Roots is one of my favorite places to eat when I visit Honolulu. The cafe is a teaching cafe within a medical facility on the outskirts of Honolulu. The cafe specializes in the use of locally grown ingredients and traditional Hawaiian preparation. A goal of the cafe is to promote healthy eating. The foods are interesting, beautiful and delicious. The cafe and shop are only opened lunchtime a couple days per week and Thursday is one of those days. We stopped by the shop to pick up fresh coconuts and apple bananas before ordering our lunch. Inside, up a flight of stairs, is the cafe with seating for about 30 people. The cafe is not upscale, just plain aloha friendly. The menu changes daily depending on ingredients in season and what is part of the culinary curriculum. For lunch, I had the Miso Eggplant Bowl which was delicious with a huge serving of roasted eggplant, a saffron style rice and a few other veggies. I also had the Soursop Smoothie, which was a delightful frozen and tart beverage. I would go back for the smoothie. My daughter had a Meatball Sub which was gigantic with huge meatballs on a tomato sauce. Her meal was served with a blend of roasted local veggies that were delicious and interesting. She also had a Lemonbalm Lemonade, that she devored every last drop. We finished our meal with Lemon Bar desserts. Don't skip dessert - the desserts are wonderful. We found free street parking nearby. There are restrooms in the facility. read more

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I went here to check it out. This is a hidden gem in Kalihi and associated with the Kokua Kalihi Valley clinic. They sell local seasonal produce here, snacks like ulu chips, plate lunches that change up by the day, and desserts! I tried their banana Turon (lumpia) and it was yummy! This place is only open on Tues and Thurs 11am to 130pm. read more

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The location is not the most beautiful but the food quality and cost are worth venturing this way!

We went on a bus adventure to check out Roots Cafe at 2229 N School Street as I had been following them on Instagram for quite some time. They do so much for the Kalihi community to connect the people to the land, sea, culture, community, and family by providing local, fresh produce and healthy, accessible meals in a place that promotes wellness, sharing and togetherness. We had two ono, healthy meals (wahoo/ono greens bowl, fish sandwich w/ kalo fries, lemongrass tea). Check out their Instagram for menus of their fresh produce and meals available every Tuesday and Thursday from 11AM to 1:30PM. Produce is available to EBT customers at 50% off. I can't wait to go back to buy and eat healthy and support their mission! read more

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It's the price value for excellent meals..and it helps the community. Whenever I'm in the area and t/th i want to buy something. Today I had delish salmon/ulu laulau...the best laulau. Also the dessert that I couldn't stop eating and the yummy peanut butter drink! read more

I try to come by when they make Hawaiian food. I love that their food tastes clean and healthy. I admire that they take care of their community with good wholesome food. Their vegetarian and squid luau is my favorite and that ulu limu poke was so ono! This is the only place I can give my Hawaiian name without being asked how to spell it :D Mahalo for providing ono food, education and career opportunities with good intentions for the community read more

Roots Cafe - Squid luau with ulu limu poke and fresh poi - Cafes Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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LOCAL must go! A coworker introduced me to this place and with my second time going its never a disappointment! Previously I had a burger and fries, so fresh and so tasty. This time I ordered the dessert and I have to say, AMAZING! Their food is sourced from local farms and on island and they also offer fresh eggs, meat and fruits (when available of course), depending on the season. They had Kalo, lau lau leaves, guava and sweet potato when I went. Fresh duck eggs and ground beef also. They don't take phone orders nor online ordering as they are a small place. But if you are in the neighborhood please check them out. You won't be disappointed. read more

Roots Cafe - Calamansi Jackfruit Cake - Cafes Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

The food was so good! I'm sad they are only open twice a week but I hear it's apart of a culinary program or something (per what I read on yelp). They also sell a little bit of fruits and stuff too. There is no seating area to my knowledge, it's all carry-out. And it's kind of on a side street so don't drive by too fast or you will miss it. I was able to get my food fast as well! I got the curry chicken which was good and the mushroom leek risotto, which was "Broke Da Mouf Ono!" The staff was polite as well. Most of all it's affordable! Glad I found this little gem. I've already been back 2 more times! read more

Roots Cafe - Front of cafe - Cafes Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I love farm to table places! Initially a little hard to find if you don't know the area, but they're right next to opt, in the small shopping center. They have various dishes they offer that always taste fresh and tasty. Open only Tuesday and Thursdays I always try and to make it. Takes cash and card! Definitely recommend. read more

Such a yummy place with locally sourced foods - super fresh and Ono! They're located conveniently close to my workplace so I try to go here as often as I can. I wish they were open more than two days a week! Their menu seems to change everyday, but when I went, I had their curry chicken and it was melt-in-your-mouth delicious! read more

