A Meal Worth Waking Up For

Without question, breakfast is the meal that makes champions, which is why Eggs ‘n Things has a winning recipe for success. This hot spot for both kamaaina and tourists has gained a cult-like following since its inception in 1974, when founders Jan and Jerry Fukunaga opened the initial restaurant on Ena Road in Waikiki. Fast-forward almost 39 years later and the premise of the restaurant hasn’t changed a bit. The goal of Eggs ‘n Things remains the same: to incorporate the use of the freshest ingredients into all its dishes, keep prices reasonable and treat everyone like ohana. The fact that breakfast is served well into the evening is just an added perk for breakfast enthusiasts.

Located throughout Waikiki, you’ll currently find three Eggs ‘n Things establishments available for your dining pleasure — one conveniently located on Saratoga Road, Waikiki Beach Eggspress on Kalakaua Avenue, and the most recent hatching on Piikoi Street next to Ala Moana Center.

“The Fukunagas did an excellent job in creating a brand that is recognizable,” says Jonathan Redman, manager of Eggs ‘n Things Waikiki Beach Eggspress.

“Our basic culture focuses on providing fresh food and fresh produce to our guests. We want to give our customers the best dining experience possible, from the moment they step foot through the doors to when they leave. Customer interaction is very important to us,” adds Eggspress manager Lance Oshima.

More often than not there’s a line of hungry diners waiting to be seated at Eggs ‘n Things on any given day, but that doesn’t deter people from wanting to dine here — a good indication that what you’re about to experience is worth the wait. Servers sporting aloha wear and aprons (designed by Jan and her mother many years ago) greet customers with a smile and are ready to serve you what will hopefully be the best breakfast you’ve ever had, as the restaurant is renowned for its award-winning pancakes, omelets, crepes and more.

Eggs ‘n Things boasts a menu that suits all palates, and according to Redman and Oshima, Strawberry Whip Cream with Nuts Pancakes ($12.75) holds the spot as the restaurant’s No. 1 best-seller. The intoxicating aroma of fresh pancake batter is enough to hook you in, yet once you bite into the tall stack of light and fluffy pancakes topped with a tower of fresh whipped cream, morsels of sweet strawberries and a sprinkle of nuts, you’ll be quick to call this your favorite. Macadamia Nut Pancakes ($10.25) also have created quite a buzz among the international breakfast circuit.

“We have a special machine that whips the whipped cream fresh for us,” Oshima explains. “You can’t imagine how much whipped cream we go through on a daily basis as well as pancake batter and eggs!”

Speaking of eggs, the possibilities are endless. For a big old slice of Americana, dig into the Spinach, Bacon and Cheese Omelet ($11.95). Made with three fresh eggs, this omelet features fresh spinach, bacon (or turkey bacon) and your choice of cheese, whether it be Cheddar, mozzarella or pepper jack. The meal also is served with pancakes, rice or potatoes.

And for a classic taste of Hawaii, a local delight is found in Eggs ‘n Things Hawaiian Loco Moco ($12.25). This dish of mouth-watering goodness offers up everything your typical loco moco would bring to the table and more. In addition to the traditional hamburger patty and egg of choice on a bed of rice, sauteed mushrooms, onions and diced Portuguese sausage are added to the mix and drowned in a beef-based gravy.

“The Portuguese sausage adds a nice kick of flavor. There’s a little bit of spice and a little bit of sweetness,” Oshima says.

Island-Style Fried Rice and Eggs ($11.45) also has been reeling in the masses, grabbing hold of appetites with its myriad of flavors. There’s ham, Portuguese sausage, bacon, kamaboko and an array of vegetables thrown into the fried rice, and it’s finished off with two eggs of your choice.

Then, delve into dinner options with the famous Fresh Ahi Steak (market price), a generous serving of fresh tuna steak served to your liking, whether sauteed, Cajun-style or Furikake-Macadamia Nut-style, and accompanied by potatoes, pancakes or rice, and your choice of potato or tossed salad.

“We support local as much as possible. Our eggs are locally sourced from Ka Lei Eggs,” Redman says. “And here at Waikiki Beach Eggspress, we are environmentally conscious and use compostable packaging. Waikiki Beach Eggspress has the same quality food, but it’s proudly served with earth-friendly takeout-ware.

“At our Eggspress location, you take a look at the menu and place your order at the top of the stairs with our host, pay at the cashier area and a pager will indicate when your order is ready. We gladly accommodate dine-in and takeout,” he adds, noting that Waikiki Beach Eggspress seats about 65 people comfortably.

Make sure to take a bit of Eggs ‘n Things home with you. When you dine at the restaurant on Saratoga Road, visit the retail shop while you’re at it. The establishment’s very own buttermilk pancake mix, plus syrups, Waialua coffee, eco-bags, T-shirts and more are available for purchase.

“There’s a long-lasting legacy here at Eggs ‘n Things, and we can only hope for further success and expansion,” Redman exclaims.

Eggs ‘n Things

WAIKIKI
343 Saratoga Road
923-3447
Daily, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 10 p.m.

PIIKOI
451 Piikoi St.
538-3447
Sunday-Thursday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. to midnight

EGGS ‘N THINGS WAIKIKI BEACH EGGSPRESS
2464 Kalakaua Ave.
926-3447
Daily, 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 10 p.m.

eggsnthings.com