While Jamie W. and I had our share of plate lunches on our recent trip to Oahu, I have to admit we really didn't eat true Hawaiian food beyond loco moco. After all, who doesn't like hamburger steak with a lot of brown gravy? However, we made note of a couple of local vloggers who claimed this was the go-to place for authentic Hawaiian food. It wasn't in a ramshackle shack in an old Honolulu neighborhood. Nope, it's in the always crazy-busy Makai Market Food Court in the middle of Ala Moana Shopping Center. In fact, this was one of the busier kiosks, so we were feeling pretty confident. I ordered the $18.75 Three-Item Combo Plate which came with rice and macaroni salad. Worked for me. I selected Pork Adobo, Kalua Pig Cabbage, and Chicken Long Rice. All three were tasty with the kalua pig the standout. The long rice was more like glass noodles simmered in chicken broth. I switched out the rice for their Chinese fried rice (photo: The mac salad was decent enough though more slithery than I preferred (photo: Jamie ordered almost the same thing but skipped the Chicken Long Rice. He just paid $16.95 for his Two-Item Combo (photo: True to what the vloggers said, our meals tasted more like food that was prepared in somebody's kitchen and less like luau leftovers. Honestly the biggest challenge was finding an open table because this food court is a complete zoo at lunchtime. FOOD - 4 stars...authentically homestyle Hawaiian eats AMBIANCE - 3 stars...it's the mall...what do you expect? SERVICE - 3.5 stars...they serve it up full and quick TOTAL - 4 stars...eat like a real local RELATED - Exploring Hawaii? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed:
Kalei M.
Saw a post saying Poi Bowl in Ala Moana had some good shoyu chicken so had to try it out myself. The cashier was an older lady who wasn't very friendly and I felt rushed even after telling her that I was still taking a look at the menu. Maaannnn did this plate disappoint me! The chicken was just alright but I asked for gravy on the rice and the gravy was not good. More like a tasteless soup. I'm sorry but it was not worth my money. My sister got the squid luau and also agreed that there's better places out there
Kaila J.
Worst squid luau I've ever had.. even worst than their food is the attitude of the front end staff. For an eatery that has lasted as and been a staple in the Ala Moana food court for so many years it's a shame that I'm even posting this review. Save your money (this place is expensive for food court food) and try out the many other authentic Hawaiian food restaurants in the surrounding area because Poi Bowl ain't it!
Stu C.
Located in the makai food court on Ala Moana center Food court has option Chinese fried chicken Japanese Korean Mediterranean curry ramen bbq Can't go wrong here but can get busy and closes at 830 Prices reasonable Lau lau was hot tasty and fresh Does not have fish in it Miso pork melts in you mouth tender and juicy Mac salad and rice is what it is Service straightforward Can't miss here if you want taste of hawaiii
Lou C.
I was so happy that Poi Bowl is still there at Ala Moana Center's Food Court. I used to come here after work when I worked near Kapiolani Blvd over 20 years ago. This is the only Hawaiian restaurant that I know in the convenient location. I had to share the aloha of poi to my mainland friend who have never had Hawaiian food before. I grabbed the perfect opportunity when a group of friends gathering at the food court. The menu was not so easy to read with the time constraint. I ordered the Hibiscus Special combo that included familiar dishes. Entrées were Chicken Long Rice and Laulau. Sides were Poi, Lomi Salmon and Haupia. I forgot to ask for pepper water. But everything tasted fine. My friend must be hungry. He didn't say anything about poi until days later. Hahaha. I will be back for more ono Hawaiian food when I travel to the island again.
Jason F.
Alright... if I lived three lifetimes I'd never imagine in any of them reviewing let alone recommending a mall food court restaurant, but then Poi Bowl came into my lives. Poi Bowl is that rare gem that is worth dusting off your Yelp app for. The food court on vacation literally goes against everything I believe in, especially in a land where the local food is made with such deep, unmistakable soul. I acquiesced to my family's wishes, and peeled away from the pool deck to go the the MALL. At the food court, the theory was, everyone would find something they like and I was betting on at least being able to find a decent loco moco. What I found was Poi Bowl, an oasis of authenticity. I went as simple as can be- pork lau lau plate with mac salad and rice. I can't even begin to describe how soulful and high quality it all was. Off the charts. The mac salad was SEASONED for starters. Like someone actually cared to salt the water they boiled the macaroni in and then hit it with some garlic and more s&p and what not. The lau lau was perfection. I asked the guy for soy sauce out of habit for the rice but it didn't really need it cuz the plate also came with this stellar tomato/salmon salad (again, seasoned gloriously), which I ate with the rice. Not really sure if that's how it's supposed to work but it sure as heck worked for me. As much as i can't believe I'm saying this... I'll be back... to the mall food court... on this same vacation!!!
