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I ordered the Katsu and it was fantastic, with tender meat and a crunchy crust. The garlic rice is tasty with a hint of curry flavor. The salad was fresh and the sesame vinaigrette was well balanced. Highly recommend!
So good! Our favorite meal on the island. Hole in the wall spot with fresh eats and friendly service. We tried the seafood platter, chicken katsu curry, and miso ahi which all came with garlic rice and choice of Mac salad or green salad. All of the dishes were made fresh and battered perfectly. My favorite was the seafood platter which included scallop (my favorite). The garlic rice was also so good! They also have a small shelf with premade bento boxes which were cooked fresh. While we had lunch, multiple people came in to buy these including many locals on their lunch break so that's how you know it's good!
My DIL is born and bred Hilo girl now living on the mainland. So every time they return, we hop on the plane to Hawaii island. First stop- Puka puka Kitchen. Small easy to miss shop located in the strip of businesses fronting the bay. Small but mighty! They serve all kinds of bento, plate lunch. The main food comes out later around 10 am and the bento around 9:30. We were there early because my grandson wanted breakfast and they were just making the bento. We were able to snag a chicken katsu and mixed meatball bento. This is the place to grab plate lunch and bento for your travels around Hilo and beyond. Prices are spot on and service is always super friendly!
This was some of the best food I've ever eaten. We were driving from Volcanoes National Park back to Kona and decided to take a route through Hilo so we could find something for dinner. It was dark and rainy and we couldn't see anything so pulled up along a side street and did a Yelp search. Puka Puka was .1 miles away and got great reviews. Puka Puka is a fairly non-descript hole-in-the-wall, set up mainly for takeout. But the two eat-in tables were free, so we stayed for dinner. My husband's expectations were not high (I have more faith in Yelp reviews). We were all blown away by the food. His lamb was succulent and flavorful. Our daughters and I shared a fried shrimp plate and chicken katsu plate. The shrimp was so perfectly--crisp and somehow impossibly light--like only the best Japanese chefs know how. The chicken katsu was also perfectly lightly breaded and fried, satisfying my younger daughter's craving for "chicken nuggets." The garlic rice was very flavorful and packs a punch. I've always loved the salad dressings at Japanese restaurants, but this salad dressing was the best I've ever had. I think it was described as a fusion of balsamic vinaigrette and a ginger dressing? Hawai'i is known for being expensive, but the plates here were generous and economical.
We had a lovely lunch at this cozy, little local spot. The food was great and came out quick. The place was hustling to keep up with walk-ins & to go orders. The staff was very sweet and thanked us for dining local. I didn't get a pic of the food, but the kitty logo is so cute!
Puka Puka kitchen is in my top 3 restaurants in all of Hilo. This place is a under rated gem in Hilo. The restaurant is small and I a (always friendly) waitress is there to ask how it's going and serve you old school style. It is so small the chef will say hello to you too. I love this. They have the best curried rice here. Just the rice and salad (which are considered sides) are a meal in itself. Seriously you must try their curried rice, its sooooo good. I always get one of two things depending on my mood. Either: 1. Chicken Katsu - This is a local staple and they do it right here. 2. BBQ Chicken - This is my favorite dish from this location and is what I normally go with. It's healthy and it's satisfying. They also have things like musubi to go and other smaller plates but I just love the BBQ chicken so much it's what I always get.
Very friendly staff, always doing their best. Love the chicken katsu & lamp pita. located downtown always an enjoyable stop. I often take a plate Togo and park/eat across the street at hilo bay beach park.
I've been dreaming of Puka Puka since my first visit, so I was thrilled to stop by again while visiting Hilo. The menu is an eclectic, but delicious, mix of Indian, Mediterranean, and Japanese flavors. My favorite shrimp mini-plate wasn't on the menu this time, but the friendly server offered to make it anyway. It was just as amazing as I remembered. The vibe is cheerful--tables were full, and the cook in the back was singing along to '80s music, which added to its charm. I'll always make a point to come back when I'm in the area.
I ordered and chicken katsu and my friend ordered the korean ahi don. One of my favorite places to come to in downtown hilo. Portion sizes are generous as the meal comes with garlic rice and a side salad. Service was quick and the food was delicious.
This place has super good food! During our stay in Hawaii we ate lots of poke which is yummy but it is nice to switch it up and have the fish cooked as well and this place did not disappoint! It is very small and only a handful of people can eat indoors so the vast majority of people get to go. With all the to go orders the host was not very present for those inside but luckily the chef was awesome and he came and took our order right away and helped us out! We got the Ahi Katsu Don plate and everything about it was great. From the flavorful rice to the salad with a delicious dressing to of course the breaded vegetables and ahi. If you find yourself in Hilo this place is definitely worth checking out.
