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    Kababa Mama

    4.2 (41 reviews)
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    Falafel smash
    Doris D.

    Really interesting take on the traditional falafel! It was actually pretty good. At $21, you get the smash and a side of fries (either regular or garlic).

    Jacob M.

    Pricey for an order of shawarma. However, though small, the taste is full. I don't think I have ever eaten anything that small but tastes so flavorful. Found them at What The Truck in Waikele.

    Burnt falafel waited 20 minutes for this order and there was no line
    Rosalynn E.

    I am a huge supporter of local businesses but this Mama is a transplant to the island with no ALOHA. Listen! Here is what happened.... Prior to me everyone ordered from the cashier. As I am ordering the cook- owner of this looks at the guy behind me and says what can I get started for you? I'm like ok she just wants to get things going. I'm # 12 she calls #13 to pick up his food. As he picks up his food she chats and flirts. ME...still waiting. Now Mama kababa comes out from the grill and chats to 2 females, this goes on for another 10 minutes. Here is the kicker!!! She goes behind the grill and makes them 2 plates that she hands over to them. But still no plate for me. I'm still waiting!!! What is this disrespect? I approach her to express my dissatisfaction with her treatment and she blows me off. The final is that I am given a burnt falafel wrap. I would give negative ZERO stars if I could. I do not recommend and will not go back. Enter at your own risk of disrespect.

    Mama smash
    Jennifer H.

    This is one of my favorites when picking up Thursday dinner at Wai Kai! I've only had the smash gyro burger so this review is entirely based on that meal and the service associated. The line can get long but they move fast! It's usually 8-10 minutes for our order to be ready. And despite their popularity, there was no sacrifice to flavor at all. The pita itself was grilled for a bit of toastiness. The beef and lamb patty followed all the requirements for a great smash burger patty. Juicy inside with a flavorful crust of seasonings. The toppings of feta, pickled veggies, and tzatziki sauce add tangy and creamy to each bite! Soooo ono!!

    Mamas smash burger pita
    Ashley C.

    Mamas smash burger pita was delicious Great and interesting fusion. Located at night market at Pearlridge. Live music and vendors also there.

    Mama's Smash Burger
    Jennifer E.

    My husband had been wanting to eat here since he saw posts on social media, including Yelp. We made it out to Pearlridge Village Night Market on Saturday evening and it was the first food truck he noticed. Since I didn't order our food, I won't be able to comment on the service or ambiance but I will most likely be back to order because Mama's Smash Burger was so good. Evenly cooked and on a pita that had a crispy, and soft texture to it. The portion was a nice size and wasn't overpowered by tzatziki or the onions. It's such a great take on mid eastern food.

    Mama smash burger. Ate it like a slice of pizza.
    Marcus D.

    Their tent was set up at the Waterfront Plaza's Taste of Aloha Night Market at Restaurant Row this past Saturday. We strolled around, looking for what to have for dinner, and the wafting grill aroma drew me to them. I was interested in their Smash pita burger, as I am a fan of both pita and burgers. I was met with friendly service, and the wait was about 20 minutes. It was very tasty with the cheese and the sauce, although the burger was a little tough. I ate it like a slice of pizza vs trying to fold it, as it was covered with lots of fresh toppings. A bit pricey, I think it went for $18. Good stuff, I'd try their other products next time I go.

    Menu
    Irene M.

    They're smashing it... Stumbled upon this gem at the Honolulu Night Market in Kaka'ako and Is it worth the wait?...Yup as everything is made to order it will be 10 if you're lucky but about 15 minutes wait for your order so if you're in a rush this isn't the place for you which is a shame as it was just the yummy and fresh bite. I just love the twist they put on the classic gyro by smashing it literally as it all come with the same toppings of Tzatziki, Feta, Tomatoes, Pickled Red Onions and Cucumbers it's a matter of protein of your choice (Beef & Lamb, Chicken, or Falafel) and it was Falafel for me, is all piled on a warm pita finished with drizzled with some green sauce on top. The vibe is a bit hectic but the expeditor controls it all with flair as my order was approaching i asked if i could get extra tzatziki which they happily did so. Though the event did provided a lot of tables I decided to enjoy it at home which i did and everything was just so fresh and flavorful, I loved it all. Thank you!

