Hawaii Food Guide: The "Winners' List"🍽️🌺

Let’s be real — eating out in Hawaii isn’t cheap. With meals often starting at $30 per person plus a minimum 18% tip, every bite has to count 😅 But after tasting my way around the island, here are the spots that truly delivered — the ones worth every dollar! ❤️ THE WINNERS ❤️ 1️⃣ Island Vintage Coffee 📍 Waikiki 🍳 Crab Scramble — Loaded with generous chunks of real crab meat and scrambled eggs. Mild on its own, but absolutely elevated by the trio of dipping sauces (savory, fruity-sweet, and spicy)! 🍞 The bread was a bit tough and dry, but hey — that’s what the delicious sauces and butter are for 😉 🍓 Açaí Bowl — A refreshing blend of oats, soy milk, fresh fruit, and ice. A bit tangy for my taste, but still delicious if you like a lighter, fruity start to the day. 💁‍♀️ Shoutout to the incredibly sweet server who checked on me repeatedly and refilled my water twice — service so good, I happily left a 24% tip! 2️⃣ Island Vintage (Round 2) 🍖 Braised Beef Dish — The beef was rich and flavorful, though a bit heavy (what we Cantonese call “heaty” or “火气”). Paired perfectly with the pickled veggies and fresh greens. 🍳 The two onsen eggs were the star — that runny yolk coating the beef was pure bliss! 🍈 Papaya Yogurt Bowl — Simple, fresh, and sweet thanks to Hawaii’s amazing local papaya and pineapple. 3️⃣ Cajun Crab Waikiki 🦀 My most memorable meal — all thanks to two super cool ladies we met along the way! They brought us here for an authentic taste of Southern-style Cajun seafood. 🌶️ The seafood boil comes dumped right on the table (no plates needed!). The spice blend was unreal — aromatic, complex, and totally addictive. 💫 A delicious experience, made even better by great company 💛 4️⃣ Henry’s Place + Local Papaya Tips 🍈 Henry’s Place — Famous for fresh, sweet Hawaiian papaya. A cup with three pieces cost $18. 🛒 ABC Stores sell single portions for around $6. 💡 Local Gem: Head to Times Supermarket for a whole papaya for just $2.50 — just as sweet and juicy! (Yes, I awkwardly ate one with my hands before my flight… no regrets ✈️) 5️⃣ Red Lobster 🦞 I’d always imagined this was a fancy spot (thanks, Young Sheldon!). Turns out it’s more of a popular chain — but still totally tasty! 🧈 The lobster was sweet and tender, but the real surprise? 🍞 Those free cheesy biscuits! Crisp outside, soft inside, and absolutely irresistible dipped in the buttery sauce. 💵 Around $50 per person — worth it for the lobster and those unforgettable biscuits! 🎤 Final Thought: Eating in Hawaii can be pricey, but when you find places with great flavor, warm service, and memorable moments — it’s worth every aloha-filled dollar 💘 📌 Stay tuned for Part 2 — the “Skip List”! 🚫 #HawaiiEats #FoodieInHawaii #OahuDining #HawaiianFoodGuide