Pretty good island fare. Came by for quick bite after our long day trip from Kona. Overall food is 4 stars. But I have to give 5 stars for these reasons: 1) fresh salad. You know it's fresh when there is crunch in your mouth and sweet juiciness. Also is good when just a simple vinaigrette still make everything taste good. 2) everything came with dipping sauce. You can enjoy it by itself or kick up flavor with sauce. 3) I like to serve my food with veggies, protein, and carbs (rice/noodle) all the plates came with these 3 which I think it's perfect so you can enjoy some of each but don't have to order multiple dishes. 4) they have vegetarian options woohooo!!! 5) flavored rice - it said garlic but tasted like tumeric or curry rice. Helped bring flavor to simple breaded proteins . Vegetable don: 3.5 stars. My parents are vegetarian so they have super picky tastes. But everything did taste fresh. It's a dish with tempura veggies eggplant, mushroom and so on ( see pic). Comes with a dipping sauce. Rice was very flavorful and they finished everything. Seafood platter: 4.5 stars. They give you a little bit if everything. All breaded and fried. You get a crispy crunchiness with a most protein. Comes with a creamy dipping sauce. Chicken tonkatsu: 5 stars. moist chicken inside, crispy crunchy texture outside. Just delicious. Tonkatsu sauce was also good. I know it's good when the little one eats all of it quickly and without complaint.
3 months ago
Great food with lots of flavor. Plates were more food than we needed, but we managed highly recommend! read more
7 months ago
I ordered the Katsu and it was fantastic, with tender meat and a crunchy crust. The garlic rice is tasty with a hint of curry flavor. The salad was fresh and the sesame vinaigrette was well balanced. Highly recommend! read more
So good! Our favorite meal on the island. Hole in the wall spot with fresh eats and friendly service. We tried the seafood platter, chicken katsu curry, and miso ahi which all came with garlic rice and choice of Mac salad or green salad. All of the dishes were made fresh and battered perfectly. My favorite was the seafood platter which included scallop (my favorite). The garlic rice was also so good! They also have a small shelf with premade bento boxes which were cooked fresh. While we had lunch, multiple people came in to buy these including many locals on their lunch break so that's how you know it's good! read more
My DIL is born and bred Hilo girl now living on the mainland. So every time they return, we hop on the plane to Hawaii island. First stop- Puka puka Kitchen. Small easy to miss shop located in the strip of businesses fronting the bay. Small but mighty! They serve all kinds of bento, plate lunch. The main food comes out later around 10 am and the bento around 9:30. We were there early because my grandson wanted breakfast and they were just making the bento. We were able to snag a chicken katsu and mixed meatball bento. This is the place to grab plate lunch and bento for your travels around Hilo and beyond. Prices are spot on and service is always super friendly! read more
This was some of the best food I've ever eaten. We were driving from Volcanoes National Park back to Kona and decided to take a route through Hilo so we could find something for dinner. It was dark and rainy and we couldn't see anything so pulled up along a side street and did a Yelp search. Puka Puka was .1 miles away and got great reviews. Puka Puka is a fairly non-descript hole-in-the-wall, set up mainly for takeout. But the two eat-in tables were free, so we stayed for dinner. My husband's expectations were not high (I have more faith in Yelp reviews). We were all blown away by the food. His lamb was succulent and flavorful. Our daughters and I shared a fried shrimp plate and chicken katsu plate. The shrimp was so perfectly--crisp and somehow impossibly light--like only the best Japanese chefs know how. The chicken katsu was also perfectly lightly breaded and fried, satisfying my younger daughter's craving for "chicken nuggets." The garlic rice was very flavorful and packs a punch. I've always loved the salad dressings at Japanese restaurants, but this salad dressing was the best I've ever had. I think it was described as a fusion of balsamic vinaigrette and a ginger dressing? Hawai'i is known for being expensive, but the plates here were generous and economical. read more
10 months ago
We had a lovely lunch at this cozy, little local spot. The food was great and came out quick. The place was hustling to keep up with walk-ins & to go orders. The staff was very sweet and thanked us for dining local. I didn't get a pic of the food, but the kitty logo is so cute! read more
4 months ago
Puka Puka kitchen is in my top 3 restaurants in all of Hilo. This place is a under rated gem in Hilo. The restaurant is small and I a (always friendly) waitress is there to ask how it's going and serve you old school style. It is so small the chef will say hello to you too. I love this. They have the best curried rice here. Just the rice and salad (which are considered sides) are a meal in itself. Seriously you must try their curried rice, its sooooo good. I always get one of two things depending on my mood. Either: 1. Chicken Katsu - This is a local staple and they do it right here. 2. BBQ Chicken - This is my favorite dish from this location and is what I normally go with. It's healthy and it's satisfying. They also have things like musubi to go and other smaller plates but I just love the BBQ chicken so much it's what I always get. read more
