Thyda's Tacos — Restaurant in Honolulu

On the eternal search for good Mexican food on island, I had heard about Thyda's and even passed it by many times on my way to Whole Foods Queen or to work, but it never seemed to be open or the right time to go. I finally got the chance by serendipity when I had a free lunch hour and was headed to WF for some grocery shopping.

WF seems to be the best choice for parking (if you're going to shop there anyway) since there is maybe 2 parking spots in front of this tiny taco stand on Queen Street across from the WF parking garage entrance. While I was there, they told a guy in a truck he could park in the driveway of the tint shop next to it - guessing they have a deal with the owner for quick parking?

This place does a brisk business, so you'll want to scope out the large menu on the wall of the building before going up to the stand and ordering. Your choices are Tacos, Burritos, Quesadillas and Rice Bowls with Carne Asada, Carne Pollo, Carnitas, Barbacoa, Lengua and Jack Fruit as your protein.

I wasn't that hungry (but couldn't resist the opportunity to stop at the stand and try it) so just got 2 tacos - Lengua and Carne Pollo. After ordering, I heard someone ordering horchata, so I went back and ordered that - other drink choices are water, sodas (in the coolers, check them for selection), bottled Jarritos sodas, and Agua Fresca.

There were several people ahead of me, as well as some pickup orders, but my order came fairly quickly. I was at first shocked at small two tacos for $10 ($5 each) looked - but they are standard street taco size, and the fillings are sizable. More importantly, THEY ARE WORTH EVERY BITE - especially that Lengua, it's hands down the best Lengua on Oahu. I would pay more for that Lengua, seriously so good.

I didn't care for the horchata but that's my own taste preference - tasted different than other horchata I've had at other places on island or even my own when I make it, so maybe they use or add something else? Will try the Agua Fresca next time - I...

So I'm just gonna say everything went right here.

I stroll up and the three team members inside (one manager/owner and two workers) are discussing supply orders. The owner sees me and immediately stops everything and makes me the sole focus. All team members also checked their masks to make sure they were good. This was a phenomenal start.

Good little bit of small talk. I place the standard order I judge all taco trucks by - a Carne asada burrito. He asks me if I'd like guacamole, which of course I do - and thank you for asking up front rather than making me interrupt you and ask if could be added. Payment was easy and contactless. Interaction super pleasant. Burrito didn't take terribly long to come up. It was a few minutes, enough so you knew it was fresh, but fast enough to show you are important. Team member then asks if I'd like hot sauce and the heat level. More points. I take my haul and go sit and unwrap it. Foil is taught at both ends making for a good holder that won't leak. Tortilla perfectly toasted to golden. I'm hyped. Flavor, excellent. Ingredients balanced all the way across, not too much of any one thing (check out the cross section pic). Hot sauce was flavorful and hot, not watered down.

Given how well they executed the basics here (friendliness, speed, taste) on this staple, I'm confident ordering anything off the menu.

It is a little pricey compared to a burrito on the mainland, but this isn't the mainland so it's right in line with what it should be for a fair...

So I didn't want to right a semi-bad review for this place because the tacos are sooo good, but I feel the need to. I have picked up Thyda's on many occasions for me and my friends/co-workers. When I first started ordering, I noticed the guy who takes the orders and does the payment was really friendly to everyone but me. He wasn't rude to me, but I could tell the difference. I then noticed he would always look over to see how much everyone tipped on the payment device. The first option is like 15%. There's no wait staff or anything so I usually did custom and tipped $2 which I thought was plenty. I then decided to tip 15% on my next trip there. Lo and behold, the guy was so friendly to me! The next time I came, I did the same thing and tipped 15% and again, I got good vibes from him. The trip after, I went back down to $2 and it's like Mr. Unfriendly was back. My point is not to badmouth this place. The food is awesome. I just don't think we should be pressured into tipping 15% to 20% for just picking up tacos. I don't think we should be treated differently because of how we tip. I don't think anyone should be hovering over you when you are putting...