It’s the wood that makes it good

Smoked Duck Plate (contact for cost).

Diners love the iconic taste and aroma cooked up at Guava Smoked. The local business specializes in local-style smoked meats and fish, as well as plate lunches, bowls, pupu bowls, burgers and sandwiches, platters, pans and even frozen meals to-go.

Guava Smoked uses wood from the invasive strawberry guava tree, also known as waiwi, to cold smoke its meats and fish, then finishes the proteins off on the grill or in the oven.

The 12-year-old restaurant group also serves smoked local favorites like chili, beef stew, pork burgers, chicken sandwiches and pork loco mocos. All this smoked goodness is served in a fast-casual environment with friendly service at its locations in Pearlridge Center, Kalihi and Kapahulu.

“If you’re looking for something different with a smoked twist, Guava Smoked has you covered,” owner Scott Shibuya says. “The cold smoking process renders fat, tenderizes the meats and infuses a light, well rounded, slightly sweet, smokey flavor that garners reviews of 4.5-plus on all platforms.”

Spicy Pork is the top seller at Guava Smoked. It has a medium heat that draws out more flavor, while Mild Pork with no heat is also available. The burger patties, meanwhile, are made with the signature smoked pork, and are incorporated in the Loco Moco (contact for cost) and Hamburger Steak (contact for cost) with a white gravy to complement the flavorful beef.

Smoked Pork Burgers (contact for cost) come with a toasted onion bun, mayo, red onions, tomato and Kahumana mixed greens topped with a house creamy vinaigrette.
Shibuya personally recommends Smoked Salmon Bellies (contact for cost). The skin is charred until crispy and caramelized to perfection.

Prices vary, so inquire when visiting the restaurant.