4 months ago
1 year ago
Very friendly staff, always doing their best. Love the chicken katsu & lamp pita. located downtown always an enjoyable stop. I often take a plate Togo and park/eat across the street at hilo bay beach park. read more
1 year ago
I've been dreaming of Puka Puka since my first visit, so I was thrilled to stop by again while visiting Hilo. The menu is an eclectic, but delicious, mix of Indian, Mediterranean, and Japanese flavors. My favorite shrimp mini-plate wasn't on the menu this time, but the friendly server offered to make it anyway. It was just as amazing as I remembered. The vibe is cheerful--tables were full, and the cook in the back was singing along to '80s music, which added to its charm. I'll always make a point to come back when I'm in the area. read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
5 months ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
I ordered and chicken katsu and my friend ordered the korean ahi don. One of my favorite places to come to in downtown hilo. Portion sizes are generous as the meal comes with garlic rice and a side salad. Service was quick and the food was delicious. read more
This place has super good food! During our stay in Hawaii we ate lots of poke which is yummy but it is nice to switch it up and have the fish cooked as well and this place did not disappoint! It is very small and only a handful of people can eat indoors so the vast majority of people get to go. With all the to go orders the host was not very present for those inside but luckily the chef was awesome and he came and took our order right away and helped us out! We got the Ahi Katsu Don plate and everything about it was great. From the flavorful rice to the salad with a delicious dressing to of course the breaded vegetables and ahi. If you find yourself in Hilo this place is definitely worth checking out. read more
Pretty good island fare. Came by for quick bite after our long day trip from Kona. Overall food is 4 stars. But I have to give 5 stars for these reasons: 1) fresh salad. You know it's fresh when there is crunch in your mouth and sweet juiciness. Also is good when just a simple vinaigrette still make everything taste good. 2) everything came with dipping sauce. You can enjoy it by itself or kick up flavor with sauce. 3) I like to serve my food with veggies, protein, and carbs (rice/noodle) all the plates came with these 3 which I think it's perfect so you can enjoy some of each but don't have to order multiple dishes. 4) they have vegetarian options woohooo!!! 5) flavored rice - it said garlic but tasted like tumeric or curry rice. Helped bring flavor to simple breaded proteins . Vegetable don: 3.5 stars. My parents are vegetarian so they have super picky tastes. But everything did taste fresh. It's a dish with tempura veggies eggplant, mushroom and so on ( see pic). Comes with a dipping sauce. Rice was very flavorful and they finished everything. Seafood platter: 4.5 stars. They give you a little bit if everything. All breaded and fried. You get a crispy crunchiness with a most protein. Comes with a creamy dipping sauce. Chicken tonkatsu: 5 stars. moist chicken inside, crispy crunchy texture outside. Just delicious. Tonkatsu sauce was also good. I know it's good when the little one eats all of it quickly and without complaint. read more
Passing through Hilo in the evening on our way to Volcanoes National Park, we stopped by this small hole in the wall spot. Due to the late hour, there was no wait and we were the only ones dining inside. Three tables are available inside, so during peak hours, ordering to go may be your best bet. The server was super friendly and after asking for reccomendations, she suggested I try the Ahi Don with garlic rice and a side salad. We decided to try it along with the highly rated chicken Katsu. The Ahi Don was priced at about $28 and the fish portion was pretty small. Fried in a Tempura batter, the result was soggy along with the tempura fried vegetables. The salad was super fresh and delicious along with the garlic rice. The Chicken Katsu was perfectly fried and delicious and was also served with rice and salad. read more
2 years ago
Oyako Donburi and Nitsuke Butterfish was ONOlish - bentos also looked amazing The chef and server were both very friendly and fun to talk to. We've already been back for our second visit and can confirm it was just as great the 2nd time around read more
2 years ago
Zero. February 13 they were sold out of what we wanted. Ok, it happens. February 20, closed for no reason. February 25, closed even though online it says they are open. Feb 27, closed again with no reason. read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
Mike drop on Puka Pika's Chicken Katsu ($20.24). This is a must order here. It is the crunchiest, non-greasy, best chicken katsu that we've ever had. It is so good you could eat it with or without their sauce. It is accompanied by some really flavorful rice and a crispy salad. I also had the BBQ chicken mini plate ($13.24) which was lackluster compared to the chicken katsu. It was ok. Nothing wrong with it. I wish I ordered the fried shrimp instead. Btw- only certain dishes can be ordered as a mini. The katsu cannot be ordered as a mini. The place is super small with two tables for indoor seating. Get there early or else you'll need to do takeout in the car. My companion is already talking about going there for lunch! read more
