Local-style Fare for the People

People’s Cafe is the No. 1 choice for those who enjoy simple, homemade local-style grub. Trust me, bring this restaurant’s takeout to work and see what happens. It’s demolished in no time.

If you plan to embark on this culinary adventure, People’s Cafe has a plethora of combo dishes that are great for sharing.

Take Barbecue Ribs with Shrimp and Grilled Salmon ($12.50), for example. A 10-ounce portion of pork long ribs is braised until tender then cooked on an open fire. The open-fire technique caramelizes the homemade barbecue sauce, which adds a bit of tang to the dish. The pork is then paired with four pieces of moist shrimp sauteed in lemon butter sauce and served with a 4-ounce portion of grilled salmon. Finally, select from white/brown rice or fresh made poi, which is included with all combos.

Short Ribs Pipikaula Style with Poke and Kalua Pig ($13.95) is another irresistible favorite. Thick-cut short ribs are marinated for 24 hours in a blend of shoyu, lemon grass, sugar, sesame oil and more. Most importantly, the chef makes sure the meat is dried and quickly fried. Kalua pork and ahi poke round out the dish.

For the smaller appetite, Fried Akule ($7.50) is a great choice. The fish is deep fried to a crisp and simply served. Order it as an appetizer or pair it with sides to create your own meal.

In addition, the eatery now offers Papio with Shiitake Mushroom Sauce ($10.95). The large fish is fried whole, like the Akule, and is definitely worth a try.

People’s Cafe is all about the “local-kine” grinds.

People’s Cafe

1310 Pali Hwy., Honolulu
521-5552
Monday-Saturday, 6:30 a.m.–8 p.m.
Sunday, 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m.