Best Kalihi Plate Lunch: Dad’s Top 5
Throwback to that time our former writer’s dad chimed in with his picks.
Editor’s note: We love recruiting family members whose years of foodie passion and knowledge make them credible (and fun) sources. Here’s the post that kicked off that tradition, by the father of our former associate editor. Carl Shiroma’s ranking was published in 2019. All the places and plates are still there.
Kelli Shiroma’s dad, Carl, owns a welding shop in Kalihi. Every Friday, he takes his crew out for a tasty, filling lunch. Also scouring Kalihi for plate lunches was Kelli, who worked off Sand Island Access Road. When the two compared notes, none of their choices matched.
Part 1 of Frolic’s first father-daughter rankings spotlighted Kelli’s Top 5 Kalihi plate lunches. Here’s part 2: Carl Shiroma’s go-to plates.
My dad’s welding business has been in Kalihi for more than 20 years, which means he’s been eating his way around the 96819 for that long. Dad swears by these fast, delicious local grinds that won’t break the bank and are hearty enough to satisfy his hard-working crew.
SEE ALSO: All Our Favorite Pizzas in Honolulu
No. 5: Prime rib plate, Ray’s Cafe
Ray’s prime rib plate comes with two scoops of rice and a side salad. This is 16 ounces of meat. Photo: Kelli Shiroma Braiotta
Ray’s Cafe may be known for golden-brown fried chicken that gives Colonel Sanders a run for his money, but it’s this prime rib plate that you need to try. It’s available Monday to Friday, but call if you’re making a trip specifically for this—sometimes, they sell out.
This hefty plate features a 16-ounce slab of meat, two scoops of rice and side salad. It isn’t cheap, but we’re talking one full pound of prime rib. Dad orders his medium, and it’s always tender and juicy.
This is how huge it is compared to my hand. Photo: Kelli Shiroma Braiotta
If you’re at Ray’s on the weekend, check the board for specials. Sometimes, the prime rib is paired with king crab legs or lobster tails for the ultimate surf and turf.
2033 N. King St., (808) 841-2771, @rayscafehonolulu
No. 4: Mixed plate, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue
Hamburger steak, teri steak and your choice of beef curry, beef stew or chili. Photo: Kelli Shiroma Braiotta
The mixed plate at L&L’s original location is a meaty trifecta: flavorful hamburger steak, slightly sweeter teri steak and a choice of beef curry, beef stew or chili. Dad always gets the savory Hawaiian-style curry and says it never disappoints. This is a serious meat and carb fest that’s more than enough to keep Dad going through his afternoon site jobs.
1711 Liliha St., (808) 533-3210, @llhawaiianbbq
No. 3: Kalbi plate, Best Drive In
Kalbi plate comes with two scoops of rice and four veggies. Photo: Kelli Shiroma Braiotta
Best Drive In’s BBQ short ribs plate, aka the kalbi plate, is one of its best sellers. It’s easy to see why: The kalbi is succulent and generous. Regular plates come with two scoops of rice and your choice of four sides like tofu, shoyu potatoes, mayo potatoes, corn, japchae, seaweed, kimchee and mac salad. If you’re getting takeout, the friendly auntie behind the counter will pack the cold sides in a separate container.
Check your wallet before you go: This place is cash only.
111 Sand Island Access Rd., (808) 847-2378, bestdrivein.com
No. 2: Chicken katsu plate, Kalihi Bar-B-Q
Chicken katsu plate is a best seller, with two scoops of rice and mac salad. Photo: Kelli Shiroma Braiotta
When it comes to reasonable prices and generous portions of mouthwatering katsu, Kalihi Bar-B-Q is one of Dad’s favorite plate lunch places on the island. The crispy chicken katsu has a delectable golden-brown crust. The whole thing is so flavorful you almost don’t need the thick, slightly tangy katsu sauce.
2011 N. School St., (808) 847-3398
No. 1: Boneless chicken plate, Richie’s Drive Inn
Richie’s rivals Rainbow’s when it comes to boneless chicken plate lunch with gravy all over. Photo: Kelli Shiroma Braiotta
Richie’s has been Dad’s Kalihi plate lunch favorite for a while. When he takes his workers out for lunch on Fridays, this ends up being their go-to. It’s all because Richie’s boneless chicken plate has withstood the test of time. Dad always orders his with gravy all over for no extra charge: two massive chicken thighs in a savory pool of gravy goodness, with mac salad underneath. While it’s enough for two meals, by end of day, there usually aren’t any leftovers.
Tip: Dad and his crew beat the lunch crowd and are there around 11 a.m. Dad says anytime after noon, the place will be packed. If they’re in a rush, they use the drive-through.
1188 N. King St., (808) 842-4004
Missed Part 1 of our father-daughter Top 5 Kalihi plate lunch series? Here’s Kelli Shiroma’s ranking.
