BY MICHELLE LEE
With a successful first year of business behind her, Yong Tom, owner and cook of the popular Korean restaurant 808 Yong’s BBQ in Waipahu, could have easily kept the same menu. However, when she overheard some diners inquiring if the restaurant offered breakfast, she began to think.
“I found more and more customers looking for breakfast options,” says Tom. “So right away I wanted to start a breakfast menu, one with lots of options.”
Such dedication to meeting the desires of its customers is just one characteristic out of many that makes 808 Yong’s BBQ a true culinary gem.
The eatery now offers an all-day breakfast menu as well as local-style dishes in addition to its beloved Korean menu. To help with the expanded menu, which has almost tripled in size, Tom has hired chef Glenn Salvador, previously a chef at Joe’s Grill Express downtown.
Although customers may order from the breakfast menu at any time, early risers will be happy to learn the restaurant now opens at 6 a.m. daily. Breakfast options include a variety of omelettes including the Denver Omelette ($5) as well as the Spinach Omelette ($5). Other morning meals include Pork Adobo and Eggs ($5) and Joe Moco ($5.75), a popular dish consisting of corned beef hash, two strips of bacon, two eggs and rice with gravy.
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- Charlene Lizama
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- Spinach Omelette ($5)
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- New York Steak and Garlic Shrimp ($8.50)
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- Chicken Taco Salad ($6)
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- Mini Family Pack ($22.99)
“Even though our menu is bigger, our prices are still very reasonable,” says Tom. “At the same time, we make sure to still give big portions and spend enough time, so everything tastes homemade.”
Along with breakfast, 808 Yong’s BBQ patrons also will find more local-style dishes on the menu. Favorites include New York Steak with Onions and Mushrooms ($7.50) and New York Steak and Garlic Shrimp ($8.50).
“Now people who enjoy local-style food as well as Korean food can get both from one place,” says Tom.
Diners also can choose from a plethora of island-style plate lunches ranging from Spicy Sweet Chili Katsu (starting at $5.75) and Teriyaki Beef (starting at $5.75). All plate lunches come with rice and a choice between macaroni salad or tossed salad. Additionally, regular plate lunches now come with a free drink.
The restaurant features a variety of daily specials, allowing customers to choose from a multitude of local staples such as Top Sirloin Steak and Eggs ($6.50) and Garlic Shrimp and Eggs ($6.50).
Among the Korean dishes, the Mini Family Pack ($22.99) is one of the restaurant’s most popular options. The meal, which feeds approximately two or three people, includes three pieces of kalbi, barbecue chicken and barbecue beef; five pieces of fried mandoo, four pieces of meat jun, four vegetable sides and rice. “Once customers taste the pack they always come back for more,” says Tom. “It has a bit of everything and is a great deal.”
Tom is friendly with every customer, starting conversations with them as soon as they enter the door. “My goal is to provide the best service and create a family-friendly environment.”
In addition to the dine-in menu, 808 Yong’s BBQ also offers takeout and catering options as well.
808 Yong’s BBQ
94-216 Farrington Hwy, Waipahu
678-8058
Open Monday-Saturday, 6 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sunday, 6 a.m.-3 p.m.
Waipahu, HI 96797
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