We dined at Helena’s Hawaiian Food for the first time a couple years ago, and during our recent trip we had to make a return visit. Helena’s has been serving authentic Hawaiian cuisine since 1946, first with the late founding chef and James Beard Award Recipient Helen Chock. The restaurant is now run by Helen’s grandson, Craig Katsuyoshi.
Helena’s is a simple restaurant that serves great food. It gets packed quickly during prime dining hours, so get here early or expect a wait. If you have to wait, it’s worth it. Even we waited this time around.
Pipikaula Short Ribs
The first time we dined at Helena’s we tried the Kalua Pig, Pipikaula Short Ribs, Laulau, and Haupia. This time we decided to try the Lomi Salmon and Luau Squid. Confused? Here’s a breakdown:
- Kalua Pig is cooked in an imu (pit oven) – it’s moist and tastes great with chili pepper water.
- Pipikaula Short Ribs are marinated, smoked, then pan fried before serving. Just like the first time we came here, we ordered two servings of it. Our keiki enjoyed it too.
- Laulau consists of pork and butterfish wrapped taro (luau) and ti leaves.
- Lomi Salmon is a salad made of fresh tomato and raw salmon.
- Luau Squid is a Hawaiian dish made of of squid and luau leaves cooked in coconut leaves until tender. It looks like cream spinach, or saag paneer (but instead of cheese, you get chunks of squid).
- Poi is a Hawaiian staple made out of taro. It’s light purple, and has a starchy, ‘paste-y’ consistency. Typically poi is eaten along with any of the above main dishes.
- Haupia is a Hawaiian dessert made out of coconut. It has a consistency of jello. At Helena’s, it’s served with sliced onions.
Laulau
What to get…
You can order food a la carte, or if this is your first time dining here, try the set menu. We recommend ordering off the set menu. Our favorite is Menu B which includes Kalua Pig and Pipikaula Short Ribs with a choice of poi or 2 scoops of rice (priced $10.50 – $12.15).
Helena’s Hawaiian Food
1240 N School St
Honolulu, HI 96817
Tel: (808) 845-8044
Open Tuesday thru Friday: 10:30am to 7:30pm
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