Underrated Plate Lunch Gems in Kalihi

[@FoodFiend]

As of September 2023, Island Style BBQ has shut its doors to enjoy retirement. We will miss their years of ono food.

[@EvilTheOne]

Another wonderful small business local eatery closes its door...sad.

[@LaughterandJesus]

Hidden gems. Hole in the wall. You know the food is gonna be good w reasonable prices!!!! Kalihi has some of the BEST and delicious food!

[@ladymurasaki370]

I need to try Tasuo’s when I come home in December

[@ladymurasaki370]

Especially since I’ll be staying in Salt Lake!

[@FoodFiend]

@@ladymurasaki370 Oh yeah so close to there!

[@spp-ut1jw]

I had their rib eye steak yesterday. This is my new favorite place to eat. Thanks for the video.

[@FoodFiend]

I'm so glad to hear that! Mahalo for watching and patronizing one of the restaurants!

[@jlewsf]

awesome review! thanks.

[@FoodFiend]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching :)

[@hanaleikama5899]

Much Mahalo for da hole in da wall places coming home for vacation in 12 days I will checkout dose places and Mahalo fro da tips keep da videos coming 👏🏾👏🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾😋😋

[@FoodFiend]

Mahalo! Enjoy your vacation home. All places are still there except the first place Island BBQ. They closed this year because they retired. Have a safe trip.

[@B1GJOHNSTUD]

god's country..all hail kalihi!

[@FoodFiend]

Fo' sho.

[@2010nvillanueva]

I miss eating at kalihi bbq born and raise right down the street my mom still lives there my go to go spot when I come for vacation lol cause i stay at my moms house thanks for sharing from San Diego!

[@FoodFiend]

Thanks for watching! What a great treat to go there to eat for vacation! I really enjoyed San Diego and been there twice. Have a great weekend my fellow Kalihi friend!

[@scottpalma3967]

I love Island Style BBQ! Been there several times since your video. One of my new favorite places. Thank you!

[@FoodFiend]

So happy you tried it and like it! Mahalo! 🤙🤙

[@fayg7580]

I was impressed that the barb places include salads

[@sammatsusaka823]

Same here, always get the Chicken Katsu at Kalihi BBQ.

[@royhi1809]

If your're in that area, a must go to is RAY"S! Tell Felix, the owner HE'S THE BEST!

[@lonelypigeon7562]

Tatsuo's staff is smart to let you video....nowadays, hiring a production crew to film a restaurant takes $$$$$$$$$$$....but as I say when I am doing my "thing", a plate lunch or a nice cold soda or bottled water hits the spot! and you are doing it FREE to promote their business!!

[@micahyoung5193]

❤ your vids.... question. What lead you to believe that ordering “specials” is the freshest? Every restaurant I’ve worked at, specials are items that we need to get rid of or else they will spoil? Trust me, ask a waiter/waitress..... I’ve done everything from hole in the wall to white glove dining... I will go back there, this soft shell crab looks Devine!

[@FoodFiend]

Maybe it's different in the US, and that's unfortunate. I learned that from Portugal. Over there I guess is the opposite and considered fresh. I don't think that applies in a huge restaurant there though. Just local small mom and pop restaurants there. Mahalo for watching!

[@Jupe367]

You guys have some great food over there. I’m sure these establishments really appreciate your kind reviews.

[@FoodFiend]

Thanks Jupe367. I appreciate you watching and your kind comments. ❤️

[@eldonengbino1064]

Always appreciate what you do. Never tried those 3 places - I will now! Thank you! Be well🙏🏼✌🏽

[@Pumpkin562011]

Thanks .. I want to try this local place.. thanks

[@FoodFiend]

You're welcome!

[@zens5203]

Can you do one on Silva’s store in Ewa Beach. Ewa Beach Road. I luv eating there… plate lunches & also a lot of goodies & desserts. 🙏

[@FoodFiend]

I did one already. It's one of my older videos. Love aunty and the food there.

[@zens5203]

@@FoodFiend oh ok I have to look for that one ! Thanks ! I have another one if u did not do, but not sure if it is still running ? It’s Karyn’s Okazuya. They had the best okazuya foods. I heard they moved to a different place, but not sure where. I miss the food !! They used to be under a green looking aprt bldg. they had a kitchen right there in front on the right side. 🙏

[@FoodFiend]

@@zens5203 Unfortunately Caryn's closed down permanently. This is the okayzua on Young St correct?

