Kapahulu eatery off to a fantastic start

Longtime Waikiki restaurant China Garden is settling in just fine at its new location on Kapahulu Avenue. Now known as House of Wong Restaurant, this new kid on the block is learning lots about how to cater to locals and tourists alike.

“Even though we are a little far from Waikiki, we have a chance to cater to the local market and the tourist market,” explains general manager Michael Wang. “Recently, we see a lot more tourists coming to Kapahulu — with Rainbow Drive Inn and Leonard’s Malasadas, we are in a great location.”

After being located in Waikiki for the past 29 years, House of Wong made the trek to the popular avenue lined with many delicious eateries.

This week, the eatery shares two of its most popular dishes with Dining Out: Roast Honey Glazed Spare Ribs ($15.95) and Live Dungeness Crab with Pepper & Spicy Salt ($23.95 per pound).

The Roast Honey Glazed Spare Ribs are made nice and fresh and are cooked so perfectly that the meat falls right off the bone.

“Normally, we ask for customers to pre-order because it takes us about four or five hours to prepare,” says Wang. “We marinate it for about two hours and then cook it.”

Speaking of fresh, Live Dungeness Crab with Pepper & Spicy Salt offers its own divine flavors to appreciate.

“This is a traditional item and one of the reasons why we have a lot of repeat customers,” explains Wang.

The dish is simply made — the crab is live and fresh, then stir fried with chili peppers, green onions, pepper, salt and Chinese five-spice powder.

Overall, House of Wong Restaurant seems to be fitting in on Kapahulu Avenue, as it serves up mouthwatering meals, and the staff is eager to learn what else it can do to satisfy customers.

“I love to see the customers’ smiling faces. When they are happy, I know we are doing a good job,” says Wang. “If they don’t have a happy face, then it means there is something I’ve got to change or improve.”

Stop by to see what House of Wong has to offer and be sure to call ahead when you’ve got Honey Glazed Spare Ribs on your mind!

House Of Wong Restaurant

477 Kapahulu Ave., Kapahulu
732-0818
Daily, 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.