Thursday, December 31, 2020

Dukes Lane Market & Eatery

Dukes Lane Market & Eatery is home to a handful of shops. One of my favorite spots has been the bakery. The bakery offer some of the best mochi malasadas. It's better than a mochi donut. I enjoyed the original mochi malasada but some of the other flavors are mango, milk tea boba, and ube.  I recommend going before 9AM so you can get them fresh. They are priced at 2 for $2.50 but I'm sure you'll walk away with half dozen minimum because these are tiny. They also have regular malasadas without the mochi and other baked goods.

For more information about Dukes Lane Market & Eatery, visit dukeslanehawaii.com.

2255 Kuhio Ave.
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 923-5689

Milk Tea (front)
Mango (left), Original (right)

Mochi Malasadas


Saturday, December 19, 2020

Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery

Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery is known for their plump malasadas that do not deflate. The malasadas are made to order so they are always fresh. The shop has other baked goods like cake bombs, cookies, dessert bars, and ice cream. They stayed open during the pandemic for online orders and walk in orders. During Christmas, they make a chocolate peppermint cake bomb. It's priced at $5 but it's the best holiday treat to get you in the mood. Some of my other favorites are the lilikoi cream cheese bar and original malasada. 

The online ordering is still available now but I recommend walking into the shop for pick up in person rather than curbside. There is no street parking available in front of the shop and other vehicles are parked in front picking up food/drinks from other businesses. They do not take phone orders and they do not answer the phone during business hours. It seems like walk in customers get first priority. 

They are in the Kaimuki area and I'm in this area picking up lunch a few times each month. The baked goods and malasadas from Pipeline keep me coming back because it's that good. You can follow them on Instagram, @pipelinebakeshop, for specials.

For more information about Pipeline Bakeshop & Creamery, visit pipelinebakeshop.com.

3632 Waialae Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816
(808) 738-8200

Classic Malasada

Lilikoi Cream Cheese Bar

Gingerbread Cake Bomb

Chocolate Peppermint Cake Bomb

 

 



Wednesday, November 25, 2020

King of Thai Boat Noodles

King of Thai Boat Noodles reminded me of the Thai food I ate when I live in San Francisco. My favorites were the roasted duck noodle soup, pad Thai and sticky rice with mango. They put a generous amount of sauce over the sticky rice so there was flavor till the very last bite. Their prices were reasonable and the portion size are good.

They are located at Samsung Plaza and are open for lunch and dinner. They reopened for dine in but you can still order takeout by phone or in person. Parking is available inside the Samsung Plaza, just check in with the attendant when you enter.

For more information about King of Thai Boat Noodles, visit kingofthaiboatnoodles.com.

661 Keeaumoku St., Ste 103
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 949-3800

Roasted Duck Noodle Soup

Seafood Noodle Soup

Pad Thai

Sticky Rice w/ Mango


Thursday, November 5, 2020

Muki Dogs - CLOSED

Muki Dogs is a hot dog stand that serves plant-based sausage. They are located in Kaimuki at the corner of Waialae Ave and Koko Head Ave. The owner is friendly and says "hi" and talks to everyone who passes by the cart. He recommended that I try "the works" which had all the topping. I was worried about the taste and texture but after taking a bite, it wasn't bad. It was like eating a breakfast sausage patty that didn't have enough salt. I have no plans to give up eating meat but if you are in the Kaimuki area, give this place a try because these hot dogs are good for you. 

The hot dog was under $7 and it takes a few minutes to prepare. They open from Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 3pm and they accept cash and credit. You can follow them on instagram for updates, @mukidogs.

3631 Waialae Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816
(808) 234-4739

The Works


Tuesday, October 27, 2020

Holey Grail Donuts

The Holey Grail Donuts are on Oahu. Their taro donuts are made with locally sourced ingredients and fried in coconut oil. The donuts are made to order so they are always hot and fresh. The tasting box is $15 and contains 4 donuts. The flavors change weekly. You can also get the "hot single" donut which is topped with honey and sea salt. You can buy donuts individually at $4 each. Some of my favorite flavors are the dragon slayer, strawberry fields, and hot single.

The bright yellow truck is parked at Ward Village near the former location of Bed Bath & Beyond. The best time to go is mid-morning or after lunch to avoid the crowds. They open daily from 8am - 2pm. They accept cash, credit cards and have contactless payments. You can follow them on instagram for updates, @holeygraildonuts.

