Zippy’s Restaurant: An Iconic Hawaii Establishment | I Try Some of the Most Popular Zippy’s Dishes

This video is dedicated solely to Zippy’s–Hawaii’s most beloved restaurant chain.

Like any local kid born and raised in Hawaii, I grew up eating Zippy’s food, whether it’s at one of their 24 convenient restaurant locations spread across the islands or at family potluck events.

Some of Zippy’s menu items, like their famous chili and fried chicken, have become Hawaii staples that both locals and tourists love.

Now, is Zippy’s the best quality food? No, not really. Will you be able to find “better” Hawaii local food elsewhere on the island? Of course! However, when it comes to evoking nostalgia, Zippy’s, for me, is at the very top of that list.

Zippy’s also has its lane, and they do a great job of serving that specific purpose. They have a bunch of locations, and more importantly, are open late, which is perfect for drunk people stumbling out of bars or if you’re simply hankering for a late-night snack. And not to mention, Zippy’s has been serving tasty food for over 50 years, so you’d think they know what they’re doing.

Lastly, don’t mistake Zippy’s as Hawaii’s version of a Denny’s or IHOP. Denny’s and IHOP are total garbage when compared to Zippy’s. Zippy’s is a beloved establishment amongst local people.

But enough of me talking. Let me show you my favorite Zippy’s dishes.

CHILI & CHICKEN MIXED PLATE

This is my go-to Zippy’s order. The plate comes with two scoops of rice, one scoop of Mac salad (a Hawaii plate lunch staple). Sidebar: Zippy’s Mac salad, in my opinion, is absolute fire and one of the best mac salads on the island. You have two pieces of crispy golden fried chicken, and they’re world-famous chili.

Okay, I need to talk about their chili for a second. It’s thick, creamy, and delicious.

If you asked me what nostalgia tastes like, Zippy’s chili would be my answer. I remember being in college on the mainland, I’d be homesick for Zippy’s chili, and I’d literally buy a bunch of frozen packs of them from the nearest Asian supermarket, which wasn’t cheap, especially for a broke college student. But to me, whenever I was a tiny bit homesick, a bowl of Zippy’s chili was the perfect remedy, and why I’ll always have a special soft spot for it.

Anyway, let’s give this plate a try.

Chili and fried chicken make for the perfect pairing.

ZIP PAC

Zippy’s claims this is their most popular menu item. I mean, it’s the quintessential beach lunch. You got a piece of fried chicken, breaded Hoki fish, a slice of Teri beef, and a piece of the infamous Spam, all on a bed of rice topped with furikake with a side of takuan which is a Daikon radish.

KOREAN FRIED CHICKEN PLATE

This is one of the newer menu items, but I remember when I first tried the Korean Fried Chicken, I knew it would be an instant hit. Seriously, what’s not to love? You have crispy golden pieces of fried chicken topped with Korean sauce.

You are again accompanied with rice and Mac salad. Okay, let’s dig in. It’s crispy, you get the sweetness from the sauce, and you get all of the juicy goodness from the chicken. 100% onolicious!

MINI CHILI MOCO

This is a mini chili moco, Zippy’s rift off of the loco moco. Loco moco can be found at many local eateries throughout the island, and it’s usually made with a piece of hamburger steak, two eggs of any style, and smothered in brown gravy.

Zippy’s chili moco is the same idea, but they cover it with their famous chili instead of brown gravy.

I went with the beanless chili, so it mimics the gravy-like texture. Also, I ordered the miniplate to highlight the fact that they do offer smaller portions for most of their plates if you’re trying to watch your figure

OMELETTE SANDWICH, PORTUGUESE

I had to order the Portuguese sausage omelette Sandwich. This sandwich is the perfect stumbling out of a bar at 2 AM, having consumed one too many alcoholic beverages and needing something to soak up said alcohol. Well, this is the sandwich for you.

It’s made up of egg, cheese, Portuguese sausage, sandwiched together by a Hawaiian Sweet roll. I know it doesn’t look like much, but let me tell you, this is drunk food at its finest.

Two of these bad boys will squash any future hangover guaranteed (not really).

