Here’s a blog post about my favorite lunch spots near campus. The last post was back in 2011. This is my current Top 10….

1.) Helena’s Hawaiian Food. Still the best! The food here is absolutely ono. The short ribs pipikaula is pure awesomeness! When you look inside the kitchen, you see the short ribs hanging from the ceiling. I believe that the secret ingredient to its amazing flavor is the cook’s hair gel rubbing against the dangling meat.

2.) Ethel’s Grill. Miso soup and “melt in your mouth” hamburger steak. Takes me back to the good ol’ days….

3.) Island Style BBQ. Hole in the wall. Great specials! High-end dining on a paper plate.

4.) Kahai Street Kitchen. Daily specials and the best garlic chicken ever.

5.) Kikuya. Great place for an affordable sit-down lunch. My fave is the teishoku with shrimp tempura, misoyaki butterfish, and tonkatsu.

6.) Nico’s at Pier 38. Great new location and live music. Fresh seafood and amazing desserts. And the ribs aren’t bad either….

7.) Mexico Restaurant. Ono fish tacos, chips & salsa.

8.) Liliha Bakery. I know, this is a breakfast spot with those magical coco puffs. Still, great local food anytime.

9.) Mini Garden Express at the 99 Ranch Market. Yes, Mapunapuna is a stretch away from campus. Still, the beef tendon w/ stewed noodle is so good.

10.) ‘Akahi Dining Hall. We’re blessed to have a really good cafeteria here on campus. Great Hawaiian food and the famous “Home Style Chicken.”

Noms….