Like much of the state, Hilo, HI has a large and vibrant Asian-American community. Of course, that means the city has no shortage of amazing Asian restaurants to try out! Authentic Thai, Japanese, and Chinese cuisine they can all be found here. Here are a few nearby joints that have become local favorites.
3 Asian Restaurants Worth the Drive Near Hilo, HI
1. Naung Mai Thai Kitchen
This long-running, family-owned restaurant can be found on 86 Kilauea Avenue, where it proudly serves Thai dishes made from the freshest local ingredients. While the noodles in their popular pad thai and pad woo sen plates are done just right, stir-fried dishes like the spicy basil and chicken rama with mixed vegetables and peanut sauce boast a deep smokiness. The wonderful blends of spices in the curries make them wickedly addictive.
Even if you’re a vegetarian or just a health-conscious diner, Naung Mai’s menu is full of excellent options since many of the items on their menu can be made with vegetables or tofu instead of meat. They also use healthier cooking oils and cane sugar sourced from Maui. As for the decor, it’s colorful and homey, making for a very inviting dining area.
2. Ebisuya Sushi
Just down the road from Naung Mai, Ebisuya on 179 Kilauea Avenue is one of the top spots in town for sushi. Its high-quality seafood and rice beg to be appreciated, so starting with their sashimi and nigiri is definitely recommended. Another way to enjoy the freshness of the ingredients is by ordering a chirashi bowl. It comes with delicious miso soup on the side and features a variety of sashimi over a bed of sushi rice
Ebisuya’s signature rolls include the Thai Stick roll that’s filled with shrimp tempura, cilantro, and avocado, then topped with sweet chili aioli. There’s also the Train Wreck, a deep-fried California roll with cream cheese and spicy ahi tuna.
3. Sum Leung Chinese Kitchen
When it comes to providing genuine Chinese fare in the Hilo area, Sum Leung on 50 E. Puainako Street is pretty tough to beat! You can expect exceptional renditions of classics, such as chow mein, roasted duck, and egg foo young. You can even order pinakbet or pork adobo if you feel like trying out some Filipino cuisine. The oyster sauce-flavored cake noodles are a must, offering a satisfying contrast between the crispy noodles and tender meat.
For side dishes, try the fluffy char siu-stuffed manapua, gau gee, or sweet rice cakes. Sum Leung also features a catering menu, so you can take advantage of the Honda Pilot’s spacious cargo area and load up on delectable food for large gatherings.
There are many more Asian eateries to discover when you’re in Hilo, but you can’t go wrong with any of these spots! On the way to or from the restaurant, make a stop at Tony Honda Hilo and browse a huge inventory of fine automobiles!
Image by Erika Marcial from Pixabay
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