This place is a smoking hot success

Smoked Chicken and Pork Mix Plate ($19.58)

A culinary favorite in Hawaii, smoked meat can be challenging to find, but at Guava Smoked, owner Scott Shibuya creates this infused treat for customers across Oahu.

“Our friendly staff, local vibe and uniquely local smoked goodies are what we specialize in,” Shibuya says.

Smoked Fried Rice Bowl ($7.64)

Established in 2013, Guava Smoked uses the cold smoking method with strawberry guava wood, or waiawi, to imbue pork, fish, beef and many other meats with a smoky flavor.

The restaurant’s most popular item, the Smoked Spicy Pork Plate ($15.76), features meat infused with a “medium heat to bring out its flavor” and is served with two scoops of hapa rice and a customer’s choice of macaroni salad, homemade kimchi or tossed salad (Kahumana Organic Farms mixed greens with housemade vinaigrette dressing).

Smoked Loco Moco ($18.15)

For customers who enjoy a taste of the sea, the Smoked Salmon Plate ($19.10) is a great option for them. This dish is infused with “a slightly sweet, salty and garlic flavor” and is finished on the grill to caramelize its edges, according to Shibuya.

Smoked Butterfish Collars and Salmon Bellies Mix Plate ($19.58)

“The instant gratification of a customer gushing about how much they loved their meal gives me chicken skin every time — priceless,” Shibuya says.

However, Guava Smoked isn’t just for individual dining but for parties and gatherings as well. The restaurant offers platters ($70) with three choices of meats (chicken, kalbi or duck), one fish (butterfish or salmon) and a starch (rice, toss salad, mac salad or kimchi).