This tiny restaurant has a lot going for it. The portions are wonderful for the price, which was in line with all of the other restaurants in the area. All of the food was well seasoned and fresh tasting. It is small so either expect to wait a while for a table or just get it to go. We were lucky enough to snag one of the tables. While eating, several orders of take out came out. The falafel had a unique taste from what I am used to. I really enjoyed it. The dipping sauces were good but was hoping for something a little spicy. The order has 3 falafel balls that were about the size of golf balls. The barbecue chicken was delicious. It was a large serving size. It was moist and packed a perfect amount of slight sweetness and spice There was a nice side salad with some dressing that I loved. The service was friendly. I would definitely recommend this place. read more
So yummy!! Lamb and chicken katsu plates were massive with greens, veggies and rice. The lamb was incredibly tender and the chicken katsu was crispy!! The rice was also super tasty and soft. Comes with tzatziki sauce for the salad as well. The portions are incredibly large read more
1 year ago
2 years ago
Yet another delicious experience in downtown Hilo. I guess my pictures didn't come out In my low lighting last night except for the salad. I am Happy to highlight the salad because that dressing wtf!! Turns out you can buy that fresh daily (when open) in a bowl. I had to call them and ask what it was and I'm sure it's a secret but I knew the vinegar was unique and it's red balsamic vinegar. Just WOW! Ok not the other food we had the bbq chicken and didn't get to try the lamb because they were out, but I'll see be eating here again and hope to try it! The bbq chicken and rice was also excellent! Great inexpensive delicious healthy meal to grab and go! read more
2 years ago
I had the ahi don. I loved the sauce on it, and the fish was fresh. The salad was very fresh, which took up half the plate. The balsamic dressing was really good. The lady who took my order was very nice. It's a cozy, little place with a few tables. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
This place is absolutely great and I highly recommend that you come! We got the shrimp plate and the chicken katsu plate and loved both so much! The prices are right and the vibes are chill. There are only three tables but we luckily got one. We were taken care of and the food came super fast. Everything tasted so fresh and delicious, I can't wait to come back! read more
very clean and friendly place with yummy lunch offerings! id had my eye on puka puka when we drove into town and then while we were chatting with a local business owner, she corroborated my hunch: that this was the place to go for good food. the ahi don was great and the mini plate was plenty of food for one. there's only two tables inside and it seems like the majority of the business may be bento box take out but this is a place i wouldn't pass up. you're not going to find fancy but you'll be treated to genuine local food at fiat prices, and with a smile! read more
4 years ago
This local spot is a great place to go for lunch or a bento to go - it's easy to see why it's so popular and why their bento boxes sell out quickly. We decided to dine in; the atmosphere is very hole in the wall feeling and the staff is lovely. I ordered the chicken katsu (a mini portion that comes with 2 pieces, the regular comes with 4), and my husband had the ahi don plate. Glad I got the mini plate because it was just the right size for lunch (though my husband said he wished I got the regular so that he could take 2 pieces of chicken katsu for himself!) - the chicken katsu was crunchy, not greasy at all and came with a salad and super flavorful (curry style?) rice. My husband really enjoyed the ahi don plate as well. Wish we were staying in Hilo for more than a day because we would definitely come back! read more
4 years ago
If you're looking for bomb, quick and easy, affordable, homestyle, Japanese cooking with island vibes, come here. Almost slept on this place, but was coaxed in by the bento boxes selling out fast: grabbed an unagi (grilled eel) bento, and one with grilled saba (mackerel) for a flight out of Hilo, then decided what the heck might as well stay for lunch. One of the best decisions of the trip. Chicken katsu curry lunch special was amazing: moist chicken in a thin crispy batter, so hot and refreshing on an island of fluffy garlic rice floating in a sea of familiar, nourishing curry with stewed carrots and potatoes. Brought to you hot out of a noisy kitchen run by a gang of cooks who love their craft, by a sweet mama who is proud of this little shop. I'm just a visitor to big island, and I'm already on my way out-- but this place tastes like coming home again. read more
4 years ago
Delicious food. There's only 3 tables but she cleared one for us and saved it for us!! To go seems like your best best. Loved the chicken katsu and the sauce was delicious. Chicken super moist but crisp. Bbq chicken was good too. We preferred the katsu. The salad and dressing was so good. I wasn't a fan of the garlic rice but everyone else loved it. The staff was so amazing too. Seemed like a place that locals pick up a quick bento box from. read more
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