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

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

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

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

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)