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Rediscover Waikiki with a Chinese feast

Columns Lite Bites

December 15, 2014

Story By: Yu Shing Ting | Photos by: Nathalie Walker

Waikiki may be known as the tourist mecca of Oahu. But it’s also become “the” place to be when it comes to shopping and dining.

With the opening of Urban Outfitters last week, H&M in March, and soon-to-come Saks Fifth Avenue, there are fewer reasons to leave the island.

As for food, Waikiki welcomed world-renowned chefs Nobu and Morimoto in recent years, but there also are a lot of great long-time eateries that are tasty and affordable.

Seafood Village in Hyatt Regency Waikiki has been a local favorite since its opening in 1995, serving delicious Hong Kong-style Chinese cuisine.

The restaurant features a traditional Chinese menu, including live seafood and dim sum. “Our chefs are from Hong Kong and regularly go back to hone their skills, so it’s like you’re getting a taste of Hong Kong in Hawaii,” says manager Yao Ming Guan. “We also have some bistro favorites, such as steak and pasta, in case someone in your group wants something else. That way we have something for everyone in your party.”

Among the popular dishes is Steamed Chicken with Ginger and Scallion ($19.95), which is similar to cold ginger chicken, but a lot more flavorful because it also comes with an authentic Chinese-style shoyu sauce that is perfect with white rice.

When in the mood for seafood, Tea Leaves Smoked Jumbo Kahuku Prawn ($23.95) is one of Seafood Village’s signature dishes, featuring about a pound of Kahuku prawns smoked with a famous premium tea from China.

A newer item on the menu is Sliced Beef in Hot Chili Oil ($18.95) that, according to Guan, is a very popular dish. “A lot of the Chinese tourists order this,” he says. “It’s a Szechuan-style dish that has a lot of spice; black pepper, dry chili and chili oil.”

Located in Hyatt’s Ewa tower, below the lobby, near Urban Outfitters, Seafood Village also is a great place for parties and get-togethers. There are two private rooms — one that can seat about 30 people and another for about 70 people.

“It’s a very exciting time in Waikiki right now with all these new stores opening,” adds Guan. “If you haven’t been down in a while, come rediscover Waikiki and stop in for some authentic Chinese food.

“Also, with the holidays coming up, our kamaaina lunch party specials have been really popular. It’s only $11.95 per person. Make sure you call early.”

Seafood Village

Hyatt Regency Waikiki 2420 Kalakaua Ave., Honolulu
971-1818
Daily, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (lunch);
5-10 p.m. (dinner)

Honolulu, HI 96815

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