Clearly made from the heart & so fresh. Farm to plate Best lunch I've had in a while. read more

Roots Cafe - Veggie kabob & ahi - Cafes Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Only open Tues and Thurs. Roots is in the Kokua Kalihi Valley building and is their food/culinary project. I volunteer with their farming project called Ho'oulu Aina in Kalihi Valley and the food they serve there for volunteers is always on point! It's a mish mash of whatever is available to the farm at the time from farmers' markets and their own offerings. There were three entrees available that day and the portions are kinda small compared to most plate lunch places, but it is healthy! Mostly plant based, with one fish entree the day I was there. The food was a little bit bland that day, but for all the good that KKV does in supporting local, growing food and providing healthy products, everyone wins. A lot of staff stop in for lunch too so it was cool to see faces from the farm there. You can also pick up kombucha, dessert and fresh veggies as well. Come and support!! read more

A healthier choice for your next plate lunch. This is a business that gives back to its community through healthier eating choices.

Good food from sustainable sources. The staff is very friendly. They also have a small little market which they stock with interesting items from time to time. read more

I'm so happy to have found this little gem in Kalihi! Plate lunches in Kalihi are a dime a dozen, but finding healthier, more nutritious meal can be quite the challenge! Thanks to Yelp I found this little spot and gave them a try on a Thursday. I bought the Eggplant Curry lunch for $8 and also bought 1 starfruit and 1 local orange. Total came out to around $10! The curry tasted great, the best part is that it didn't feel like a bucket of sodium! I also liked the colorful salad and tried their balsamic mint dressing. Overall, it was quite a healthy and delicious and affordable lunch! It's great that they have a mini farmers market as well that had fruits and veggies! I ate my starfruit and orange a day later and they were so juicy and yummy. They have an awesome Instagram, I look forward what's next on the menu! I do hope they rotate through some of their most popular dishes, I saw some of the past menus and was so enticed by the offerings! The only downside is that they have limited hours/opening times and that the menu is not always posted on Instagram, but I believe in their mission so I'm willing to make the drive and be surprised! Fast Facts: -Parking was relatively easy. They have a lot for the 2 medical buildings. -They take credit card! -Order at the register and pick up at the counter -Compost/Recycle available! -Ample and spacious seating read more

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Avocado ice cream is winnahz Layers of fresh flavor w/ tiny chunks of sweet ginger. This place is a gem! Haven't been disappointed with anything we've ordered here. The mea `ai is refined, imaginative & next level. Wow! read more

Roots Cafe - Cafes Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This is such a great little HIDDEN GEM in Kalihi. I am so impressed with all that these people do. If you're looking for affordable, locally-sourced, fresh meals with vegan options, this is perfect for you!! My plate of spicy tofu with peppers came with hapa rice, papaya salad, and tossed salad. It was only $8. The entire plate was vegan and comes in biodegradable take-out containers. I also ordered a SMALL kabocha pumpkin soup for $3!! Holy moly. That thing was huge. I could have easily gotten full off of that $3 soup alone. The food was DELICIOUS. They have an area with all the condiments you need including two types of homemade hot sauces. (YESSSS!!) The guava carolina reaper hot sauce was BOMB!! I wanted to steal the whole bottle. While I waited, there was grapefruit infused water available. There's a little market of fresh local vegetables and fruits to browse. There are also cute local paintings all over the walls to enjoy. Please give this place a try! Worth every penny. I'd probably even be willing to pay more. **TIP** Make sure to bring your own bag if you plan on taking out. These guys work ethically and in an environmentally responsible way. read more

Roots Cafe - This is where you pick up your plate. There are condiments to the right of the pick up window. These ladies are wonderful. - Cafes Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Kalihi has this gem of an eatery! Purposeful and noteworthy are the missions of healthier farm to table deliciousness. Only open for lunch Tuesday and Thursday, I hesitated to post this for my own selfish reasons. Food is great... 2-3 main dish variety each day...always one dessert too! If you haven't already checked them out, you should! Parking is a challenge, but to me it's so worth the hassle. read more

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Roots Cafe has a really creative, constantly changing menu, always a vegan option, for entree, soup, and dessert. Always a supply of amazing from scratch dressings, for example, sapote, dragonfruit, calamansi, etc. They also have a "mobile market" with produce from the producers they partner with - often stocked with green papaya, cucumbers, kale, poi, eggplant, etc. Roots Cafe partners with several local farms/farmers, including Ho'oulu Aina, Mōhala Farms, Anthony Deluze, Hāloa Poi, Sisou's Farm, and more! read more

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I'm a huge fan of anything KKV does and the fact that this cafe serves food made by the wonderful folks at ho'ulu aina makes it even better. Note that they're only open two days as week though. read more

This little place is inside the Kokua Kalihi valley health center on school street. They are only open on Tuesday and Thursday between 11-1pm. There is always a new menu and a range of different items. Local products fresh from the garden. The people working the cafe are great and friendly as well. I've been here a few times whenever I have a meeting in the area. I will be back to try new items! read more

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Such a great organization and the quality of the food is the best there is. Here you can tell the food is made with love. Wish they where open everyday! read more

Roots Cafe - Soooo good and fresh! - Cafes Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Everything is homemade and Delicious. Simply the best and most likely to return and recommend to people .

