‘Zip’ on over for these delightful daily specials

KALUA PIG JOOK ($9.85 FAST FOOD/$11.35 DINE IN)
For a seriously comforting meal, the Kalua Pig Jook (featured each Friday in April) hits all the right notes. Smoky shreds of kalua pig are mixed into warm rice porridge and topped with green onions.

As Hawaii’s favorite neighborhood diner franchise, Zippy’s Restaurants accommodates hungry locals with a delicious daily rotation of island favorites.

About a half-dozen tasty entrees are offered each day, from a list featuring items like Shoyu Pork, Roast Turkey, Meat Loaf, Mochiko Chicken, Beef Curry and Chicken Long Rice. Dishes on the specials menu are available from morning (10:30 a.m.) till night (9:30 p.m.), while supplies last.

KIM CHEE FRIED RICE ($9.75/$11.20)
Just the description of the Kim Chee Fried Rice is enough to make one’s mouth water. “It’s a hearty fried rice with kim chee, bits of bacon and Spam and onions, topped with a side of grilled Portuguese sausage and two eggs cooked your way,” says marketing manager Jeanine Mamiya-Kalahiki. A new addition to the specials menu, the rice will be featured each Wednesday this month.

“The specials vary, and we have a few new ones coming into the rotation this month!” says marketing manager Jeanine Mamiya-Kalahiki. “You can visit zippys.com to see the daily menu, or you can even download a calendar of specials for the entire month.”

To keep things fresh, Zippy’s makes it a point to add new dishes regularly. “If you enjoy getting our Hawaiian plate on Fridays, you’ll love our new Luau Stew!” says Mamiya-Kalahiki. “It’s like a deconstructed lau lau — there’s pork and luau leaves in a savory broth to tie it all together.”

GRILLED MAHI ($14.95/$16.95)
This month’s calendar of specials is made complete with the tantalizing addition of Grilled Mahi, featured each Saturday. The tender fish is lightly floured before being grilled to perfection. It’s served with a lemon wedge and tartar sauce, white or brown rice, plus macaroni salad (fast food only) or corn (restaurant only).

This clever take on a Hawaiian classic is featured as a special each Monday in April, and it’s served with your choice of white or brown rice, plus macaroni salad (fast food only) or corn (restaurant only). And it’s priced right — $10.40 as fast food, or $11.95 for restaurant dining-in.

FRIED TOFU WITH KOREAN SAUCE ($7.95/$9.15)
Zippy’s will also feature a pair of tofu dishes this month. Fried Tofu with Korean Sauce (available daily, 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.) begins with cubes of tofu fried till golden brown, then tossed in Zippy’s signature Korean-style sauce. It’s served with white or brown rice, plus macaroni salad (fast food only) or corn (restaurant only). And the Tofu Burger ($5.80 fast food, $10 as a combo in restaurant), on Zippy’s regular menu, is a fried tofu patty on a whole-wheat bun, topped with Korean-style sauce, lettuce, onions and tomato. It’s served in the restaurant with french fries, onion rings, soup or salad.

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Zippy's Restaurants

Various locations across Oahu, plus Kahului, Maui and Hilo on the Big Island 973-0880 (main office) Most locations open 24 hours Specials available daily 10:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. through April 30 while supplies last; prices may vary by location