[@zens5203]

@@FoodFiend yes !! Aw… I miss that place. 😔

[@FoodFiend]

@@zens5203 So sorry. Yeah so hard to keep a business running here.

[@amvaquilar]

We appreciate this video, shining light on local businesses that are not on the "must visit" list. We love Hawaii especially the island of Oahu. Hawaii's unique with the variety of plate lunches that are available. You are so right, I had the opportunity of dining in at Island Style BBQ pre-pandemic, and enjoyed their food a lot. Thank you for the great service that you do especially for non-locals like me. I will try the other 2 you featured.

[@FoodFiend]

Glad it was helpful! Yay we share the same taste buds LOL. I'm glad you also liked Island Style BBQ.

[@Yabai_Dance_Machine]

Mahalo for highlighting all these local places!!! Love your channel!

[@FoodFiend]

Mahalo for watching! I appreciate it! 🤙

[@veo16]

Never heard of Tatsuo before. Smoked Meat! Thanks for the introduction.

[@FoodFiend]

Any time!

[@sammatsusaka823]

New customer here : )

[@FoodFiend]

🙂🙂🙂

[@Mae.30.61]

Mahalo for this! 🤙

[@FoodFiend]

You're very welcome! 🤙

[@howell7136]

This Kalihi boy miss all those okazuya's back in the Forties. Those old cooks all died off and left no one to take over.

[@readbooks9985]

Thanks for posting this. 👍😋👌

[@FoodFiend]

You're very welcome. Thanks for watching ❤🤙

[@harrymiram6621]

Have your ever heard/tried Tatsuo's restaurant on Alahao st/Sand Island rd? Open 0530-2p.m....

[@FoodFiend]

If you watch the video it's in there...

[@Rbrezay]

I love chicken katsu. I only got to try mitsukens, always hits the spot.

[@gailsiangco5599]

Mahalo for sharing !!! We will be home in June !!! Must try soft shell salad plate lunch ! You are so awesome for letting us know the Hidden Gems !

[@FoodFiend]

Have fun at home! You are most welcome!

[@seizethedayandlive]

Did you notice that Island Style BBQ and Kalihi BBQ almost have the same address? Just different streets!

[@FoodFiend]

Ah how funny!

[@Walts-Travel]

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!!!!! 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@FoodFiend]

Yes sir!

[@aquaticfury5273]

Rays Cafe Prime Rib is Bomb

[@FoodFiend]

Eek I won't eat there anymore. I don't like to bash but had maggots in the prime rib twice in my friends plate lunch. He gave them another chance and again had maggots that bored through the meat!

[@vwpervert1]

@@FoodFiend Maggot infused Prime Rib, mahalo for the heads up.

[@aquaticfury5273]

@@FoodFiend lol wow good to know 😳. My family has been eating there for years and we never had that happen before that’s Crazy

[@SpotGoesHawaii]

That island style BBQ looks great. RIght around the corner from my work too! Thanks for sharing!

[@FoodFiend]

Awesome! I hope you like it!

[@Tessesman]

Thank you for another honest review. I am so looking forward to our trip in 2 weeks. I'm going to try some of the places you recommend.

[@FoodFiend]

Yay how exciting! Have a wonderful trip!

[@eljefeguapobarbon]

"Local-kine" da best! Mahalo! All looked delicious.

[@FoodFiend]

Thanks for watching! 🤙

[@joettekanter3489]

All three places look delicious. I love Mac Salad, and soft shell crab. Thank you for another great video! ❤️😊🙏🏻

[@paulafriedmanalohafrommaryland]

that softshell crab plate looked so ono!!

[@FoodFiend]

It was! So crispy!

[@dmm8299]

It's been a while, but when I went to Island Style, the lady told me they have reserved parking stalls directly behind the building, like for the residential units in the basement/underground. So the next time I visited I parked there and it was good, during a busy lunchtime.

[@FoodFiend]

Awesome! Thanks for the tip!

[@RikigaiHawaii]

I never go Tatsuos in forever, I gotta go again, thx for the reminder vid, can't believe u ate all this with your lil tummy 😂

[@FoodFiend]

I had a tummy ache after all that 🤣

[@RikigaiHawaii]

@@FoodFiend haha should have called me aka the mop squad leftovers clean up crew 🤣

[@FoodFiend]

@@RikigaiHawaii 🤣

[@hhernando808]

Thanks for the recommendations! Need to try these places next time we are in Hawaii!

