Homecoming Meals Part 1

Poi Malasada

I never really considered my recent return to Hawaii as a "Homecoming." That was, until the days leading up to my departure began to change my perspective.

When I think of a true homecoming, I think of incredible circumstances, like the parable of the Prodigal Son, or someone returning home after being lost for a long period of time. As Christmas neared, I realized that I, too, had been lost this past year — in a way.

New York has been unlike any place I had ever lived in, unlike any expedition I had ever traversed. There were so many times I felt terrified, discouraged, confused ... the list goes on. Going home meant something different to me this time around, and it took me the entire trip to truly digest that. And boy, did I DIGEST!

The best part of my "epiphany," was cherishing all that was waiting for me in Hawaii, which included: My family, friends, dog and, of course, FOOD.

Here are some of my favorite Homecoming Meals:

1. Duk Kee Chinese Restaurant

This Kaimuki staple has been a go-to for my family since I can remember anything about life and food. The same ladies still work there, the same furniture is still being used and the same food is still being served — thank goodness! 

I can't remember when I fell in love with Black Bean Beef Chow Funn (pictured left), but it has been my favorite for a long time now. Thick cuts of rice noodles lay at the foundation of this dish, as gravy-like black bean sauce is generously ladled on top with soft beef, onions and green bell peppers. My mother always orders this dish with wonton, so, naturally, I do too.

(Pictured right) This is another of my mother's favorites: Steamed Sea Bass with Ginger and Green Onion. One thing to remember is that you HAVE to order this dish with rice. Melt-in-your-mouth fillets are complemented by an ultra-savory soy-based sauce, which you should definitely scoop over your mandatory bowl of rice — TRUST ME.

2. Menya le Nood

This is where I first tried tsukemen, a dipping-style ramen. The thick slab of kakuni, or braised pork, is the fatty bite you need after slurping up deliciously silky and chewy noodles. And don't forget the aji tama, or marinated soft-boiled egg. I have to say, Menya's tsukemen broth is TO. DIE. FOR. I ordered a large, and I finished the large. The Japanese eatery also has traditional ramen, and each bowl can be ordered at your preferred spice level. 

3. Hy's Steak House


JP and I enjoyed our second-annual Hy's dinner this Christmas. Comparing pictures from our inaugural dinner was a little disheartening, BUT rewarding ourselves this year with some juicy cuts of steak seemed more fulfilling this time around. 

We always (well, the past two years lol) order a bottle of The Prisoner, which is double the cost at the restaurant than it is at Costco, but we had to remind ourselves that we were on vacation!

LB's: Hy's Garlic Steak (Filet Mignon)

JP's: Filet Mignon

4. Happy Days
Last for Homecoming Meals Part 1 is dim sum at my all-time favorite spot. 

Also located in Kaimuki, Happy Days features that same homey, nostalgic feel as Duk Kee for me, with equally mind-blowing food. Steamed baskets filled with dumplings are stacked in carts and wheeled to each table. We always order every variety of dumplings possible, as well as extra orders of sticky rice that has been wrapped in lotus leaf. Consume with a heavy dollop of chili paste and hot mustard, then mix with shoyu (soy sauce)!

Homecoming Meals Part 2 coming soon...