Jewelz I.
Prices are starting to get ridiculous, however, their kalua pork cabbage is excellent as well as their laulau and chicken long rice. I also get the bbq chicken which is pretty good. All in all, they give a good amount so it would last ne almost 2 meals worth. Service is meh, not very friendly, just-get-the-work-done kind of ppl., ambiance... what ambiance? They don't have really any, other than it's in dire need of an upgrade. It's definitely seen better days with their signage's, and presentation. Still, I don't hate it, it's somewhere I would go for my lower carb meals.
INSURANCE AGENT L. G.
If you are looking for Hawaiian style food this is the place to go in the mall…I highly recommend the beef stew it’s delicious and one order will feed 2 people, you a get a good amount of beef along with rice and a side. The flavor is on point! This is what I always order every time!
Grabbed a 2 item plate - pork adobo and tripe stew. Plate came with 2 scoops of rice and a choice of Mac or tossed salad. Tripe was tender and had great flavor. The pork adobo was pretty darn good for a hawaiian spot. Would definitely grab this plate again. I do have to say this paper container law is unacceptable, especially for soup/stew/braised type food. You don't get the full affect of the dish as it soaks into the container.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Dominik Gierl
Great place to try traditional Hawaiian food. They only serve in take out containers, so keep that in mind if you want a restaurant experience
I always have to stop here when I visit Hawaii. They have all my favorite local Hawaiian comfort food. We don't have anyone in Vegas who makes the assortment of food they have. Service was great and fast and is located in the Ala Moana food Court. Also these plate are pretty big and can get at least 2 servings out of it.
Wei W.
Crazy good authentic Hawaiian food! Not fancy but this is the go to place. Recommended by a Uber driver from military.....
Patti L.
It's Hawaiian food stand in Ala Moana's Makai Market. I went for breakfast which is available until 11:00. The Hawaiian Food is delicious, although a bit pricey. Poi, haupia, lau lau, lomi salmon, kalua pig, Pipikaula-a lot of local favorites, fast food style. The staff is nice too.
Nolan Arasato
Shoyu Chicken Plate 16$Winnahz@?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Justin S.
Both plates were delicious! The stuffed cabbage was good! The combo plate with the homemade hamburger steak and Kalua pig was delicious. The squid luau was good and had a lot of pieces of squid. The only thing wrong with that dish was that the squid luau needed more coconut milk in it. The staff's service was pretty good. The ambiance matched the old school local plate lunch feel
While Jamie W. and I had our share of plate lunches on our recent trip to Oahu, I have to admit we really didn't eat true Hawaiian food beyond loco moco. After all, who doesn't like hamburger steak with a lot of brown gravy? However, we made note of a couple of local vloggers who claimed this was the go-to place for authentic Hawaiian food. It wasn't in a ramshackle shack in an old Honolulu neighborhood. Nope, it's in the always crazy-busy Makai Market Food Court in the middle of Ala Moana Shopping Center. In fact, this was one of the busier kiosks, so we were feeling pretty confident. I ordered the $18.75 Three-Item Combo Plate which came with rice and macaroni salad. Worked for me. I selected Pork Adobo, Kalua Pig Cabbage, and Chicken Long Rice. All three were tasty with the kalua pig the standout. The long rice was more like glass noodles simmered in chicken broth. I switched out the rice for their Chinese fried rice (photo: The mac salad was decent enough though more slithery than I preferred (photo: Jamie ordered almost the same thing but skipped the Chicken Long Rice. He just paid $16.95 for his Two-Item Combo (photo: True to what the vloggers said, our meals tasted more like food that was prepared in somebody's kitchen and less like luau leftovers. Honestly the biggest challenge was finding an open table because this food court is a complete zoo at lunchtime. FOOD - 4 stars...authentically homestyle Hawaiian eats AMBIANCE - 3 stars...it's the mall...what do you expect? SERVICE - 3.5 stars...they serve it up full and quick TOTAL - 4 stars...eat like a real local RELATED - Exploring Hawaii? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed:
Saw a post saying Poi Bowl in Ala Moana had some good shoyu chicken so had to try it out myself. The cashier was an older lady who wasn't very friendly and I felt rushed even after telling her that I was still taking a look at the menu. Maaannnn did this plate disappoint me! The chicken was just alright but I asked for gravy on the rice and the gravy was not good. More like a tasteless soup. I'm sorry but it was not worth my money. My sister got the squid luau and also agreed that there's better places out there
Worst squid luau I've ever had.. even worst than their food is the attitude of the front end staff. For an eatery that has lasted as and been a staple in the Ala Moana food court for so many years it's a shame that I'm even posting this review. Save your money (this place is expensive for food court food) and try out the many other authentic Hawaiian food restaurants in the surrounding area because Poi Bowl ain't it!