    Beef and lamb smashburger
    Rod U.

    Some of the best tasting food is being made by transient food vendors. Take a ground beef and lamb. Season it with kofta spice (coriander, cumin, pepper, cardamom , turmeric). Smash it (smashburger style) on a flattop until crisp and caramelized on the outside, still juicy on the inside. Put it in a fresh, house made pita. Top with tangy feta, cucumber, tomato, and unreal good pickled onions. Squeeze of lemon before devouring. Brilliant creation! Satisfying, great tasting flavor bomb. Nuff said. A chicken and falafel version also on offer and next up to be sampled on a future visit. Food is cooked when ordered. Allow 15-20 minutes. Friendly service. Cards through square. Follow on IG for locations. A definite must try if you see them at the next foodtruck rally you're at.

    a food cart on the street
    Alexander G.

    This is one of the best food trucks I've experienced in Honolulu. The concept is simple: take traditional Mediterranean dishes but make them like a smash burger. All the fixings are still included, as are delightful spices and sauces. The way they cook the main proteins are smashed against the hot grill, which uniformly cooks everything as a giant patty, same size as the pita. The food truck is a fun little trailer they set up with an ordering counter. Clearly a family affair, everyone working was friendly and welcoming, fast with orders without skimping on quality. A complaint that sometimes comes up is falafel is too dry and flaky, or too greasy and wet. Smashed falafel is perfectly cooked; I loved every bite. I got to try two sandwiches from them on a Friday when they were outside Howzit Brewing: the falafel ($14) and the mama's smash burger ($16). Each had tzaziki, feta, tomatoes, pickled onions, and cucumbers. They also have a chicken shawarma ($15), which I didn't try this time. They're large portions, basically an entire meal in a sandwich, and prices are reasonable for the quality. If you're craving flavorful deliciousness, this is worth trying if they're nearby. Check social media for daily locations.

    Lamb/Beef Smash Pita Burger

    Tried their Lamb/Beef Smash Pita Burger when there was a Street Festival and all the Food Truck Vendors were there and it was devoured in minutes! Lamb is not generally my go-to but you couldn't even taste any gamey flavor and the pickled onions, the meat, the pita... it was exceptional

    Mama's Smash Burger

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    4 days ago

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    Svetlana R.

    Thank you!

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    3 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    Svetlana R.

    Thank you so much for a lovely review!

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

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    Svetlana R.

    What a sweet note! Thank you so much! :)

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    1 year ago

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    11 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    Svetlana R.

    Glad you enjoyed it! Next time try the chicken shawarma :)

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    Svetlana R.

    Thank you so much for this beautiful review and your support!

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    3 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    Svetlana R.

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    3 years ago

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    Svetlana R.

    Thank you so much for the kind words!

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    1 year ago

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    Svetlana R.

    Thank you so much! I remember this order :)

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    1 year ago

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    9 months ago

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    Svetlana R.

    Omg LOL

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    2 years ago

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    Svetlana R.

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    1 year ago

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    10 months ago

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    Svetlana R.

    :) that was me and thank you so much for such a sweet note!

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    5 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    Svetlana R.

    Thank you so much!!! I so appreciate the kind words.

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    Svetlana R.

    Thank You!!!!

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    9 months ago

    Kabama Mama is he best! Love their shawarma smash and garlic fries. Great couple that runs the truck.

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    Svetlana R.

    Thank you Phil!!!!

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    11 months ago

    Dude! I have been dreaming about their smash burger ! Delicious , juicy, and a perfect balance of flavors!

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    Svetlana R.

    Thank you!!!! lol

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    2 years ago

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    Svetlana R.

    Appreciate the kind words! Thank you so much!

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Svetlana R.

    Thank you so much!!!!! Means the world to me.

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    Svetlana R.

    Thank you so much for the kind words!!! Do say hi next time.

