Island Grubz On The Go, LLC — Restaurant in Salem

I haven't wrote a food review in a hot minute, but I felt compelled to write one today because of this incredible food truck that just joined the Salem area!

After seeing some of Island Grubz videos on social media, we immediately said we have to try this Hawaiian food, as finding solid "Grubz" is very difficult around here! I grabbed the Garlic Chicken while my significant other grabbed a Kalbi (Short Rib) & Garlic Shrimp combo plate.

I'd like to note that the Shrimp does come with shell on - so if this isn't for you(you don't like the shell on), it's VERY easy to remove, Iiterally falls right off as you pull. The inside of the shrimp was a perfect color, cook and very flavorful. The Garlic Chicken was VERY crispy outside/juicy inside, and the Kalbi was oh-so-tasty from the grilled char!

Special note for the Hawaiian Mac: as a Mac lover, this is spot on and I'd come back just for the Hawaiian Mac! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I can't stress enough when I say that this food tasted "clean" -- everything tasted as it should and wasn't greasy, fatty, over/under cooked, nothing mingled together. This was 100% what you see is what you get and this was some of the best Hawaiian food we've had in a VERY long time.

We couldn't end this without trying one of their Shaved Ice .. and we learned what a Snow Cap was! (condensed milk "top" that adds a creaminess as it melts into the ice and flavoring!!) The Ube was 🔥, and if you want a sweet treat, definitely you'll get it from the Shaved Ice!

All-in-all? Incredible food, wholesome customer service and would absolutely recommend. If you live in the Salem area, you MUST go try Island Grubz On...

I will try ten different restaurants in search of something truly special before finding cuisine like Island Grubz—and it exceeded every expectation. Don’t let the food truck setting fool you—this is restaurant-quality food in every sense of the word. The portions are generous, the flavors are rich and deeply satisfying, and the overall quality is something rarely seen in Salem.

What truly sets Island Grubz apart is the heart behind the food. Owners Richard and Julie aren’t just great cooks—they’re amazing people. Every time I visit (and I've been seven or eight times now), their kindness and gratitude are evident. And honestly, we should be thanking them for bringing such high-caliber island cuisine to our city at prices that feel almost too good to be true. They don't even accept tips.

Every dish I've tried gets better with each visit. Their gigantic garlic shrimp and kalbi ribs are hands down better than anything I’ve had in Maui—and yes, that includes beachfront restaurants. The sticky rice is perfectly done every time. And their Kahlua pig with cabbage or Lau Lau instantly transports you to the islands with its authentic, distinct flavor. Close your eyes, feel the breeze, and suddenly the Fussy Duck parking lot becomes a little slice of Lahaina.

This isn't just great food—it's comfort, it's culture, and it's a community treasure. If you're in Salem, do yourself a favor: stop by Island Grubz for lunch or an early dinner. Let’s support local talent, local flavor, and local heart.

Island Grubz deserves the love of the entire city of Salem!

Great food! Great people! Aloha spirit...

Stopped by the Fussy Flea today, and Island Grubz On The Go’s bright orange truck was the first thing that caught my eye as I drove in to the parking lot. After shopping I went to the truck and I opted for the Kalua Pig (shredded/pulled pork) and Cabbage, which includes two scoops of white rice and one of Hawaiian mac salad. I also got a side of one scoop of mac for $2 more. Believe me when I tell you, I made nothing but good choices!!

The owners were incredibly friendly, truck was clean (they also have a really cool sign on the side), and my food was up very quickly!

The Kalua Pig was SOOOOOOOOO delicious and very well seasoned and balanced, tender and moist, with the right amount of smoke and salt. The (cooked) cabbage mixed with the pork still had some good crunch, but was not hard. The rice was also cooked well (I mention this because, with white rice, there’s always a risk of overcooking and then it becomes gluey - not here!!). But, their mac salad? UNBELIEVABLE! Hawaiian mac salad is rarely more than just a few ingredients, but they absolutely nailed theirs!! Again, great balance of flavors and the perfect amount of salt. Took some willpower I didn’t even know I had to save my second scoop for later. Will “later” be 5 minutes from now? Who can say? In any case, I’m very much looking forward to it!

10/10, A++++++++++++, cannot recommend...