Small, no-frills counter serve dispensing classic Hawaiian plate lunches, tacos & burgers.
Monica Marianes
We got today’s special Turkey and it was SO DELICIOUS. Turkey was juicy and tender, the stuffing was savory and amazing. Potato mac salad was very very good, we recommend you to try it. We also got traditional fried rice and it was delicious and fragrant. We hope we found this place earlier!!!!!
… moreRonin
I’ve ordered from this establishment off and on since they were located in kalihi. Recently my coworkers and I ordered takeout from here. Their elevated plate lunches were good but seem alittle different this time.
I got the poutine chicken katsu. I enjoyed it, but the amount of poutine and cheese on the katsu seemed sparse. The hapa rice is just half brown/half white, also felt like a letdown.
My coworkers got the combo plate and the braised short ribs plate. They agreed it was good.
My other coworker on the other hand ordered fries and hamburger. All of us tried the fries agreed it tasted old, like its been sitting out for awhile. Two of us recall the taste of the fries being very crispy and seasoned…it was disappointing this time.
I believe this is a one-off situation. Normally the food is delicious and savory. I still believe its better to go here than Rainbow drive inn or L&L drive inn.
… moreAmalina Ariffin
If you’re looking for local style plate lunch that tastes great and affordable, you should come to Kahai kitchen! There’s so many options available especially if you are a meat eater. They also have cheaper and smaller lunch options called university mini plates for students.
When you arrive you will make an order at their window (drinks are limited) and if you are dining in you can choose whether you want to eat at the outdoor picnic table or air conditioned tables inside. I had their fish tacos and homemade French fries. They were such a highlight of my day.
Parking is limited, because there is barely any street parking nearby and I’m sure it’s very popular during lunch hours.
… moreSabrina Garcia
Wow! I got their special “Chicken Breast with Asparagus” with 2 sides of broccoli to sub for the rice and it’s absolutely amazing! The broccoli isn’t just steamed plain, it also has some garlic seasoning taste. Out of all the places I’ve been during vacation, this place definitely blows all others out of the water.
The wait was a little long, but they were busy and it was honestly worth the wait. The girls at the window were so very nice and apologetic for the wait.
… moreLenor Mendez
Finally got a chance to stop by and see what else they offer other than the catered food, I got to taste from a celebration of life . They definitely live up to their reputation of having delicious food. The employees were helpful, friendly and my first face to face experience was awesome, highly recommend you try them out, was worth the drive. They are on the East side of island and I drove from the West!
… moreAnnabelle Bronstein
Love the food here. Super affordable, really clean. Lots of options that change every day. The softshell crab is amazing! They have a huge list of daily specials that actually change daily, so it’s great for locals that frequent the place. Outdoor dining is always covered and cool, even on the hottest days. They also have indoor dining and restrooms for customers. I would say this place is affordable gourmet at its absolute best. You have to visit, it’s crazy impressive.
… moreKeli P May (Kelly)
This restaurant is across the street from a park and a Long’s. Street parking as a bank is nextdoor with their own parking lot. Has exterior walk up window to order and pick up. Indoor seating (seats for 15+) and outdoor covered sidewalk seating (seats for 10+). Very helpful staff and great food items like different types of Loco Moco plates (review menu), local plates and sandwiches, etc. Average prices. I am returning for sure with more people next time . . .
… moreClaudia Villegas
The food and service was great! We were in Oahu for 2 weeks and came to Kahai street kitchen 4x
The food was cooked after ordering and it was perfectly cooked every time. The short ribs were my favorite, the meat was so tender and it was very savory. I also enjoyed their garlic chicken, it was delicious! The wait time can exceed 20 minutes but it’s worth it!
… moreBill Fong
We had our reunion to this establishment. Service was great and attentive. The owner is a fellow classmate and a great guy! He did a great job catering the reunion. I look forward to returning soon for his food and service!
… moreScott G
Food – I got the catch combo, which was furikake fried fish and misoyaki fish with white rice and potato mac salad. It was sooooo good! One of the best fried fish pieces I’ve ever had, I want to try and make it myself at home. The fish was very fresh tasting!
My group ordered the following and everyone enjoyed their meal – super x spicy steak, butter garlic shrimp, university fish tacos, and the heavy hitter.
Service – It was a big menu so we were a little slow at ordering but the lady at the window was very nice to us and helpful to suggest their popular choices.
Ambiance – We did not go in, we sat outside, but it’s right on the corner of a side street and pretty major street. They have some benches with umbrellas which is nice to get out of the sun.
Definitely returning whenever we get a chance to go back to Hawaii!
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