Pretty hard to find. Everything was really good. Just be prepared to wait. As much as I want to support them I've had to wait 30+ minutes at times which is difficult when I'm trying to squeeze it in on a lunch break. read more

They have their own spin on healthy food and they're definitely no-waste. There's a different meal every day and it might be like a hit or miss but definitely a hit for me personally. They list the ingredients so you know what's in it and you can ask the cashier if you want a vegan option. Everyone is kind there and the food is made with so much aloha! read more

We stopped by roots after going on a tour of KKV health center for class. Although lunch was optional, I'm really glad I decided to check it out! I opted for the panko crusted ahi, which came with rice, salad, and a little bit of sweet potato mash. That sweet potato mash was literally the most amazing version of mashed potatoes I've ever had, EVER - not too rich or buttery but perfect enough to be sweet and savory at the same time. The fish was cooked perfectly, medium rare in the middle with a generous coat of panko on top. All of this for only $8?! It's pretty much impossible to get a solid healthy meal these days for under $10! The menu offerings also include vegetarian and vegan options, which I made a mental note of since my bf is vegetarian and we always have trouble finding a good place to eat for both of us. I appreciate that the ingredients are fresh and they support local by bringing in local fish and using vegetables grown right there in the valley. The idea of bringing affordable, organic, and fresh vegetables to the neighborhood and to KPT is such a wonderful way of promoting healthy living. Preventative care should always include diet and healthy life style choices! Although the hours are a bit irregular, if you get the chance, it's definitely worth checking out for a quick healthy bite. read more

Roots Cafe is located in the Kokua Kalihi Valley Health Center and is opened to the public. This cafe always offers a vegan option on their menu. Also, most of their ingredients are locally grown at their affiliated agriculture sanctuary, Hooulu Aina located up in Kalihi Valley. Roots is opened only for lunch on Tuesdays and Thursday from 11 AM-1 PM. Their ingredients are fresh and their food is flavorful! Additionally, they have a small section where they sell their local produce. read more

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While trying to find a healthy option close to work I came across Root Cafe. Some of the best food I've had in a long time that was very affordable. Everyone there was pleasant and the quality of the food you will eat is far superior to other chain restaurants around. I can't wait to get back and try more!! read more

Food are super healthy and reasonable price. Opens from Tuesday and Thursday from 11am to 1 pm. read more

Roots Cafe - Gumbo today for $8 - Cafes Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Good little local businesses to support for cheap vegan/vegetarian options there are also dishes with chicken if vegetarian is not your thing. All the vegetables and fruits are locally grown :) it's definitely a rare gem in kalihi. Tried the kabocha soup it was delicious!! read more

I try to come here every Thursday for lunch since my office is close by and they offer healthy choices. Believe me, I've never been disappointed in the food here!! I've never had the same thing twice so far and it's always been delicious!! Support our local business. read more

This spot is one of a kind. The hours are irregular, but you won't regret it when you stop in. Dishes change weekly, but are always delicious and prepared with lots of love using fresh ingredients grown right in Kalihi valley. If you're in Kalihi on a Tuesday or a Thursday, consider giving this place a look. read more

Sadly only open. Tuesdays and Thursdays at lunch but the good is fresh, healthy and tasty and the Cafe supports Community in so many ways! Tues. the menu has a Fijian- Indian taste and Thurs. it is mixed plate read more

I had lunch today for the first time at Roots Cafe. I had the Curry Ahi with Brown Rice, Vegetables and even had dessert (Sweet Potatoe Pie)! The food was delicious and the atmosphere very relaxing. I really enjoyed having lunch there in the most unexpected place...right in the rough of Kalihi. Everyone was friendly and the plate lunch was only $8.00! You can't go wrong. I plan to take some friends there for lunch soon. The only thing is, they are only open Tues and Thursdays....from 11:30 to 1:30 so you have to go early. read more

Although the menu and hours are very limited here, it is always such a treat. Very different foods made with aloha and care! It's healthy, local food and there is always a vegan option. The staff is very friendly. Nice to have a healthy place to eat in Kalihi. read more

The food here is amazing, healthy, and is always changing. They have many options for vegetarians, like myself, and people who like meat. They have limited hours, but the food makes it worth coming back. When I want to eat out for lunch this is where I go! read more