Keeping It Old School

Old School Combo ($10.95)

Serving Hawaii the best saimin for nearly 50 years, Shiro’s has become a household name. According to general manager Bryce Fujimoto, founder Franz Shiro Matsuo — better known as “Mistah Saimin” — wanted to create a restaurant where both locals and visitors could enjoy island comfort food.

“He really valued good customer service and had a sense of humor; his menu and creations all reflect that,” says Fujimoto, who also is the late founder’s grandson.

With menu items such as Big Brah Large Saimin and Haole Saimin, Matsuo’s sense of humor and knack for creating mouthwatering meals still shines, but they weren’t his only admirable traits. He also was an artist, and the eatery’s walls are covered in poems written by Mistah Saimin himself. Heartfelt life lessons, all addressed “Dear Hearts,” are like words of encouragement for the eatery’s patrons.

Located in Aiea at Waimalu Shopping Center, the restaurant continues to attract customers in droves, despite the traffic from escalating road and utility work.

FLOATING ON FARE

In order to attract more customers during the week, Shiro’s Saimin Haven is now offering its Old School Combo for $10.95, all day Mondays and Tuesdays. Featuring Shiro’s famous Hula Burga and french fries, a small portion of Wun Tun Min and a Soda Float, this meal is sure to make you reminisce about the good ol’ days. The combo is only offered at the Waimalu location while dining in.

Shiro’s Saimin Haven

Waimalu Shopping Center
98-020 Kamehameha Hwy., Aiea (Also Located In Ewa Beach)
488-8824 (restaurant and catering), 488-8834 (takeout)
Sunday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-10:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 7 a.m.-11:30 p.m.
shiros-saimin.com