Ward Village
1200 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 482-0311

Reincarnated, Strawberry Fields
L&L, Chocolate Crunch

Dragonslayer, Hot Single
Theobroma

Reincarnated, Lucky Charm
Lilikoi, Saffron Snickerdoodle

Wednesday, October 21, 2020

Summer Cafe - CLOSED

Summer Cafe has drinks to cool you off during the humid weather. They offer milk teas, fruit teas, smoothies, and fresh fruit drinks. You can also add toppings such as boba, fruit jelly, or cheese foams to your drink. I recommend the mixed fruit boom boom. It's a cup of fresh fruit with fruit juice. All the "boom boom" drinks are refreshing so give those try. The signature Thai coconut milk drink reminds me of a dessert I would get at the Chinese dessert shop, the coconut milk is rich and very creamy. I have my favorite spots for milk tea but this one didn't quite make it. Their drinks are priced between $4 - $6 which is about the same as other boba shops in Honolulu.

What I like about this place is their location and the ample parking. There are so many food spots along Kapahulu Ave. that you can stop on each block and grab a snack. This is currently the only boba shop since Honeyboba by Safeway closed. For more information about Summer Cafe, visit their instagram, @summercafe.hawaii.

909 Kapahulu Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816
(808) 888-0188

Jasmine Milk Tea, Mixed Fruit Boom Boom,
Okinawa Brown Sugar Milk Tea w/ boba


Signature Thai Coconut Milk


Watermelon Boom Boom

Thursday, October 15, 2020

Aburiya Ibushi

Aburiya Ibushi is a Japanese restaurant that serves charcoal-grilled food. They stayed open during the pandemic and offered takeout but they have now reopened for dine in. The grilled meats and vegetables are delicious because it cooked over charcoal and has a special flavor. When you walk into the restaurant for pick up, you can smell that grilled flavor. I recommend the grilled meat and vegetable combo; you get a choice of 1 vegetable and 1 meat with a side of rice, potato salad, and miso soup. The combo prices range from $16 to $18. You can call in your order and pick up in person. There is metered street parking in front of the restaurant on Kapahulu Ave. You can find out what their monthly specials are on instagram, @aburiya_ibushi.

740 Kapahulu Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816
(808) 738-1038

Beef Flank & Mountain Yam

Pork Belly & Yukon Potato

Mixed Meat Bento
(Beef Flank & Beef Tongue)



Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Scoop Scoops Hi

Scoop Scoops Hi has sherbet to cool you off during the warm weather. Their sherbets are fruit flavored but they have a couple that are non fruit. They also have a special flavor each week that is announced on their instagram, @scoopscoopshi. The sherbet prices range from $5 to $9. I enjoyed the mayjah mango with moo juice. Moo juice is like condensed milk but less sweet. It makes the sherbet creamier and you can pick up a bottle for $2.

The shop is located between Pumehana Street and McCully Street. There are metered parking space in front of the shop. I went on a weekday before the lunch hour and there was no line and all flavors were available. I recommend going in the morning when they first open for the best selection.

For more information about Scoop Scoops Hi, visit scoopscoopshi.com.

1915 S King St
Honolulu, HI 96826
(808) 722-8584

Moo Juice

Li Hing Belts

Mayjah Mango

Root Beer Float

Monday, September 21, 2020

808 Corn Stars

808 Corn Stars offers locally grown BBQ corn on the North Shore. They have 2 flavors, southwest style and Kahuku style. The corn is priced at $5 each. The southwest is very flavorful from all the seasonings. The Kahuku style has a lighter flavor and you can taste more of the sweetness from the corn. 

They have a small stand at Kahuku Land Farm and are open on Saturdays and Sundays. I highly recommend pulling over to pick up some corn to eat in your car or for later. I believe all the vendors in this area are cash only.

For more information and updates about 808 Corn Stars visit their instagram, @808cornstars.

Kahuku Land Farm
57 Kamehameha Hwy
Kahuku, HI 96731

Southwest

Kahuku


Thursday, September 10, 2020

Breadshop

Breadshop is open with limited hours. If you're craving fresh baked breads or pastries, I recommend placing an order from them. The breads are pricey but they taste good and will last for a few meals. My favorite is the flatbread topped with sea salt. The pastries are sold by the box and you get different flavors in each box.

They are currently open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for pick up. You must order and pay online. They do not accept walk up or phone orders. The pickup is easy because you don't need to leave your car. An automated text message gets sent 15 minutes before your pickup time to remind you about your order. Once to get into the parking lot behind Finance Factors, the Breadshop staff will come to your car and get you your baked good.

For more information about Breadshop, visit breadsbybreadshop.com.

3408 Waialae Ave #104
Honolulu, HI 96816 

Croissant Lover's Box
Croissant Lover's Box

Pineapple Brioche

Flatbread
Flatbread


Saturday, August 8, 2020

Milky Way Hawaii Ice

Milky Way Hawaii Ice is a food truck serving up Taiwanese snow ice, boba drinks, and ice teas to go. Their colorful truck is parked near Mother Waldron Playground in Kakaako from Monday to Saturday 10:30am - 5:30pm. The drink prices range from $4.50 - $7. I recommend getting the milk tea shave ice or snowthie (snow ice smoothie). They accept cash and card, they also have contact less payment. For updates or drink specials, check their instagram, @milky_way_hawaii.