[@FoodFiend]

Awesome! I hope you get to visit soon. 🤙

[@brettm3431]

is graces not i kalihi granted its been a few years since i have visited

[@FoodFiend]

No they are on Beretania St in town. 🤙

[@norrinradd8923]

You mean they have a shop in Utah? 14:20

[@FoodFiend]

No Salt Lake is a town in suburban Honolulu. Sorry for the miscommunication but not Salt Lake, UT.

[@norrinradd8923]

@@FoodFiend Oh thanks for clearing that up😀

[@devonmichaels1480]

I want that soft shell crab omg

[@FoodFiend]

It was so good! 😋

[@rip710]

Bruhhh same 😭😭😭

[@lonelypigeon7562]

@@FoodFiend if future customers inquire to ISBBQ, the owners will be super happy that your video helped promote them!!!!

[@chextabexta4425]

i love ur videos, and awesome timestamps. Soft shell crab freaks me out a little. but it was tasty at the sandwich shop EARLS it was their special too. If you havent been to EARLS iz so gud, get the french dip.

[@FoodFiend]

Thanks! I will put Earl's on my list. Heard so many good things about them.

[@sammatsusaka823]

For me I buy the Regular Chicken Katsu Plate and have 2 meals from it. Just gotta buy extra sauce : )

[@FoodFiend]

Yes isn't it such a deal! Mahalo for watching and giving it a try!

[@bremp808]

Totally forgot about Kalihi BBQ. Thought they closed down. Used to always go there and Kevin’s Drive Inn down the road, back in the late 90’s. I agree, their katsu is one of the best.

[@FoodFiend]

Yes the bestest! Thanks for watching! 🤙

[@lonelypigeon7562]

the eatery in the KPT entrance area (Micronesia Store, Barber and state office) has closed down.....they "used to be" good but something happened a while back, I did not go back.

[@kurodog1]

I go to Kalihi BBQ a lot. A suggestion if you looking for a pupu, is order the Chicken Katsu plate and instead of getting the rice and Mac salad, replace it with fries. They use crinkle fries and its a deal.

[@FoodFiend]

Mahalo for the tip! Sounds good.

[@SoulTrain808]

Your reviews are right on! Thank you for highlighting Kalihi. Can't wait to try these places. #imissnakasokazuya

[@FoodFiend]

Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy the food whichever place you pick!

[@chimmiewithyourbestshot]

Oh man! I've been pass the bbq place by zippys a thousand times and never thought to go in! It's literally right across the street from the noodle place we get our E mein for our pancit from lol. Thank you so much!! Definitely checking out these spots on my next day off!

[@FoodFiend]

Awesome! I hope you enjoy and yeah that noodle place across the street is legit! 🤙

[@MarkFromHawaii]

Was Island Style BBQ called Kevin's Drive In before?

[@tonisanoedelacruz9754]

Yes. He is one of two sons that work with mom....

[@FoodFiend]

I think so!

[@classyfiftynine8208]

Hi Misty ! I'm not into Facebook or any 'social' site (I don't need 'friends' or 'followers' ;) But... I wanted to check Tatsuo's menu and daily special. HOW do I locate Tatsuo's in Facebook ????? Mahalo-Nui Loa

[@FoodFiend]

I think if you just type in their name in the search bar it will show you their page and you click it and scroll down for their specials. Or you can just call them the day of to see what their specials are of the day. Google search also works. 🤙

[@classyfiftynine8208]

@@FoodFiend I looked for a 'search' bar and didn't find it. I'll try again. BTW: Another one bit the dust: Old Saimin House 😪😪

[@classyfiftynine8208]

Found the search Magnifying-glass bar. Mahalo !!!

[@FoodFiend]

@@classyfiftynine8208 the search bar should be on the top or a magnifying glass on the main page.

[@BraddahTatzLyfe]

Damn this is what I missed today?!?! I love that place

[@FoodFiend]

Aw I had some time to kill today. Tomorrow we feast!

[@tonisanoedelacruz9754]

I want to try Tatsuos now...and go back to BBQ Inn..

