Some foods are so satisfying, that immediately after consumption, they make you want to siesta. These tend to be heavier presentations, or carb-laden, which seems to have a more scientific explanation with regards to the body creating more of a protein called tryptophan in the brain. In any case, the blissful feeling of lethargy indicates a satisfactory meal, so here are a few for you to consider.
Soba Shingen
The popular local, award-winning soba specialty eatery moved back into Waikiki at STIX ASIA, the Asian food hall located in the lower level of the Waikiki Shopping Plaza.
With a variety of sushi, rice, and soba noodle dishes, and meats and deep-fried plates, it may be inevitable that you will come out feeling like you need a nap.
The best of all worlds comes together in the lunch-exclusive special, the Tenderloin Katsudon. Tender slices of pork tenderloin are given panko or bread crumb coatings before being deep fried and placed atop a mound of rice in a bowl. Crispy flavors are complemented by a sweet and savory cutlet sauce, making every bite of rice heavenly.
Soba Shingen >> Get a special offer!
Location: Waikiki Shopping Plaza
2250 Kalakaua Ave. LL 100 *STIX ASIA Waikiki
Hours: 11am – 10pm daily
Reservations: (808) 926-0255
Aloha Melt Waikiki
A thick sandwich filled with protein and weeping with melted cheese sounds like another meal that will make your eyelids heavy.
The casual eatery along Royal Hawaiian Avenue offers a variety of melts, including the basic 4 Cheese Melt with cheddar, mozzarella, provolone, and American cheeses.
If that is not hearty enough, then consider the Aloha Melt which adds bacon, caramelized onion, pickled jalapeno, and a spicy Sriracha aioli. Throw in a bowl of creamy basil tomato soup for dipping, and you may need to plan around your hibernation.
Aloha Melt Waikiki >> Get a special offer!
Location: 355 Royal Hawaiian Ave.
Early Hours : 10am – 2pm daily
Late Hours : 5pm -1am (Mon – Sat),
5pm – 11pm (Sun)
Phone : (808) 600 – 8887
Seven Brothers
The burger joint created by a young Samoan surfer and his Californian belle for their seven sons became a successful Hawaii-originated venture.
The small family business spawned four locations in Hawaii, three in Utah, and one in Arizona, with five more locations to come. Known for their hearty burgers, Seven Brothers tempts their patrons with choices such as the Paniolo, piled with giant homemade onion rings, grilled pineapple, bacon, and melted American cheese smothered in house and BBQ sauce, and the Max Burger with grilled mushrooms, bacon, melted Swiss cheese and a heavy dose of the mushroom madness sauce.
Make sure you order some fries and a shake with that to make sure you go under by nightfall.
Seven Brothers >> Get a special offer!
Haleiwa: 66 -197 Kamehameha Hwy.
Phone: (808) 460 – 5751
Kahuku “at the mill” : 56-565 Kamehameha Hwy.
Phone: (808) 852 – 0040
Laie: 55-510 Kamehameha Hwy.
Phone: (808) 744 – 6440
Sharks Cove: 59 -712 Kamehameha Hwy.
Phone: (808) 490 – 9625
Eggs ‘n Things
This popular breakfast eatery once served meals from late at night to the early hours of the morning. It was the spot where nightclubbers in Waikiki ended up before turning in for the night, or morning.
Today, the eatery opens early but still offers amazing breakfast bites such as omelets, breakfast meats with eggs, and even a morning burrito-style wrap.
However, despite its name, one series of plates you should consider are the whipped pancakes, such as the fresh strawberry whipped cream, fresh pineapple whipped cream, fresh banana whipped cream, and blueberry whipped cream–five flapjacks larger than silver dollars smothered with whipped cream and fruits.
Balance that with some savory bites such as a side of bacon and you can fall into a deep happy sleep without having to head out to a nightclub first.
Eggs ‘n Things >> Get a special offer!
Waikiki (Saratoga) Location: 339 Saratoga Rd
Hours: 7am – 2pm daily
Phone (Saratoga): (808) 923 – 3447
Waikiki (Kalakaua) Location: 2464 Kalakaua Ave.
Hours: 6am – 1pm daily
Phone (Kalakaua): (808) 926 – 3447
Ala Moana Location: 451 Pi’ikoi St. *Next to the former Nijiya Ala Moana
Hours: 7am – 2pm daily
Free parking available!
Phone (Ala Moana): (808) 538-3447
Ko’olina Location: 92-1047 Olani St.
Hours: 7am – 2pm daily
Phone (Ko’olina): (808) 312 – 3447
If you are feeling like an insomniac, consider some of these plates as they may provide a solution. At the very least, you will feel satisfied, even if you are struck with what the locals call a “kanak attack,” also known as Hawaiian paralysis.
