Monsarrat Shave Ice Natural Organic Fruit — Restaurant in Honolulu

After a morning hike at Diamond Head, I discovered Monsarrat Shave Ice, a delightful find nestled in a modest hallway adjacent to Pioneer Saloon in Honolulu. Its unassuming location belies the quality within, offering a refreshing respite with minimal wait time and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The owner, Kenta, crafts each order with a calm precision that sets the tone for the experience.

I opted for a small strawberry and yuzu combination with a scoop of vanilla ice cream at the base, priced at an impressive $5. The portion was generous, and the shave ice itself was exceptionally fine, melting smoothly on the palate without devolving into a watery puddle. The syrups, made from real fruit, were a standout: the strawberry delivered vibrant, authentic sweetness, while the yuzu provided a bright, citrusy balance that elevated the flavor profile. The ice cream added a creamy richness, tying the elements together perfectly. I found myself savoring each bite, despite the inevitable brain freeze from my enthusiasm.

For those exploring Honolulu, Monsarrat Shave Ice is a must-visit, far surpassing typical tourist offerings. Pair it with a beverage from the neighboring Pioneer Saloon for a complete treat. This establishment delivers an authentic, high-quality shave ice experience that warrants a return visit. Highly recommended for its...

Tastes like jam layered with crunchy sheets of shave ice. There were about 6 flavors (strawberry, mango, pineapple, yuzu, and some I don't remember). You can get only one size with either one or two flavors, a filling like vanilla ice cream or Suzuki, and toppings like kinako, mochi balls and condensed milk. I tried 3 flavors and liked strawberry the best. It tasted like strawberry jam. The pineapple was very mild. The mango was bland like baby food. Other than the ice and ice cream, it seemed that nothing was refrigerated so it melted very quickly. Since we ordered 2 bowls and it takes a long time to make each huge bowl, I was half done before the second one came out and both bowls were super watery by the time we got through half of the second bowl. It is different from all other shave ice, and the layers are very pretty before it turns to soup. There is tiny seating on site which is sort of shady. You should stay put and eat it there if you can, or risk melting in the sun. There is nowhere else nearby for you to take it to...

I've been meaning to try this hole-in-the-wall since our friends recommended it but always forgot it was only open on weekends. I got lucky finally and went on a Sunday after a beach day and this was the perfect sweet treat to end the trip. I love how they use fresh fruit puree that isn't too sweet (order condensed milk as a topping if you like sweeter syrups!) and their fresh mochi had a fantastic bouncy texture. The yuzu flavor in particular was one of the best yuzu toppings I've ever had- totally had that distinctive yuzu citrusty aromatic flavor and the tartness was perfectly balanced with sweetness. The strawberry and fresh mango were quite nice as well. As far as shave ice goes, this feels so healthy and refreshing. The older lady working is very sweet and takes her time to make each bowl with care, so don't come in a hurry. Looking forward to trying...