[@clownfish7776]

Always look forward to your awesome food reviews. The mini plates look huge, almost like a full size at other places.

[@FoodFiend]

Thank you! Yes they are so huge!

[@tehanireyes9956]

K wait I feel like I've seen you around...lol like Liliha maybe? Idk. Hahaha but good job doing the underdogs!!!

[@FoodFiend]

Lol I'm not sure. Could be

[@localboyn2deep146]

Wow!!! 👏 I never knew those places existed 😳 and I lived in kalihi for about 8 years 🤪 Thanks for sharing 👍😊 I will definitely try these places for sure 😀

[@FoodFiend]

Yay! Hope you enjoy them all! 🤙

[@lorrainekomatsubara783]

You had some amazing food today!! Wish we had places like that.

[@FoodFiend]

Yes I did! We are fortunate to have tons of food choices.

[@elizabethcorsini5499]

Stopped by at Kalihi BBQ Drive Inn today at your recommendation. My husband and I enjoyed our first ever chicken katsu plate lunch and it was fantastic! Perfect amount for two. I even thought the rice was tender and we fought over the Mac salad, lol, if you can imagine ;) The katsu dipping sauce was like nothing I’ve ever had, and I loved it. Nice crunchy, but moist, chicken! Mahalo for your great videos!!

[@FoodFiend]

Yay I'm so glad you and your husband enjoyed the chicken katsu and that's funny that you both fought over the mac salad. 😆

[@sammatsusaka823]

Kalihi BBQ awesome sauce. Over all better than Graces. Graces have excellent sauce, but seems like they always over cook their chicken.

[@irayz2677]

I moved to Hilo in 95. Plenty parking Not many places to eat

[@FoodFiend]

Oh no! But at least it is beautiful.

[@irayz2677]

@@FoodFiend And we save a lot of money Living off the land. No traffic Took a while for my wife to get use too. She cried when we left She still shops everyday. It makes her happy.

[@lestoyama5323]

HOOOooo... activate jets in mah mouth.... lololololol GO GURL

[@FoodFiend]

🤣

[@Currentlycarly777]

What a fun video! I love seeing small hole-in-the-wall type of places to eat. Those are usually some of the absolute BEST places for food! That crab looked DELICIOUS!!! Also, totally off-topic, but what is your skincare routine bc your skin is flawless! Lol. I'm so jealous :P

[@FoodFiend]

Aw thanks 😊 I really dont think I have great skin. I have lots of sun damage from my younger days and tons of discoloration and sunspots. I just use Johnson and Johnson Clean and Clear and a skin discoloration lotion at night but it's not working! 🤣 I think you have an amazing porcelain complexion.

[@ayletthauki5023]

Some Spicy Poke Tako with DAT Sista?? No Need Rice

[@MultiPetercool]

Can a Haole get away with saying “That’s kind of Chang”? 😜

[@FoodFiend]

I'd say yes if it's in a lighthearted humorous way to describe a cheapskate. 🤣

[@MultiPetercool]

@@FoodFiend I’m a mainland Haole who loves Hawaiian culture. Andy Bumatai’s channel taught me how to talk full-on Pidgin. Mahalo Sista for showing all the wonderful places to get some Ono grindz! Aloha!

[@FoodFiend]

@@MultiPetercool That's so awesome Music Man! Thanks so much for watching ❤️

[@tonisanoedelacruz9754]

Better chicken katsu than Shiros Waimalu? Shiros has thick pieces of chicken and theirs is potato and spaghetti noodle salad....

[@FoodFiend]

I've never had Shiros katsu. Always just go in for saimin. I will try! Thanks!

[@KakoMochi]

I laughed when you said “this is our first stop…” and it’s a shot of zippy’s 😹 But that Island Style BBQ looks good!

[@FoodFiend]

🤣 It was good!

[@ckpes3884]

What about Gulick Deli....😍

[@FoodFiend]

I love Gulicks but they are famous and not in the category of underrated to me. One day I'll go showcase them. I'm so spoiled and go there so often I get tired of it but I agree it is ono!

[@alant.541]

Those were three amazing hidden gems! $12 for soft shell crab? You guys have the best food. I need to move. 😁

[@FoodFiend]

🤣 I think we only have the best food and that's about it.

