Thanks to fellow Yelp Elite, Heidi L., for tipping me off on Chapino's! I saw her photos and being that I've never had this type of cuisine before, it piqued my interest and I made a mental note to try it whenever I got the chance.
I found Chapino's amongst the numerous vendors at the recurring Sunday Night Market at the old Kahului Shopping Center parking lot. They are a little food stand serving up Chamorro (Guamanian) / Filipino fare. The husband and wife team are bringing the food that they grew up with to the island of Maui, adding a unique cuisine that you don't often see here on island.
I briefly chatted with the owners and they are just starting out, testing out different menu items and such. Currently they have limited offerings that consist of a cheeseburger lumpia, chicken kelaguen tacos, shrimp pops, empanadas, & a fiesta plate that has 1 fried chicken, kelaguen, tatiyas, & cucumber salad.
I was not familiar with any of the dishes, so I went with the cheeseburger lumpia and shrimp pops. My husband and I agreed that the cheeseburger lumpia was surprisingly good. I love lumpia, especially shanghai lumpia. Makes sense I would enjoy a ground beef and cheese version. The shrimp pops were also good, but I think it would've been even better with some kind of sauce. I feel like it needed some acidity or spice, something more to elevate it, but overall not bad at all! I would definitely like to go back and try out more of the dishes.
I really enjoy supporting little start ups like this and trying new dishes expanding my palate. So go, support this little biz and find them at the Sunday Market! read more