APPLE NAPPLE

Last but not least, we have Zippy’s uber-popular apple napple. Apple is my number one favorite flavor of pie, like a handheld version of an apple pie.

Let’s have a taste. It’s soft, flaky, and you have the creamy apple filling. This is an excellent bookend to an otherwise filling meal.

So those were my favorite Zippy’s foods. They have many other items on their menu, which I’m sure are just as tasty as the ones I’ve shown you here. But if you’re visiting the island for the first or 101st time, I implore you to go to a nearby Zippy’s restaurant.

The food is relatively cheap, really filling, and you’ll experience what Hawaii’s local cuisine is all about.

OUTRO SONG: https://soundcloud.com/futurejames

SUBSCRIBE ON YOUTUBE: shorturl.at/fwCX0

--------------------------------------

From Taro to Luau: Indulge in Authentic Pacific Islands Cuisine

Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the Pacific? Pacific Islands cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, textures, and traditions that offer an unforgettable dining experience. From the earthy richness of taro to the festive spirit of a luau, every dish tells a story of culture, community, and tradition.

The Heart of Pacific Flavors: Taro

Have you ever tasted the unique, buttery texture of taro? This versatile root vegetable is a staple in Pacific Islands cuisine, celebrated for its adaptability and nutritional value. Whether it's steamed, roasted, or made into poi, taro serves as the foundation for many traditional dishes. Picture yourself savoring a bowl of velvety poi, its subtle sweetness melting in your mouth—a true testament to taro's essential role in Pacific gastronomy.

Fresh and Flavorful: Poke

Looking for a dish that combines freshness with bold flavors? Poke is your answer. Originating from Hawaii, this raw fish salad has taken the culinary world by storm. Imagine succulent cubes of sashimi-grade fish, marinated in a harmonious blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and fresh herbs, garnished with crunchy vegetables and a sprinkle of seaweed. Poke not only delights your palate but also offers a healthy, protein-packed meal that's as nutritious as it is delicious.

The Traditional Umu: A Feast for the Senses

Have you ever experienced a true Pacific luau? Central to this celebration is the umu—a traditional earth oven that embodies the spirit of community and shared joy. The process of cooking in an umu involves layering meats, vegetables, and spices wrapped in banana leaves, then slow-cooking them underground. The result? Tender, smoky flavors that capture the essence of island living. Hosting an umu meal is not just about food; it's about creating memories with loved ones over a sumptuous feast.

Coconut: Nature's Versatile Treasure

Can you imagine a dish without coconut? In Pacific Islands cuisine, coconut is more than just an ingredient—it's a way of life. Every part of the coconut is utilized, from the creamy milk in curries and desserts to the grated flesh in fresh salads. Coconut adds a rich, tropical flavor that enhances both sweet and savory dishes. Whether it's a creamy coconut rice or a refreshing coconut smoothie, this incredible fruit is indispensable in capturing the true taste of the islands.

Experience the Magic of Luau

Why settle for ordinary when you can indulge in an authentic luau? A luau is more than just a meal; it's a cultural celebration filled with music, dance, and traditional storytelling. Imagine entertaining your guests with vibrant hula performances while they enjoy an array of Pacific delicacies. The atmosphere is electric, the food is irresistible, and the experience is unforgettable. Don’t miss out on the chance to bring this magical celebration to your next gathering—book your luau experience today!

Testimonials: Real Stories from Pacific Cuisine Enthusiasts

"Trying Pacific Islands cuisine was a revelation. The flavors are so fresh and unique, especially the poke and poi. It feels like a true taste of paradise!" – Maria S.

"Our luau was the highlight of the year. The umu was perfectly cooked, and the coconut dishes were absolutely divine. Highly recommend!" – James T.

Join the Pacific Culinary Adventure Today!

Are you ready to elevate your dining experience? Dive into the rich and diverse world of Pacific Islands cuisine and discover a new favorite dish today. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or just beginning your culinary exploration, the flavors of the Pacific Islands promise to delight and inspire. Don’t wait—start your Pacific culinary adventure now and taste the tradition, passion, and excellence that make this cuisine truly exceptional.