Going on an Aloha Food Tour

If you are a kama'aina like me, born and raised in the islands you probably would never consider going on a food tour unless it's on another neighboring island or you are entertaining out of town guests, right? Well, I had the chance to go on my very first food tour EVER and I was surprised to find that out of the six stops we ate at I hadn't been to 4 of the featured eateries. I knew that it was an eating adventure so I only had a banana for breakfast and was prepped to get my walking shoes (AKA slippers) on and tour the Ala Moana/Keeaumoku area by foot. 

Our journey began at Yogurstory off of Keeaumoku and we ended up near Ala Moana Center. Here's a look at how it went and what's involved in the Aloha Food Tours experience. 

Owner and tour guide Ryan Conching met our small group at Yogurstory for the 1:30-4pm food tour, we were to make 6 stops and the first included a little lesson about Taro, Ube and Hawaiian Food. We each got to sample the taro latte drink which was really tasty and not too sweet!

The Ube pancakes came out for us to share. This is Yogurstory's signature dish - as you can see it's very visual, photogenic and has a unique flavor. The first time I had it I didn't think it was all that good, but this time (under the helm of a new chef) I liked it much more. The pancakes are light, fluffy and the sauce is a slightly sweet ube, coconut blend and its consistency is really good. I can see why everyone loves it!

Next up, we ventured around the block to a food truck that's been getting a lot of buzz, but I haven't had the chance to try it yet - Kau Kau Grill. You have to stay tuned to their social media to know where they are at. Whether it's in downtown or near Kaheka or Keeaumoku they apparently sellout quick!

The Kau Kau Grill chefs made us each a very special mixed plate with bbq ribs, garlic shrimp, fresh island poke and mixed green salad. This was the standard meal of the day. The ribs were fall off the bone amazing, the shrimp well cooked and perfectly seasoned, the poke was fresh and tasty and the salad wasnt your typical iceberg lettuce or cabbage mix it was actually good quality fresh greens! Fantastic! *note don't eat the rice cause there's more food ahead!

Next stop, another venue I had never been Tae's Teppanyaki - a place on the corner from Kalakaua and Kalauokalani Way. I had no idea what to expect.

The Steak Roll at Tae's Teppanyaki was really different. It was a nice flat seasoned steak over a potato string noodle and romaine lettuce. Add garlic chips and the nice soy dipping sauce and you have a healthy hearty snack.

Up next, a short walk around the corner to one of Honolulu's best bars - Home bar. We got a chance to try some of the typical local bar food grindz like their famous loco moco.

And the always popular and delicious garlic chicken! We didn't have any alcohol with these meals only water but boy a nice frosty brew would be nice too!

Full yet? I know I am - we stopped in at a place I had never been before Musubi & Bento Express where only 2 people can fit comfortably on the inside. They make their food fresh and the musubi is still nice and warm when you get it. One of the visiting guests said "This is the best Spam I have ever had in my life."

Lastly, after all the walking and eating it's nice to end the day with a cool, refreshing and delicious shave ice treat from another place I had never been to - Ailana's. This little gem features some fresh and all-natural shave ice flavors along with ice cream and other fun toppings. I want to try their breakfast too, it looked ono.

And there you have it, my first official walking food tour and I am glad to see it was right here in Honolulu. Mahalo to Pam Davis for inviting me as her guest and thanks to Ryan for being so open to having locals jump in and experience this awesome opportunity. Aloha Food Tours first launched in 2013 and over the past couple of years food tour operators have come and gone, but Ryan is still chugging away trying to find fun, innovative and delicious ways to show others where and how the locals eat!