. They offer a 12 course omakase for $90 per person. There are 2 time slots for dinner from Tuesdays to Fridays. The sushi bar can seat up to 8 people. The menu is Japanese Mexican fusion. They have raw and cooked items, mostly seafood. My favorites were the chawanmushi, uni toast, and the hand roll. Before dessert is served, you have the option to order the specials or another serving of any of the previous items you ate. The price for this omakase is very reasonable and I recommend it for anyone who enjoys sushi and sashimi. They have a drink menu but you can also BYOB.

To dine here, reservations are required. You need to reserve at least a month in advance. To find out when reservations are available, follow them on instagram, @sushifukurou. As a courtesy to the chef and the other guests, please arrive on time for your reservation. The dress code is business causal. For parking, you can park in the Waikiki Shopping Plaza and get validation.

Buho Cocina y Cantina
2250 Kalakaua Ave, Rooftop
Honolulu, HI 96815