Kona Abalone - CLOSED

Kona Abalone is known for their grilled abalone sold at the Oahu farmers' markets. On Saturdays, you can find them at the KCC Farmers Market or the Kaka'ako Farmers Market. They also have a store front at Market City Shopping Center where you can purchase fresh abalone. Since abalone is a delicacy, their prices are high. Each grilled abalone cost about $7-$8 but at the farmers market they sell them in 3's or 5's. You can also add toppings like butter garlic, miso, ginger scallion, or the original which is plain. I recommend bringing cash if you go to the farmers market since some vendors do not accept credit or debit cards. 

Kona Abalone
Market City Shopping Center
2919 Kapiolani Blvd #201B
Honolulu, HI 96826
(808) 941-4120

KCC Farmers Market
Kapiʻolani Community College
4303 Diamond Head Rd
Honolulu, HI 96816

Kaka'ako Farmers Market
Ward Village
1050 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96814

Butter & Garlic

Original

DT Steak House - CLOSED

DT Steak House is a Taiwanese style steak house. Your food is served on a sizzling plate with your choice of black pepper sauce or mushroom sauce. All the items on the menu are sold as a set which comes with a small salad, cup of corn soup, and small iced dessert. The prices range from $18 - $30. I recommend the flat iron steak because the meat was tender and juicy.

If you want the full experience, you should dine in because the waiter will remove the lid after setting the plate in front of you. You will get the delicious smell and see the sauce bubbling on the plate. If you're not comfortable with dine in, you can still do takeout but you will miss out on the sizzling sound and bubbling sauce since your food will be in a box. I recommend making reservations if you plan to dine in. The staff was attentive and they checked on us a few times to make sure we were okay. They also let us order drinks from Dragon Tea and bring it in. 

1339 N School St., Ste 102
Honolulu, HI 96817
(808) 888-2800

Flat Iron Steak w/ Black Pepper Sauce

Combo Deluxe w/ Mushroom Sauce

Fresh Salad

Sweet Corn Soup

Organic Spaghetti w/ Mushroom Sauce

Li Hing Pineapple Jam Ice Dessert

Papa Kurt's - CLOSED

Papa Kurts has delicious local favorites like saimin and burgers. These foods bring back the memories of growing up on the islands. They are open for lunch and it is takeout only. I suggest ordering online 1-2 days in advance because some items will sell out. It is easier to customize your order online instead of over the phone; just check off the boxes for your add-ons. My favorites were the burger and fries and I would go back again to try different add-ons to both. 

They were located in the former space of Agu Ramen across from Old Stadium Park. There are a few parking spaces in the front and more parking spaces in the back of building. As of 2022, they relocated to 808 Center near Ala Moana.

For more information about Papa Kurt's, visit https://www.papakurts.com.

808 Sheridan St., Suite #110B,
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 348-4613

Saimin w/ wontons

Cheese Burger, Fries

Malu Honolulu

Malu Honolulu makes Japanese style desserts, kimbap, and bentos. The chef changes the desserts every week so there is always something new to try. My favorites so far are the double cookie cream puff and nama chocolate slice. For the cream puff, the chef pipes the cream after you order it so the puff remains crisp. The nama chocolate slice reminds me of Royce chocolates; the chocolate is extra smooth and not overly sweet. The desserts are priced between $4 - $6. To see the latest dessert creations or special, check their instagram, @malu.honolulu.

They are located in the Samsung Plaza and only open for takeout. Prior to the pandemic, they had a seating area but it's been blocked off. The parking in Samsung Plaza is free if you exit in 20 minutes or less. When you enter the plaza, let the attendant know you're going to "Malu."

For more information about Malu Honolulu, visit maluhonolulu.com.

Samsung Plaza
661 Keeaumoku St., #106-E
Honolulu, HI 96814
(808) 600-7104

Double Cookie Cream Puff

News Years Good Luck Tart

Moo Moo Milky Roll Cake

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