With so many foreign influences, it’s unsurprising that the new Waikiki is home to so many diverse tastes.
Hawaiian Pacific Rim Cuisine is renowned around the world for its fresh ingredients and exquisite tastes, and Waikiki is the location to enjoy it. Choose from casual, upscale eating by the beach to authentic local cuisine delivered with Aloha. Everything is conveniently located in Waikiki, so come and enjoy the experience.
What Are Some Recommended Restaurants in Waikiki According to Lonely Planet Hawaii Travel Guide?
Lonely Planet Hawaii Travel Guide offers valuable insights on the best restaurants in Waikiki. From the exquisite seafood at Duke’s Waikiki to the authentic Hawaiian cuisine at Helena’s Hawaiian Food, this guide is a treasure trove of culinary recommendations. Whether you’re longing for a fine dining experience at Alan Wong’s or craving a casual bite at Golden Steer Steakhouse, these lonely planet hawaii travel recommendations will ensure unforgettable dining experiences in Waikiki.
What Are Some Local Flavor Dishes to Try in Waikiki?
Looking for the ultimate food guide in Waikiki? Don’t miss out on the delectable local flavor dishes this vibrant destination has to offer. From traditional Hawaiian poke bowls bursting with fresh fish to tender, melt-in-your-mouth kalua pig, you’ll embark on a culinary adventure that tantalizes your taste buds. Dive into a plate of loco moco, a savory dish featuring a hamburger patty, rice, fried egg, and gravy, or savor the sweet and creamy haupia, a traditional coconut pudding. Waikiki is a food lover’s paradise where you can indulge in a diverse array of tantalizing local delicacies.
CUISINE FROM THE REGION OF HAWAII
Hawaii Regional Cuisine is a well-known culinary style that combines meals from America, Asia, Europe, and Hawaii with the finest local products.
Chef Roy Yamaguchi was one of the twelve founding chefs of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, and his restaurant, Roy’s Waikiki, located on the new Waikiki Beach Walk, is an excellent location to learn about this really unique fusion of island tastes.
COMFORTABLE DINING
After a day of sun on Kuhio Beach, you may wind down with a meal at one of the many informal Waikiki eateries. Duke’s Canoe Club is a bustling establishment filled with images of Duke Kahanamoku and the Waikiki Beach Boys. Tiki’s Grill & Bar, which overlooks Kalakaua Avenue, is also a great place to enjoy a sunset Mai Tai.
In neighboring Kapahulu, you may dine like a local at a choice of restaurants serving anything from genuine Hawaiian cuisine to plate lunches prepared in the local manner. The restaurants and bars located around the Waikiki region will ensure that you have a wonderful time during your stay.
ELEGANT DINING
Additionally, Waikiki is home to world-class eateries. Nobu Matsuhisa, the chef, has built a flagship Nobu restaurant near Waikiki Beach Walk. Ruth’s Chris and Hy’s Steak House both provide delectable steaks. Fresh fish, sushi, and other culinary delights complete your gastronomic tour of Waikiki.
ISLAND CUISINE 101
Beyond coconuts and pineapples, Hawaii’s indigenous cuisine, which are strong in taste and made with the finest ingredients from land and sea, should be on the list of foodies seeking something new and genuine.
Hawaii’s seas are naturally teeming with a variety of seafood, and sushi and sashimi fans will be in paradise here. Residents of Hawaii eat the most fish in the country, the bulk of it uncooked as poke (pronounced poe-kay). The meal originated in ancient Hawaii, when raw fish was seasoned with sea salt and crushed kukui nuts and served whole or chopped into bite-size pieces. Poke is now a mainstay of the island’s cuisine, often made with fresh ‘ahi (yellow fin tuna) and a variety of other ingredients such as soy sauce, onions, jalapeño peppers, limu (seaweed), or wasabi (Japanese horseradish).
Poke may also be prepared with other marine treasures such as octopus, aku (skipjack), mussels, and even raw crab. Poke is available on the pupu (appetizer) menus of the majority of restaurants and bars, as well as in the seafood department of grocery stores and at certain lu’au performances. It pairs well with a cool beer and will wow even the most discerning seafood aficionado with its taste and texture.
Kalua pig is the undisputed favorite of many tourists who taste Hawaiian cuisine. Traditionally eaten during lu’aus, the pig is roasted all day in an imu (subterranean oven), resulting in luscious pork with a unique, smokey taste. It’s also a local favorite when served shredded, and the meal is served as a main course at a number of “plate lunch” restaurants. Due to its popularity, many local chefs have included it into their sandwiches, quesadillas, and even tacos.
Poi is indispensible while discussing authentic Hawaiian cuisine. While many have heard of it, they may be unaware of its origins: it is produced from the taro root, a starch staple across the Pacific, and is cooked, mashed, and combined with water to form a smooth, thick paste. Hawaiians have consumed it for generations, and it has been lauded for its low calorie and nutritional content. Poi is an acquired taste, but beginners may make it more palatable with a sprinkle of sugar. Investigate and learn what ‘ono (delicious) means!
Hawaii Regional Cuisine is a well-known culinary style that combines meals from America, Asia, Europe, and Hawaii with the finest local products.
Chef Roy Yamaguchi was one of the twelve founding chefs of Hawaii Regional Cuisine, and his restaurant, Roy’s Waikiki, located on the new Waikiki Beach Walk, is an excellent location to learn about this really unique fusion of island tastes.