710 Pohukaina St
Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 463-8110

Milk Tea Shave Ice w/ Grass Jelly
Mango Snowthie
Red Bean Snowthie
Amber Boba Milky Tea
Milky Way Hawaii Ice truck

Thursday, July 16, 2020

Feast Restaurant

Feast by Jon Matsubara is open for takeout during lunch and dinner. If you're looking for a delicious burger, I recommend coming here for the Feast Burger. The patty was juicy and the pastrami tasted amazing. They pack their burgers and sandwiches open faced so you can assemble it when you're ready to eat. The food prices range from $12 to $20 which is a little pricey for 1 person on takeout so save this one for when you want to treat yourself. Before you order, check their Instagram, @feast808, for specials.

They are located in Manoa across from Morning Glass Coffee. I recommend ordering and paying by phone so you don't need to wait. If you're picking up by car, you can pull up to the side of the curb on Lowery Ave and call the restaurant to have the staff bring your food out.

For more information about Feast, visit feastrestauranthawaii.com.

2970 E Manoa Rd.
Honolulu, HI 96822
(808) 840-0488

Feast Burger + Fries

Butter Poached Crab & Bacon Sandwich

Sake Salmon Chazuke



Friday, July 3, 2020

EPI-YA Boulangerie & Patisserie

EPI-YA Boulangerie & Patisserie is open! They have fresh bread and pastries daily. You can browse the shelves and see if you like their selection before picking up a tray and tongs to grab the items yourself. The pastries are small but they are delicious. I recommend getting any pastry that comes out from the kitchen fresh. The bake times vary but if you're looking for a particular pastry, you can call and ask the staff. They are friendly. Some of my favorite are the shio butter croissants; this is one of their specialty items and the double chocolate muffin. The pastry prices range from $2 to $4. In the display case by the cashier, they also have dessert pies that you can buy as whole or by the slice; no cakes.

They are located in the same complex as Times Supermarket. This was the former space for Saint Germain Bakery. There are parking spaces right in front of the shop. They accept cash and card.

1296 S Beretania St #105
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 888-8828

Shio Butter Croissant

Ham Roll

Butterflake Donut

Double Chocolate Muffin

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Broken Rice

Broken Rice is open for takeout! All the items on their regular menu are available for takeout. I recommend the shaking beef rice plate. The pho is also very good. I was surprised the spring rolls were still crispy when I arrived home since all the takeout fried food I've ordered in the last few months ended up soggy.

They are located in Kaimuki between The Surfing Pig and Noods Ramen Bar. You can do a phone order and pull your car up on Waialae Ave. in front of the restaurant for payment and pickup. I've paid with cash and let them keep my change to keep contact to a minimum. 

For more information about Broken Rice, visit brokenricehi.com.

3607 Waialae Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816
(808) 739-0230

Shaking Beef Rice Plate
Shaking Beef Rice Plate

Spring Rolls
Spring Rolls

Combination Beef Pho
Combination Beef Pho

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

Waikiki Tea House

Waikiki Tea House is open for takeout! They offer a variety of Lady M crepe cakes, cheesecakes, and cake. You can buy crepe cakes by the slice or whole. The cakes slices are about $9 each. They also have iced teas and tea lattes. The Lady M crepe cakes are creamier than the other crepe cakes I've tried. I recommend the signature millie crepe cake.

Waikiki Tea House is located in the same building as Henry's Place; they're next to each other. There are 3 parking spaces next to the building and it's for Waikiki Tea House customers. If you plan to buy more than 6 slices, please give them a call before you head over. There is only 1 person working and it does take time to package everything.

For more information about Waikiki Tea House, visit waikikiteahouse.com.

234 Beach Walk
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 886-6000

Signature Mille Crepes

Earl Gray Mille Crepes

Citron Mille Crepes

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Cowcow's Tea

Cowcow's Tea is open for takeout! This is a new tea shop in the Kaimuki neighborhood located next to Asuka Nabu. Their specialty is the yogurt drink and they also have purple rice as a topping. This makes them a little different from the other tea shops. If you like to drink yakult, try one of their yogurt drinks. The cheesy mango was good; they have fresh mango chunks inside. I enjoyed the brown sugar milk tea most. The drink prices range from $5 to $7.

The interior of the shop is nice and their seating looks very comfortable but it is currently blocked off. They only offer take out right now. They accept phone orders but you need to walk in to pay. I was able to do curbside pickup for my phone order and pay with cash. I used my change as tip so the staff didn't have to run in and back out with my money. It was a quick and easy process. If you happen to be in the area picking up food, swing by for a drink.

3620A Waialae Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816
(808) 888-0708

Brown Sugar Milk Tea w/ Boba

Cowcow's Rice Yogurt

Cheesy Mango