Breakfast Lunch and Dinner for Beginners

Ok, I couldn't resist tying things back to the song that I named this blog after: "Sweatpants," by Childish Gambino! It's a seemingly mundane title compared to my usual wordplay, but if you know, you know! In any case, here we are again with yet another little list. This time, I'll be providing you with an itinerary for the joints you should hit up for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, when in Waikiki. This is for the locals, so it'll be places that are actually worth it, and not mere overrated tourist traps, though some definitely are in that category. The difference, however, is that they are appropriately rated, not overrated! Maybe you can try these while on a staycation! Pretend to be a tourist and have some meals that are a little bit special, and not your average fare. Break the rules a little, as if you were just here to have fun! As you might recall from my post about capers sandwiches for dinner, I'm a huge supporter of breaking the rules when it comes to what I'm eating at what times. Anyway, here we go!

10 AM: Breakfast 

Eggs 'n Things: Waikiki Beach Eggspress

Alright, so, waffles are a nice and standard way to start off a special little day, no? Eggs 'n Things is notoriously way too packed, with a line from hell that the waffles just aren't good enough to make up for. However! This location offers quick take out, so you can get your food fast enough to actually be able to appreciate it. It's also right next to the beach, so you can take your takeout box with you across the street, and eat while you enjoy a view of the waves. 6 AM is when it opens, but it closes at 1 PM, so both early birds and late sleepers like myself can enjoy a treat with a simply shocking amount of whipped cream. The photo I've attached is from the regular sit-down location, though, so be warned: you cream will be given to you in a cup. It isn't quite as aesthetically appealing, but no matter. The waffle is lightly crispy, fluffy, slightly salty perfection. It rivals IHOP's waffles (which deserve more respect, frankly), in terms of unique flavor. It's also as filling, so you probably won't be needing lunch too soon. Personally, I can do without the fruit on top, since it tends to absorb the heat of the waffle, as nice as it looks. However, if you try it with the fruit and realize you're a hater like I am, simply dunk it in your leftover cream to cool it down!

2 PM: Lunch

 Kulu Kulu

A short walk away, this bakery, located in the Royal Hawaiian Center's food court, opens at 10 AM and closes at 9 PM, so whenever your waffle-fullness finally wears off, you can head over here for an unorthodox (and ok, "unhealthy.") lunch! Perhaps after a leisurely beach morning? If you're like my family and would rather not eat three huge meals in a day, you can treat yourself to a cake (or two, or three...they're small!) for lunch. You can think of it as more of a snack to hold you over until an early dinner, if you like. My family, at least, always eats dinner at around 5 PM or 6 PM. In any case, Kulu Kulu, being a Japanese bakery, has that distinct lightness of flavor that American desserts, with their intense sweetness, don't typically share. The portions are also more modest, due to the Japanese background of the bakery. Such modest portions make the cakes perfect for mixing and matching together! Pictured is a simple cream-flavored rainbow cake, with layers that taste faintly of various fruits. As delectable and adorable as it was, don't count on finding it when you go, since one of the bakery's best qualities is the way that it constantly churns out new flavors and designs. No matter what, you know it's going to have that typical Japanese cuteness-factor. Eat in the food court, or take a to-go box and go sit in one of the many more pleasant seating spots around the shopping center! 

6 PM: Dinner

 Noi Thai

All these locations are really close to each other (you're welcome), so whether you go back to your staycation hotel for a break, or pursue some other touristy activities, you can walk on over to your dinner fairly easily. Noi Thai opens at 11 AM and closes at 10 PM, so you can take your time before you arrive at whatever time your reservation might be. The restaurant is an incredibly classy place in the Royal Hawaiian Center (again), with beautiful decor and fun music. Last I was there, they played remixes of old crooner songs. The food, at least to me, seems pretty authentic, since it can get pretty damn spicy, even when you order mild. The spice level depends on the day, however. Anyway, everything is incredibly flavorful, and there are plenty of vegan options with incredibly fresh vegetables. My favorite food they offer is actually an appetizer. It's truly unique! You have got to try the taro and shrimp sticks with the plum sauce. They're filling, crunchy little tubes of savory goodness, paired with a sweet sauce that's good enough to drink on its own. That is, if this wouldn't be seen as an uncivil action. I don't even like shrimp that much, and usually find it overrated, but this shrimp tastes so different as a puree of sorts, mixed with the taro (which I also do not typically enjoy). 

Well, that's all for now...I hope you've enjoyed your little "vacation time!"