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Kaneohe reels in quite a catch

Chew On This Digest

October 26, 2014

Story By: Michelle Lee | Photos by: Lawrence Tabudlo

Soon after the launch of Cajun King in Waimalu, it was apparent that co-owners Tony Siakkhasone Lai and Jay Chen had stumbled upon something great.

“People started coming from all over the island, so it felt natural to expand,” explains Lai, who opened the restaurant’s second location in Kaneohe last month.

Specializing in Cajun-style seafood with local flair, Cajun King offers the ultimate hands-on dining experience. “People love coming here and getting messy,” says Lai.

“The quality is unmatched, because everything is brought in fresh and seasoned in-house.”

Case in point, Cajun King Special Combo #2 ($55), is one of the establishment’s most popular plates. The combo comes with Dungeness crab, crawfish, mussels, shrimp and clams, along with red potatoes, local sweet corn and rice.

“We run our own seafood distribution company, so we get first dibs on all the high-quality seafood across the country from Vancouver to Boston,” says Lai. “This also allows us to keep our prices down.”

Depending on customer preference, Cajun King’s cuisine ranges in spiciness level from mild to “volcanic.” Seasonings and sauces, which include lemon garlic butter and Cajun-style, are all homemade.

Asian-style Lobster ($17) also is a crowd favorite that’s enhanced with your choice of salt and pepper, black bean sauce, or ginger and green onion.

Additionally, Cajun King runs a daily lunch special from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $12.99, in which patrons may choose two entrees to complete a full lunch with fried rice. Choices include Cajun-style lobster, Salt and Pepper Pork Chop, Salt and Pepper Lobster, New York Steak, and Salt and Pepper Shrimp. An extended lunch menu is available as well.

Equipped with two private rooms — including a VIP room, which can hold 40 people — Cajun King is an ideal spot for parties and special events. Starting this month, customers can enjoy Heineken Light, Bud Light and Coors Light on draft.

Cajun King

Windward City Shopping Center (additional location at Waimalu Shopping Center)
45-480 Kaneohe Bay Drive, Kaneohe
744-1882
Daily, 11 a.m.-10 p.m
cajunking808.com

45-480 Kaneohe Bay Drive, Kaneohe, HI 96744

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