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    3 years ago

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    Svetlana R.

    Thank you!!!!!!!

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    Svetlana R.

    Thank you soooo much!!!!!!! Happy you enjoyed your meal.

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    3 years ago

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    Svetlana R.

    Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it.

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Kababa Mama

    Kau Kau Truck - Regular spot: Ohohia Street

    Kau Kau Truck

    4.5(2 reviews)
    3.5 km
    •$

    I was craving for some ribs like a pregnant woman and was not going to let anything get in my way!…read morePulled up my handy dandy Yelp app and bam! Kau Kau Truck right around the corner. Oh no, but it's a food truck, I've never been a fan. Screw it! I'm starving and my beer belly baby wants ribs! I gotta tell ya, I was surprised how tasty they were and how affordable it was. If you're in the neighborhood you gotta order some grub from them! Ono!

    Okay, so the food might not be that great... but it's good enough for $5. You get a healthy portion…read moreof "entree" choice depending on the menu of the day, with a scoop of rice and mac salad and that's just the "mini" plate. (You can also get green salad or double scoop rice instead of mac). The real reason for going here is the the owner. We've all debated her name. It says Chung's Lunch Wagon on the back. One of us thinks her name is Yung, some say Chong, we really don't know. She's a woman of mystery, but she is absolutely wonderful! She recognizes everyone who is a regular and knows that I'm going to order a side salad ($3) everyday and she'll warn me before I open my mouth if they're out of greens, as they are usually gone by 1:00. She adds whatever is left over that day to my salad like BBQ chicken or Pork, even though I don't really want it because I do like to watch my waistline. She's always giving all of us extra pieces and other things to sample. She secretly just wants to fatten us up! My coworkers and I all go there for lunch time at work and order our own preferences whether it be kalua pig and cabbage, beef stew, kimchee fried rice, or hamburger steak. We love it and her! Make sure to get there early for all the best food! She closes between 1:30 and 2:00 depending on how much she has left.

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    Kau Kau Truck
    Kau Kau Truck
    Kau Kau Truck - Current menu for both trucks 4/20/16

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    Current menu for both trucks 4/20/16

    Shibuya Dogs - Deluxe combo, 2 pieces of Hawaiian style BBQ CHICKEN AND BBQ KALBI, WITH JAPANESE POTATO SALAD (WHEN AVAILABLE).

    Shibuya Dogs

    4.3(8 reviews)
    4.5 km

    Otw home from Kailua stopped at the entrance to Bellows to check out the food trucks. Decided on…read moreShibuya Dogs. Woman in front not so friendly or welcoming. The cook and other aloha shirt male same vibes. Anyways, maybe it was hot so.. I ordered the Teri and In and Out dogs. It was good flavor. Like Costco hot dogs with sauce on it. 7/10. Also ordered the garlic shrimp/chicken plate ($28 WOW). Ok watched the cook on the grill buss out the Costco "jarlic" bottle and then proceed to grill it on the flat top grill. Which is ok, I mean it's easier. The shrimp and chicken itself was ok, tender. But that Jarlic just had this citric flavor that turned me off. Tried to scrape off most of it and then blasted it with ketchup when I got home. Would be better to just order the grilled chicken and shrimp itself then would've been ok. Chicken/Shrimp 8/10. With jarlic 6/10. Overall experience 7/10. Would I be back? Undecided.

    I had read about Shibuya on one of my food groups and wanted to try. Well, on this trip, after…read morespending some time at Waimanalo Beach, I almost missed them on my way to Kaneohe. Did a U turn, and grabbed some lunch. I ordered the In n Out Dog, sooooooo good! And yes, their sauce is better than the original! LOL! I also got a slice of banana bread and chocolate chip banana bread. Lots of love poured into those! Definitely worth checking out if in the area! Mahalo Shibuya!

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    Shibuya Dogs
    Shibuya Dogs - In N Out and teri dogs

    In N Out and teri dogs

    Shibuya Dogs - Just one of the delicious cakes that Mimi bakes!!

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    Just one of the delicious cakes that Mimi bakes!!

