Kapolei’s growth spurt seems to alter the Ewa Plains on a near daily basis. Gone are the empty fields and in their place are shops, homes and restaurants galore. For us at Dining Out, the last one is most special. One great example, is Ho Ho Chinese Cuisine. As owner Thomas Lung says, “It’s all about better food and better service, but the same low prices.”
Lung and his twin brother John bought the 10-year-old eatery three weeks ago and have been on a furious pace to improve all aspects of the business — and so far, so good.
Thomas Lung says that while patrons are becoming familiar with the new menu, they may be missing the inexpensive catering options that can ease the burden of family get togethers.
“Catering is for people who want to have a party but don’t want to worry about cooking and cleaning up. We’ll do that for you,” he says.
And if you want to celebrate but lack the space, no worries, the restaurant is more than capable to host parties.
Ho Ho can recreate anything from its main menu for catered events, but four dishes in particular stand out as most popular, says Lung — Orange Chicken; Beef Broccoli; Salt and Pepper Shrimp; and Fried Chicken Wings. All pans come in three sizes, small (feeds 10-12), medium (feeds 15-20) and large (feeds 25-30). And be prepared for gigantic portions.
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- Beef Broccoli
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- Salt and Pepper Shrimp
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- Fried Chicken Wings
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- Orange Chicken
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- Owners Thomas and John Lung with Fried Chicken Wings; Salt and Pepper Shrimp; Orange Chicken; and Beef Broccoli.
Orange Chicken ($34.95 small, $46.95 medium, $71.95 large) features white meat chicken breast that is battered in potato starch, wok-fried and finally tossed with an orange glaze. Quick cooking at high temperatures ensures the chicken is moist and crisp, and the orange glaze is sweet without being overpowering.
Beef Broccoli ($32.95 small, $51.95 medium, $71.95 large) is a standard, but its flavor and presentation raises the bar. Marinated beef is thinly sliced and wok-fried with garlic and the Chef’s Special Sauce composed of shoyu, oyster sauce and various seasonings. Who doesn’t like this stuff? The beef is tender with a mild tangy, smoky flavor that pairs nicely with the crispy, fresh broccoli crowns.
Fried Chicken Wings ($22.50 small, $37.50 medium, $60 large) may not seem like traditional Chinese fare, but these juicy wings and drumettes would be popular anywhere. Unlike the basic buffalo wing, which is coated in complex and sometimes overbearing sauces, these wings boast a much simpler flavor. The chicken is marinated then wok-fried with garlic, fresh chilies, green onion and spices, and served with a sweet-and-sour sauce. Lung says the wings are flavorful enough without the sauce, and he’s right. Plain or not, these wings are delicious.
Finally, Salt and Pepper Shrimp ($44.95 small, $66.95 medium, $89.95 large) presents large, head-on shrimp that is simply prepared and simply savory. Seasoned, fried and served — that’s all it takes. The local, farm-raised shrimp is naturally sweet, crispy and full of flavor. They will go over big at your next event.
Ho Ho Chinese Cuisine also offers free delivery to the Kapolei area on orders of $200 or more. For orders that extend beyond Kapolei, call the restaurant for details.
Ho Ho Chinese Cuisine
Kapolei Marketplace
590 Farrington Hwy., Kapolei
692-9880
Daily, dim sum and manapua available from 6 a.m.
Lunch buffet: 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Dinner buffet: 5-9 p.m.
Kapolei, HI 96707
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