2026 Hale ‘Aina Awards: Thai Issan Cuisine Finally Wins Gold for Best Thai
A previous finalist, the cozy gem next to Foodland at Market City has won over Hale ‘Aina voters at last.
Readers’ Pick
BEST THAI
(GOLD)
Brave the gauntlet of Market City’s parking lot and steer clear of shoppers rolling carts into Foodland, and you will happen upon the hole-in-the-wall gem that is Thai Issan Cuisine. The eight-table haunt has won the hearts of a varied crowd, from couples on dates to uncles at a four-top to multigenerational family gatherings with squirming little ones and quiet teenagers.
Perhaps it is unsurprising, then, that after being a finalist for Hale ‘Aina Best Thai in 2023 and 2025, this year, Thai Issan won gold.
This is the restaurant’s original location—a second location is at Old Stadium Square in Mō‘ili‘ili. At Market City, as upbeat Thai pop plays in the background and TVs loop mouthwatering scenes of food carts in Thailand, dishes with traditional and local flourishes cross the dining room. You choose your level of spice. The most popular order is a saucy pad thai that is slick, soft, bursting with flavor—and made with wide look fun noodles, a unique touch. The menu is rich in noodles and curries, a rainbow of yellow, green and red with eight flavors ranging from Massaman to pineapple.
Local touches include shell-on, wok-fried sweet Kahuku shrimp smothered in a chile and oyster sauce. The King of Chili is another house special: wok-fried ground beef, chicken or pork in a sweet and savory sauce with vegetables, topped with a runny fried egg—a version of pad krapow that Thai Issan’s website describes as a “Thai version of Loco Moco.”
Beverage offerings are concise with Thai iced tea, coffee or soft drinks, but pro tip: For a $5 corkage fee, you can bring your own bottle. And Fujioka’s Wine Times is around the corner, its staff ready to help with pairing requests. You are set for your next date.
Multiple locations, thaiissancuisine.com
