Puffettes Egg Puff - CLOSED

Puffettes were the first ones on the island to make and sell egg puffs in a food truck. Their truck used to be parked on Ward Ave near Sports Authority. They've ditched the truck and opened a cafe in the Kaimuki area. They still have the regular egg puff flavors (vanilla, chocolate) but they also have a special flavor that changes weekly. My favorite so far has been the bacon egg puff. That sounds really odd but the hint of salt from the bacon works well with the sweetness of the egg puff batter. Coffee is also another one that works well. If you don't feel like eating egg puffs, they have milk tea, fruit smoothies, crepes, and sandwiches.

The cafe has about 5 tables inside so if you want to sit there and eat, you can. I've gone in the afternoons on weekdays and early evenings on the weekend and it's usually empty. I don't think a lot of people know about this place but if you drive down Waialae Ave, I'm pretty sure you will see their huge black, white, and yellow logo on the glass. They're located between 9th and 10th Ave across from Central Pacific Bank. I believe they only accept cash and it's street parking only.

For more information about Puffettes Egg Puff, visit www.puffettes.com.

3476 Waialae Ave
Honolulu, HI 96816
(808) 232-7701

Sesame Egg Puff

Coffee Egg Puff

Bacon Egg Puff

Milk Tea

Nice Day Chinese Seafood Restaurant

This restaurant is located in Liliha Square next to Times Supermarket. If you're driving down N Vineyard Blvd to catch the H1 going westbound, you'll mostly likely see this place. The inside of the restaurant is very spacious and the lights are nice and bright. I came with a group of 10 for dinner and we were seated in a corner. I was really disappointed with the service because it took them over 30 minutes to take our order. 3 different people on the table tried to wave a waitress over but they kept ignoring us. It was a week night and there were only 4 other tables but everyone had their own sections. Anyways, the food came out pretty quick but the taste of everything was okay. The prices and portions are average just like your typical Chinese restaurant. They also serve dim sum but I haven't tried it yet. I may come back in the future for lunch.

1425 Liliha St
Ste 2-5
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 524-1628

Honey Walnut Shrimp

Peking Duck

Fish Fillet w/ Vegetables

Cold Ginger Chicken

Kau Yuk w/ Taro

Ginger Onion Lobster

Monarch Seafoods

They are located in Kalihi and I consider it a lunch hot spot. Their seafood is very fresh and they serve up delicious and reasonably priced plate lunches. The shop is small and they only have 2 cooks in the back. I recommend calling in your order and then picking up. They don't have a parking lot and the street parking in the area is busy so it helps to have someone wait in the car while the other person goes in for the food.

My favorite item is the ahi katsu. It's like eating ahi sashimi but you get a little bit of crunch from the tempura batter. The ahi is very fresh and it's still rare in the center. This plate will definitely hit the spot. They also have dessert. They are known for banana cream pie but it sells out by lunch. If you want a slice or a whole pie, I recommend calling in the morning and keeping it on hold for when you go and get lunch.

For more information about Monarch Seafoods, visit www.monarchseafoods.com.

515 Kalihi St
Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 841-7877

Ahi Katsu

Garlic Butter Sauteed Tiger Shrimp w/
Zucchini & Mushrooms over Linguine

Furikake Salmon

Nori Wrapped Crabmeat Stuffed Ahi

Banana Cream Pie

Liliha Bakery

I consider this place a hidden gem in Liliha. Their signature item is the coco puff which is a puff pastry filled with chocolate pudding and topped with chantilly frosting. It's almost like a cream puff but better. Coco puffs have always been a popular item for locals to bring to potluck gatherings or to the office because everyone will eat it.

Inside of the bakery, there is also a diner. Sometimes, there will be a line outside of the bakery but don't let that scare because that's just for the diner. This place is open 24 hours but they are closed on Mondays. No matter what time of day you go, there will be coco puffs in the bakery fridge. The bakery does get busy but those ladies behind the counter work fast so just pull a number, step to the side, and wait.

If you are visiting from out of town, I highly recommend coming here and trying a coco puff. The prices for the baked good are reasonable and they have their own parking lot. I've traveled to the mainland with these before and they hold up very well, just make sure you hand carry it in a cooler bag with an ice pack.

For more information about Liliha Bakery, visit www.lilihabakeryhawaii.com.

515 N. Kuakini St
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 531-1651

580 N. Nimitz Hwy
Honolulu, HI  96817
(808) 537-2488

Coco Puff

Green Tea Coco Puff

Long John

Golden River Restaurant

If you want some cheap eats, this is one spot you will want to visit. They are located in Chinatown on the corner of N King and River Street. A lot of people don't know about this place because To Chau is next door and that's where everyone goes for pho. They serve pho here too and it's pretty decent but I prefer the house special egg noodles which is a combination of all the toppings and a giant won ton chip over the top. That item is a must try for first timers.

The inside of the restaurant is small so I don't recommend dining with a big group. Most of the tables are set up to seat 2 and 4. I want to warn you that the restaurant is a bit run down but the food is clean and it taste really good. I've dined here a few times and I've always enjoyed it. The restaurant does get chaotic during the lunch hour but just tell the staff how many people you have and they will take care of you. You don't need to speak the native language for them to give you special treatment, the English language is good here. Unlike most Asian place in the area who don't accept credit cards, they do. As for parking, there is street parking or you can park in the municipal lot on the next block.

198 N King St
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 531-1185

House Special Egg Noodle in Soup

Banh Cuon (Rice Noodle Rolls)