Uncover Seasonal Eats

Kelly Nakandakari showcases Zippy’s Restaurant’s Pupu Platters and holiday specials.

Each December, Zippy’s Restaurants becomes a magical place for busy islanders seeking something special to take to their holiday gatherings.

With more than 20 locations throughout the islands, most open 24 hours a day, Hawaii’s favorite restaurant has a platter for every party. Order a popular Pupu Platter at least an hour in advance and pick it up on the way to your next celebration.

Local Favorites Platter ($33.25) is loaded with Teriyaki Beef, Hoki, Chicken Katsu, Hot Dog, and Portuguese Sausage. Platters with Chicken Katsu ($31.25), Korean Fried Chicken ($36.25), and Fried Noodles ($28.25) are other delicious options. And who doesn’t love a big batch of crispy traditional Fried Chicken? Pick up a nine-piece Bucket for $22, a 15-piece Barrel for $33.90, or a 21-piece Barrel for $43.60.

Zippy’s Restaurant’s Pupu Platters: Korean Fried Chicken ($36.25), Local Favorites Platter ($33.25), Chicken Katsu ($31.25) and Fried Noodles ($28.25)

Zippy’s will serve special holiday feasts on Christmas Eve and Day (Dec. 24-25) from 10:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at all its dine-in restaurants and fast food counters (while supplies last). Choose from Roast Turkey Plate ($11.60 fast food, $13.35 restaurant), Baked Ham ($9.95 fast food, $11.45 restaurant), Roast Turkey and Baked Ham Combo ($11.95 fast food, $13.75 restaurant), Grilled Salmon with Crab Artichoke Sauce ($17.50 restaurant dine-in only) and Prime Rib ($19.95 restaurant dine-in only).

If visions of sugarplums are dancing in your head, head for Napoleon’s Bakery, Zippy’s sweet shop. Napoleon’s will offer seasonal treats through Dec. 31, including Neapolitan Cake ($23.95), three layers of chocolate, vanilla and strawberry heaven.

Neapolitan Cake ($23.95), Gingerbread Man Cookie ($2.25 each), Gingerbread Yeast Donut ($1.50 each) and Gingerbread Snack Cake ($1.95 each)

There’s also a trio of classic gingerbread favorites. The Gingerbread Snack Cake ($1.95) is wonderful with coffee or cocoa, and Gingerbread Yeast Donut ($1.50) glazed with molasses spice icing hits the sweet spot. And Gingerbread Man Cookie ($2.25) is a delightful treat for kids of all ages.

Zippy’s Assorted Macarons ($1.45 each, $8.35 for six) make great gifts and are available in a variety of flavors — chocolate, strawberry, pistachio, coffee, passion fruit and orange lemonade.

A New Year’s sushi platter from Zippy’s is a welcome addition to any festive table. The Holiday Sushi Platter ($34.50) includes 40 pieces of maki sushi, 12 cucumber, 12 takuan and 10 inari sushi. Orders must be placed at least three days in advance, and they’ll be available for pickup through Dec. 31 at all Oahu locations.

Christmas specials: Grilled Salmon with Crab Artichoke Sauce ($17.50 dine-in only), Prime Rib ($19.95 dine-in only) and Roast Turkey and Baked Ham Combo ($11.95 fast food, $13.75 dine-in)

Grab a few Uncut Maki Sushi Rolls ($5.95) or a six-pack of Konbu Maki ($10.95) — pork, carrot and gobo wrapped with konbu and kanpyo — for your New Year’s feast. For bigger gatherings, the 2-pound Namasu Zip Meal ($14.95) or Barrel ($48.75), about 7 pounds of Japanese pickled vegetables including cucumber, carrots and daikon, are terrific.

A traditional Japanese favorite, Chicken Nishime is packed with chicken, konyaku, carrots, sataimo (taro balls), renken (lotus root), gobo, bamboo shoots and shiitake mushrooms.

A 2-pound Zip Meal of nishime costs $16.25 and the 7-pound barrel is $50.95. What a delicious way to launch the New Year!

Prepayment is required for all New Year’s platters, which may be picked up on Saturday, Dec. 31. (Zippy’s Kahului will offer Konbu Maki and Chicken Nishime only for pickup on Dec. 31.) Order online at zippys.com through 10 p.m. on Dec. 21, or call 973-0880 Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. between Dec.17 and 27, while supplies last.

If you need a platter on New Year’s Day, place and prepay your order between Dec. 17 and 27 for pickup at one of nine locations: Kapolei, Makiki, Waiau, Mililani, Vineyard, Kahala, Kaneohe, or Ewa (all open at 10 a.m. on Jan. 1), or Pearlridge (open at 8 a.m.).

Please note that prices for all Zippy’s items may vary slightly at some locations.

Look for special Zippy’s Holiday Gift Card kiosks, popping up at the following locations:

Makiki and Mililani:
Dec.15-24, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4-9 p.m.

Kaneohe, Waiau, Vineyard, Waipio and Kahala:
Dec. 15-16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4-9 p.m.;
Dec. 17-21, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.and 5-9 p.m.;
Dec. 22-24, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.

Pearlridge:
Dec. 15-23, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and 4-9 p.m.;
Dec. 24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Can’t Go Wrong With A Gift Card

Do you have an auntie with a secret Apple Napple habit?

A superstitious cousin whose game day ritual requires Zippy’s fried chicken and chili? A pal who swears by Zip Min whenever he gets the sniffles? Give the gift of Zippy’s with Holiday Gift Cards. Redeemable at any location, cards are reloadable in denominations as low as $5. From now through Dec. 31, purchase $50 in gift cards to receive a free $5 Zippy’s coupon.