Kau Kau Grill, the outstanding food truck that can be found at three locations around Honolulu, has been drawing rave reviews since it opened for business in April 2013. Particular favorites vary with the individual diner, from its cheeseburgers, which some have deemed “the best ever,” to the baby back ribs that always rise to the top of the list.
Barbecue Baby Back Ribs ($12) is a Kau Kau Grill specialty. Grilled low and slow, and topped with a signature homemade barbecue sauce, the ribs are meaty, tender, smoky and a tad sweet. Trust me, it’s a popular item among friends and coworkers alike — these things go fast. The dish comes with rice, a spaghetti and potato mac salad or a side green salad. For $2 extra, you can upgrade white rice to Krazy Rice, a spicy fried rice made with Kau Kau’s famous barbecue sauce, shredded pork rib meat and a mix of five spices. What you get is moist and flavorful rice that nearly is a meal in itself.
If you prefer beef, Pulehu Short Ribs ($12) is an outstanding option. The beef is marinated and grilled to achieve a tenderness beyond compare.
-
- Garlic Shrimp ($12)
-
- Poke Bowl ($8)
-
- Barbecue Baby Back Ribs ($12) with Krazy Rice ($2)
Another top-of-the-charts pick is Garlic Shrimp ($12). Not overpowering with garlic flavor or saturated with oil, the shrimp is simply prepared. The tangy seasoning highlights the naturally sweet shrimp.
One more favorite is Garlic Chicken ($10). The morsels of meat are sauteed rather than deep fried, and the boneless chicken thighs are cooked in olive oil instead of butter. Don’t forget Kau Kau’s Poke Bowl ($8). The mix of spicy and shoyu ahi starts with fresh sashimi-grade fish.
These high-quality ingredients reflect the owners’ philosophy on food truck cuisine.
“Since we run a food truck, the fish has to be better than what anyone else is serving,” says co-owner Ty Takishita. “We need to serve restaurant-quality food to make us stand out in the business.”
So, give Kau Kau Grill a try, and see for yourself. Create your own two-choice combo for $15 while you’re at it.
Kau Kau Grill
Mondays
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Outside of Central Pacific Plaza at Alakea and King streets
Tuesdays and Fridays
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Across from HMSA building on Keeaumoku Street
Wednesdays and Thursdays
11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Kaheka and Makaloa streets
284-8293
See more articles from: Kau Kau Grill