Located in the makai food court on Ala Moana center Food court has option Chinese fried chicken Japanese Korean Mediterranean curry ramen bbq Can't go wrong here but can get busy and closes at 830 Prices reasonable Lau lau was hot tasty and fresh Does not have fish in it Miso pork melts in you mouth tender and juicy Mac salad and rice is what it is Service straightforward Can't miss here if you want taste of hawaiii
I was so happy that Poi Bowl is still there at Ala Moana Center's Food Court. I used to come here after work when I worked near Kapiolani Blvd over 20 years ago. This is the only Hawaiian restaurant that I know in the convenient location. I had to share the aloha of poi to my mainland friend who have never had Hawaiian food before. I grabbed the perfect opportunity when a group of friends gathering at the food court. The menu was not so easy to read with the time constraint. I ordered the Hibiscus Special combo that included familiar dishes. Entrées were Chicken Long Rice and Laulau. Sides were Poi, Lomi Salmon and Haupia. I forgot to ask for pepper water. But everything tasted fine. My friend must be hungry. He didn't say anything about poi until days later. Hahaha. I will be back for more ono Hawaiian food when I travel to the island again.
Alright... if I lived three lifetimes I'd never imagine in any of them reviewing let alone recommending a mall food court restaurant, but then Poi Bowl came into my lives. Poi Bowl is that rare gem that is worth dusting off your Yelp app for. The food court on vacation literally goes against everything I believe in, especially in a land where the local food is made with such deep, unmistakable soul. I acquiesced to my family's wishes, and peeled away from the pool deck to go the the MALL. At the food court, the theory was, everyone would find something they like and I was betting on at least being able to find a decent loco moco. What I found was Poi Bowl, an oasis of authenticity. I went as simple as can be- pork lau lau plate with mac salad and rice. I can't even begin to describe how soulful and high quality it all was. Off the charts. The mac salad was SEASONED for starters. Like someone actually cared to salt the water they boiled the macaroni in and then hit it with some garlic and more s&p and what not. The lau lau was perfection. I asked the guy for soy sauce out of habit for the rice but it didn't really need it cuz the plate also came with this stellar tomato/salmon salad (again, seasoned gloriously), which I ate with the rice. Not really sure if that's how it's supposed to work but it sure as heck worked for me. As much as i can't believe I'm saying this... I'll be back... to the mall food court... on this same vacation!!!
Prices are starting to get ridiculous, however, their kalua pork cabbage is excellent as well as their laulau and chicken long rice. I also get the bbq chicken which is pretty good. All in all, they give a good amount so it would last ne almost 2 meals worth. Service is meh, not very friendly, just-get-the-work-done kind of ppl., ambiance... what ambiance? They don't have really any, other than it's in dire need of an upgrade. It's definitely seen better days with their signage's, and presentation. Still, I don't hate it, it's somewhere I would go for my lower carb meals.
If you are looking for Hawaiian style food this is the place to go in the mall…I highly recommend the beef stew it’s delicious and one order will feed 2 people, you a get a good amount of beef along with rice and a side. The flavor is on point! This is what I always order every time!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Beef Stew, Shoyu Chicken Plate, Macaroni Salad
Grabbed a 2 item plate - pork adobo and tripe stew. Plate came with 2 scoops of rice and a choice of Mac or tossed salad. Tripe was tender and had great flavor. The pork adobo was pretty darn good for a hawaiian spot. Would definitely grab this plate again. I do have to say this paper container law is unacceptable, especially for soup/stew/braised type food. You don't get the full affect of the dish as it soaks into the container.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Great place to try traditional Hawaiian food. They only serve in take out containers, so keep that in mind if you want a restaurant experience
Restaurantji Recommends
I always have to stop here when I visit Hawaii. They have all my favorite local Hawaiian comfort food. We don't have anyone in Vegas who makes the assortment of food they have. Service was great and fast and is located in the Ala Moana food Court. Also these plate are pretty big and can get at least 2 servings out of it.
Crazy good authentic Hawaiian food! Not fancy but this is the go to place. Recommended by a Uber driver from military.....
It's Hawaiian food stand in Ala Moana's Makai Market. I went for breakfast which is available until 11:00. The Hawaiian Food is delicious, although a bit pricey. Poi, haupia, lau lau, lomi salmon, kalua pig, Pipikaula-a lot of local favorites, fast food style. The staff is nice too.
Shoyu Chicken Plate 16$Winnahz@?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Both plates were delicious! The stuffed cabbage was good! The combo plate with the homemade hamburger steak and Kalua pig was delicious. The squid luau was good and had a lot of pieces of squid. The only thing wrong with that dish was that the squid luau needed more coconut milk in it. The staff's service was pretty good. The ambiance matched the old school local plate lunch feel