While originated in England, the fish and chips dish has made its way across the globe and is a serious favorite to many a foodie. Being fun and easy to eat, the duo is usually served with a zesty spritz of lemon atop, and a side of tartar sauce for dipping. Seafood is a specialty within the Hawaiian Islands and when taking a trip to Kauai, it calls for a fresh taste of the sea. Here’s where to find some of the best of the best on the Garden Isle.
1. Olympic Cafe
1354 Kuhio Highway, Kapaa
822-5825
PHOTO COURTESY OLYMPIC CAFE
Overlooking the heart of Kapaa Town, Olympic Cafe presents panoramic ocean and mountain views for diners to unwind with. A favorite among locals, the eatery is beloved for its huge portions and extensive menu. There are also unique features like a make-your-own bloody mary bar and free happy hour taco bar. As far as its Fish and Chips meal goes, owner Troy Trujillo says it is Olympic’s No. 1 seller. Prepared with a housemade beer batter, ono (wahoo) fillets are dipped and fried to golden perfection and are seasoned with garlic and herbs. Accompanying them are french fries, tartar sauce, malt vinegar and lemon.
2. Brennecke’s
2100 Hoone Road, Poipu
742-7588
brenneckes.com
FILE PHOTO
Brennecke’s, located in Poipu, is perched right along the coastline and is another local favorite boasting island cuisine. Visitors to Brennecke’s can opt for a meal in its full-service restaurant or make a quick pit stop at its shave ice and snack shop. Its Fish & Chips menu item features generous cuts of ono fish that are covered in a Fire Rock Pale Ale beer batter, then fried. It is served with garlic Parmesan french fries, coleslaw, malt vinegar, tartar sauce and lemon. Order it off the dinner or lunch menu.
3. Tiki Iniki
5-4280 Kuhio Highway, Princeville
431-4242
tikiiniki.com
PHOTO COURTESY TIKI INIKI
Serving as North Shore Kauai’s happening place to be, Tiki Iniki is open for lunch, happy hour, dinner and late night. Its fish and chips comes in two versions, a regular and a vegan preparation. The regular order offers ginger beer battered ono with house tartar and fries or rice — salad can be substituted for an additional charge. The vegan option is prepared the same and with the same accompaniments, however, instead of ono, it fries up tempeh, which is made from soybeans.
