Oahu, the third largest island in Hawaii, is a foodie's paradise, offering a diverse range of culinary experiences that blend traditional Hawaiian cuisine with influences from around the world. Here are some of Oahu's culinary highlights:
Poke: A traditional Hawaiian dish made with raw fish, typically ahi tuna, marinated in a sauce made of soy sauce, sesame oil, and onions. Some popular places to try poke on Oahu include Ono Seafood, Tamashiro Market, and Maguro Brothers.
Plate Lunch: A classic Hawaiian meal typically consisting of a protein (such as chicken or kalua pork), macaroni salad, and rice. Some popular places to try plate lunch on Oahu include Rainbow Drive-In, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue, and Ted's Bakery.
Shave Ice: A refreshing treat made with finely shaved ice and flavored syrups, often topped with condensed milk and other toppings like mochi or azuki beans. Some popular places to try shave ice on Oahu include Matsumoto Shave Ice, Waiola Shave Ice, and Island Vintage Shave Ice.
Farm-to-Table Cuisine: Oahu has a thriving farm-to-table scene, with many restaurants sourcing their ingredients locally. Some popular farm-to-table restaurants on Oahu include Mud Hen Water, Town, and Arancino at The Kahala.
Hawaiian Regional Cuisine: A style of cuisine that blends traditional Hawaiian ingredients and cooking techniques with influences from around the world. Some popular restaurants that specialize in Hawaiian regional cuisine on Oahu include Alan Wong's, Roy's Waikiki, and Hoku's at The Kahala.
Here are some recommended establishments for Oahu's culinary highlights:
Ono Seafood - Honolulu: A casual eatery that serves some of the best poke bowls on the island. Located at 747 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816.
Helena's Hawaiian Food - Honolulu: A local favorite that serves traditional Hawaiian dishes like kalua pig, laulau, and poi. Located at 1240 N School St, Honolulu, HI 96817.
Leonard's Bakery - Honolulu: A must-visit for malasadas, a Portuguese-style doughnut that's a local favorite. Located at 933 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816.
Alan Wong's Restaurant - Honolulu: This upscale restaurant serves contemporary Hawaiian cuisine, with dishes like onaga (red snapper) and twice-cooked short ribs. Located at 1857 S King St, Honolulu, HI 96826.
Matsumoto Shave Ice - Haleiwa: A local institution that has been serving up delicious shave ice since 1951. Located at 66-087 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712.
Roy's Waikiki - Honolulu: The flagship restaurant of Chef Roy Yamaguchi, this upscale eatery serves Hawaiian fusion cuisine, with dishes like macadamia nut-crusted mahi-mahi and blackened ahi. Located at 226 Lewers St, Honolulu, HI 96815.
Koko Head Cafe - Honolulu: A popular brunch spot that serves inventive dishes like breakfast bibimbap and cornflake French toast. Located at 1145c 12th Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816.
The Pig & The Lady - Honolulu: This Vietnamese-inspired restaurant serves dishes like pho French dip and papaya salad. Located at 83 N King St, Honolulu, HI 96817.
MW Restaurant - Honolulu: A modern restaurant that serves creative takes on traditional Hawaiian dishes, like mochiko chicken and lomi-lomi salmon. Located at 1538 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, HI 96814.
Nico's Pier 38 - Honolulu: This seafood restaurant serves fresh catch from local fishermen, with dishes like poke bowls and grilled opah. Located at 1129 N Nimitz Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96817.