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Serving up a delicious taste of the islands

A La Carte

October 14, 2018

Story By: Don Robbins | Photos by: LAWRENCE TABUDLO

Kalua Pork w/ Cabbage Bowl ($6.25)

Featuring modern, bright decor, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue’s latest location opened its doors last week at Waipahu Town Center on Farrington Highway.

The sparkling clean design opens up the kitchen, so customers can see their food as it is prepared, shares Bryan Andaya, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue’s president and chief operating officer. Additionally, each dining table boasts a colorful, vibrant map of the Hawaiian Islands on its top, to increase the eatery’s local feel. Although the restaurant enjoys national success with locations across the mainland U.S., it has never lost its aloha spirit, Andaya adds.

Pupu Platter ($46.95)

The essence of aloha is reflected in the new Waipahu restaurant’s franchise owners, husband-and-wife duo Tony Shi and Niki Luo. Shi, born and raised in the islands, explains that his father worked for L&L for many years. Both father and son have opened several L&L locations across Oahu.

Andaya explains that L&L Hawaiian Barbecue as a whole is “all about the people.” The company is focused on giving franchise owners opportunities for them to succeed, and to provide customers with value-priced, fresh, delicious food.

Lighter Garlic Shrimp Plate ($9.95)

A meal that serves just that is BBQ Chicken and Chicken Katsu Mixed Plate ($10.95). This tasty “half and half” plate can be found on the menu under Combination Plates called Mixed Plate with 2 Meat Choices. The massive plate bursts full with succulent barbecue chicken and perfectly crisp katsu. It is accompanied by two scoops of white rice and one scoop of macaroni salad.

Another luscious local favorite at the eatery is Kalua Pork with Cabbage Bowl ($6.25). This delish dish features smoky flavored kalua pork made in-house combined with cabbage. This item also features vegetables of the day on the side, and it’s all nestled on a bed of rice.

Meanwhile, Lighter Garlic Shrimp Plate ($9.95), has only 270 calories (without salad dressing). The North Shore-style garlic shrimp are paired with a scoop of brown rice and a veggie salad.

For those who are social and love to party with their families and friends, look to L&L’s Pupu Platter ($46.95, one size only). Some of the possible pupu appetizers on this platter can be chicken katsu, breaded shrimp, barbecue chicken, Portuguese sausage and Spam musubi. Other items that can be substituted to suit one’s preference are teri beef, mochiko chicken and more. This platter can feed 10 to 20 people, depending on their appetites.

Waipahu, HI 96797

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