    Yellow Kitchen - Udon with black bean sauce- so good

    Yellow Kitchen

    3.9(112 reviews)
    9.4 km
    •$$

    Everything is SO good here!! I can tell their kimchee and salad is homemade and fresh. Everything…read morein this plate all meshed so well together. The service from the employees are very welcoming and sweet!! I 1000% highly recommend if you are looking for authentic Korean cuisine near Waikele. I'll sure be back!

    This little food truck packs a lot of flavor! Their menu is super diverse with authentic Korean…read moredishes but honestly I haven't tried much on their menu because I always find myself coming back to their kalbi! The kalbi here is very different from typical local style kalbi, it's a lot less char and sauce heavy, it really lets the quality of the meat be at the forefront. The kalbi is cut thick but there's no need for a knife at all it, it's tender enough to bite through easily and it falls right off the bone. There's a light soy glaze on the meat and it's just enough to balance out the flavor of the meat. Honestly at first I didn't think I was going to like it because I was expecting the usual style of kalbi that's on island but after eating more and more of the plate I found myself hooked! Haven't found any other spots that make kalbi like these folks (and I tend to eat kalbi more than I'd like to admit). The people working the truck are always super kind and attentive, there's a cute little outdoor space to eat next to their truck that has shade and a good amount of wind to keep any flies away. The banchan provided is also a winner, the kimchi is very fermented which I love, it's got a crazy amount of tang which goes so good with the meat and rice. This spot has quickly become a favorite of mine on island and anytime I find myself in Waipahu I find my way back to this cute yellow truck

    Photos
    Yellow Kitchen - Decor

    Decor

    Yellow Kitchen - Spicy pork

    Spicy pork

    Yellow Kitchen - Menu: June 2025

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    Menu: June 2025

    Bombuchaz Lunchwagon - Roast pork w/ onion and mushroom gravy

    Bombuchaz Lunchwagon

    4.6(18 reviews)
    3.9 km

    Thursday September 3, 2026 I haven't been here in a very…read morelong time. As I have been trying all the different food places around the island throughout the years. I remember going here when she first started at this location on Halawa Valley Road on the RIGHT side by the Animal Quarantine. Service is good. Food is good. I noticed authentic Pastele stew has a little more oil in it like this one. For me, looking at it the meat it had big pieces and soft too. A slight taste to it and it was good. Ambiance is like any food truck, wait in the sun and get your Vitamin D(sun) at the same time. It's really good to see that she is still doing it as others sadly disappear. Like 8 years??!! For me, I work out from the Diagnostic Laboratory Services Halawa Valley location. It's close to where I work. It's just down the street and around the bend to this lunch wagon. I will be back again. Support local businesses.

    Legit, home style, local plate lunches. Choke food. Fair price…read more Breaking it down: -- Fried noodles - actually fried saimin, not Chinese egg noodles. Minimal and well seasoned. Solid. --Anything "hamburger" - old school perfect. Thick, hand formed patties, just the right amount of fillers to keep it soft and moist. Solid in a plate or as a loco moco. Even butter in a soft, cheap, generic bun with a little ketchup as its only condiment. Get it with a slice of Kraft American cheese if you're feeling fancy. Basic and that's what makes it good. -- Roast pork (special) - Chunks of well braised pork butt with untrimmed fat swimming in a scratch made onion / mushroom gravy. Yup! Short and simple menu. Most items $14. Burgers $6. Cash / Venmo only. Located at the entrance to the Halawa animal quarantine. Super friendly owners. Amanda and Felix, you got this one right.

    Photos
    Bombuchaz Lunchwagon - "Bombucha Special" - Fried saimin w/ teri beef (or hamburger steak)

    "Bombucha Special" - Fried saimin w/ teri beef (or hamburger steak)

    Bombuchaz Lunchwagon - Beef Macaroni

    Beef Macaroni

    Bombuchaz Lunchwagon - Bombuchaz. Thursday September 3, 2026

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    Bombuchaz. Thursday September 3, 2026

    Kababa Mama - kebab - Updated September 2026

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