[@ChopChopsBabyHuey]

I love your channel. I'm making my rounds to all the places you've recommended. I've tried the 3 places in this video, and bought at least 3 plates from each location to get an idea of each place's special unique flavor/flavoring. I got to say, I did not expect Tatsuno's to become one of my new found favorites. Other than getting 3 of their special-of-the-day plates, I also picked up their Shortbread Chocolate Chip Cookies and their Melting Moments Cookies... OMG... Everything was Sooo Ono!!! 😋😋😋 Mahalo for all of your video uploads and recommending these local eateries. You have opened my eyes to places I've never noticed or given a second thought to even try. Your recommendations has become my new fun little adventure. 😊❤🤙

[@FoodFiend]

Aw thank you for watching! I'm so glad you enjoyed the food and found a place you like! Mahalo! 🤙❤

[@ChopChopsBabyHuey]

@@FoodFiend I just wanted to tell you how much appreciate and respect your reviews, as well as your support of local business, even if you are asked not to film or take pictures, like Kalihi BBQ asked you... as well as not being able to get an interview, as in your other video with Popolo Boi's Huli Huli Chicken. After watching another local KZbin content creator that reviews food/eateries, and who had a similar experience as you did in this video, where a business asked them not to video record. The experience was similar, however, the handling of the situation was very different. YOU handled your situation by understanding and respecting the business's wishes, yet still supported the business by featuring and reviewing their food. Verses the other local KZbinr, who chose not review the eatery because they weren't allowed to record a video, even though the eatery's employee allowed them to take pictures, and which wasn't apparently good enough for this local KZbinr. What disappointed me about this KZbinr, was how they handled the situation, by allowing some of their viewers to call this business "shady," and supporting these comments with a ❤. Anyway, I just wanted tell you, thank you for what you do, and the true respect you show to these businesses, which is why I enjoy your reviews the most, and which is why I check out the places you review and recommend. So again, thank you for what you do, and please keep up you being you! 👍🤙❤

[@FoodFiend]

@@ChopChopsBabyHuey Aw thank you for your kind, thoughtful words. I have no clue who that is, but I try to be respectful and supportive to all including other KZbinrs. But I get where you are coming from. I suppose we all react to certain situations differently. I'm mostly a person that is indifferent if someone doesn't give me what I was expecting...BUT you probably wouldn't like my Daley review then. I don't like bashing anyone but damn they were rude AF and others have confirmed. Mahalo and have a good day my friend. Thanks for supporting local!

[@ChopChopsBabyHuey]

@@FoodFiend Yup. I saw your review on The Daley. I agree with you - sucky shitty service deserved a harsh review. 👍 Here's the video. You can make your own judgement. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oGiznZ17r7umZ7M I really do like this couple... I just think they could've handled the situation better by not mentioning anything about the business if they weren't going to review them.

[@lonelypigeon7562]

@@FoodFiend CCBH is correct you know (I kinda know who they are referring too). maybe because of a segment they did in Waikiki.....I felt like they are making it HARDER for other respectable Utubers to do FREE advertising by showcasing the restaurant. When I used to take pics for a tourist publication a long time ago....I went to the Made in Hawaii show......some vendors didnt mind me taking pixs, but others did not want me to.....I almost got offended BUTTTTT.....I realized after, that if the image I take, goes online.....its "fair game" for others in the WWW to copy that SAME DESIGN or product, leaving the original creator not profitting and the copycat dude, making choke $$$$$$.

[@chextabexta4425]

Ok but like, when are we guna hang out and eat somewhere? Im over by Moanalua

[@Rhoda8002]

I looove following you but hoping you'll try to avoid using the word "literally." You don't have to convince me.... I believe you!

[@FoodFiend]

Thank you for following me. I don't think I use that word too much. I don't even remember using it. When I film I just let the camera go and say whatever comes to mind. Hoping it is a more authentic experience. I rarely do 2nd takes unless I know for sure whatever information I am trying to pass on is incorrect. Sometimes mistakes are left in by accident because I just let the filming go naturally. But thank you for the suggestion!

[@kaimana1983]

* cancerous tasting !!! 💀 Re: the smoke meat conversation, 😂 lol )

[@FoodFiend]

🤣🤙

[@ericpham8205]

kalihi is for professional and if you are not pro don't visited or if not invited don',t go

[@tomithot261]

More "under dog" island spots. I am plant based and prefer not to eat meat, do eat fish. Do like your video style. Often fast forward through the meat.