Chai’s Choice

Kumamoto Fresh Oysters on Ice with Lemongrass Garlic Mignonette ($10)

Whether you are celebrating a special event or having a night on the town, stopping by Chef Chai on Kapiolani Boulevard is sure to make your evening memorable.

The elegant restaurant, known for its exceptional service and innovative Asian fusion cuisine, keeps customers coming back for more of new creations and staple favorites, as well as an early bird menu (available 4-5 p.m.; $40 four-course dinner) and happy hour (available 4-6 p.m. and 9 p.m.-close).

At Chef Chai, the happy hour menu is filled with a variety of colorful pupu dishes, such as Fresh Ahi Tartar in Mini Waffle Cones ($8) or Gravlax Salmon Roulade with

Cream Cheese and Crab Meat on Cucumber Chips ($7), as well as a number of drink specials.

Owner and chef Chai Chaowasaree dished on what makes happy hour at Chef Chai so special and why it truly is the “happiest time” to dine at his restaurant.

DO: Why should guests partake in happy hour at Chef Chai?

CHAOWASAREE: Our happy hour menu portions are exactly like our regular dinner portions. We don’t shrink the size or quality of the happy hour dishes like some other places do.

DO: What’s makes the happy hour menu extra special?

CHAOWASAREE: There are so many items to choose from, and all are very good. Most of our regular customers come again and again just for the happy hours.

DO: What’s popular on the happy hour menu?

CHAOWASAREE: Kumamoto Fresh Oysters on Ice with Lemongrass Garlic Mignonette ($10) is my favorite. This smaller Japanese oyster has such nice flavors, is rich and creamy and not overly salty like some others. And the acidity and spicy garlic give them the two thumbs up; guests always tell me they’re the best oysters.