What Are the Most Popular Dishes and Treats at Liliha Bakery?

Coco Puffs, of course. But mushroom chicken? Miso butterfish? Find out what’s hot at each of the four locations.
Mari Taketa,

 

Liliha Bakery Butter Rolls 2 Aaron Yoshino

These butter rolls. Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

 

Just as every Zippy’s and every Rainbow Drive-In is a little bit different, every Liliha Bakery location is different. Only “original” Liliha (the true original opened around the corner on Liliha Street in 1950) has beef curry and beef stew—and the best counter diner experience in town. The Nimitz Highway restaurant has Waffards, which are waffles layered with dollops of custard; Ala Moana Center’s one has mimosas (!); and the Waikīkī location, at posh International Market Place, has carved prime rib and milkshakes.

 

The top-selling baked goods at each place don’t vary: Coco Puffs reign everywhere, and the famous grilled butter rolls with neon raspberry jelly get their due. But country-style omelets? Even Liliha Bakery can’t explain why this scramble of three eggs with green and round onions, tomatoes and your choice of meat is the No. 1 entree at original Liliha and Ala Moana—except to note that breakfast is served all day, and these locations are the most heavily patronized by locals. Other surprises: Liliha Bakery makes a mean oxtail soup. Who even knew there’s mushroom chicken? And though we buy the same best-selling pastries at every single location, mind-bogglingly, these do NOT include slices of chantilly cake.

 

SEE ALSO: These 3 Family-Owned Eateries Are Bringing Local Favorites to Wider Audiences

 

Now the chain’s fifth restaurant is slated to open in Pearl City on Aug. 31. Given the mix of potential customers there, we’re betting the top sellers will be country-style omelets—and Coco Puffs. Of course.

Top 5 at Original Liliha

Liliha Bakery Country Omelet Aaron Yoshino

Country-style omelet: Is it the onions? Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Coffee Shop

  • No. 1: Country-style omelet
  • No. 2: Hamburger steak
  • No. 3: Hotcakes
  • No. 4: Loco moco
  • No. 5: Waffles

Bakery

  • No. 1: Coco Puffs
  • No. 2: Poi mochi doughnuts
  • No. 3: Cream puffs
  • No. 4: Butter rolls
  • No. 5: Chocolate cream puffs

Top 5 at Nimitz

Liliha Bakery Oxtail Soup Aaron Yoshino

Oxtail soup. Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Coffee Shop

  • No. 1: Loco moco with fried rice
  • No. 2: Country style omelet
  • No. 3: Oxtail soup
  • No. 4: Loco moco
  • No. 5: Hamburger steak

Bakery

  • No. 1: Coco Puffs
  • No. 2: Poi mochi doughnuts
  • No. 3: Chocolate cream puffs
  • No. 4: Cream puffs
  • No. 5: Butter rolls

 

Top 5 at Ala Moana Center

Liliha Bakery Butterfish Plate Aaron Yoshino

Miso butterfish. Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Coffee Shop

  • No. 1: Country-style omelet
  • No. 2: Loco moco with fried rice
  • No. 3: Oxtail soup
  • No. 4: Loco moco
  • No. 5: Miso butterfish (followed by hotcakes)

Bakery

  • No. 1: Coco Puffs
  • No. 2: Poi mochi doughnuts
  • No. 3: Chocolate cream puffs
  • No. 4: Cream puffs
  • No. 5: Green tea puffs (followed by butter rolls)

Top 5 at Waikīkī

Liliha Bakery Loco Moco Aaron Yoshino

Loco moco with fried rice. Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Coffee Shop

  • No. 1: Loco moco with fried rice
  • No. 2: Country-style omelet
  • No. 3: Mushroom chicken
  • No. 4: Hotcakes
  • No. 5: Loco moco

Bakery

  • No. 1: Coco Puffs
  • No. 2: Poi mochi doughnuts
  • No. 3: Cream puffs
  • No. 4: Chocolate cream puffs
  • No. 5: Green tea puffs (then butter rolls)

 

SEE ALSO: What Are the Best Sellers at Rainbow Drive-In?

Foodland, Food, Family, Friends & Frolic

More

The Latest

More