When I was going to the University of Hawaii, I would grab lunch at JR’s Bar-B-Q on Waialae Avenue so often the owner would know my order as soon as I walked through the glass doors.
So I was disappointed when the Korean take-out shop closed awhile back.
That is, until I found out a new eatery opened in the same spot, one that serves classic Israeli street food like shawarma and falafel.
Shaloha — a blend of “shalom” and “aloha” — offers Middle Eastern cuisine with a Hawaiian twist — or so the menu says. It’s got the regional staples of Turkey and Egypt with local adaptations of traditional dishes brought to Israel by Jewish immigrants.
So it’s truly a Middle Eastern mix plate!
And if you’re not into that kind of cuisine, you gotta at least go for the homemade pita bread. It’s light and fluffily and airy and so good I could eat an entire bag myself.
Here’s what our recent lunch looked like — and yes, we’ll be back!
Shaloha
Shaloha, 3133 Waialae Ave. Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Phone: (808) 744-4222.
13 Comments
The shakshuka is the bomb!
That’s the next thing I’m gonna order! WOOT!
hmmm…. what I noticed about the pricing is that when you add the excise tax, it kinda comes up close to an even number. I guess I’ll go and try it out next time I’m in the area. I really need to eat healthier and the food looks pretty good.
It’s kinda expensive, but the portions are big enough to share!
Hello Cat,
I didn’t see this place. Got to check it out.
If you like Israeli street food, this is it!
CAT: Aaaiiiyyyaaahhh! Fuud Pix! Tenks! Middle Eastern, eh? Any lamb dishes?
Of course there’s lamb! 🙂
jr’s…yup i miss that place. That was the only korean place i could order ever spicy tonkatsu. no where else makes or serves that.
I forgot about that dish! Now I’m ono for Korean food!
Have you tried Da’ Falafel King? Excellent stuff! It’s Kosher Jewish cuisine (pretty much vegetarian middle eastern). The owner is from Israel. They used to have a kiosk in the lobby of the Waikiki Trade Center, however have since moved next to the old stadium across Long’s in Mo’ili’ili (I always have a tough time spelling that!).
I’ll definitely check out Shaloha next time in the area. Love that kinda’ fuud!
Hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I heard they’re moving back to Israel… I know! Too bad… I love that restaurant!
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