$5 Bento Trucks a Must Try in Honolulu

The Delicious Value of $5 Bento Trucks in Honolulu: A Culinary Adventure on a Budget

Honolulu is a city known for its beautiful beaches, friendly people, and delicious food. One of the best ways to experience the local cuisine without breaking the bank is by trying out the many bento trucks scattered throughout the city. For just $5, you can indulge in a variety of mouth-watering dishes that will leave you feeling satisfied and content.

Bento is a Japanese term for a single-portion meal packed in a box, and these bento trucks in Honolulu have taken this concept to a whole new level. These trucks offer a diverse range of dishes that showcase the fusion of Japanese and Hawaiian cuisine. From teriyaki chicken to kalua pork, these bento trucks have something for everyone.

You can’t miss these white & red trucks sprinkled throughout Honolulu that specialize in Hawaiian-style bentos that are not only delicious but also visually appealing. For just $5, you can get a bento box filled with kalua pork (kalua pork is slow-cooked in an underground oven, giving it a smoky flavor), a heaping portion of chicken katsu (a breaded and fried chicken cutlet), or a juicy Loco-Moco style hamburger steak patty topped with fried onions and gravy. They also have a variety of curry stews featuring chicken or beef, 1-2 fish dishes and each bento comes with a side of rice and corn. Menu items vary from day to day and local favorites sell-out early.

We do have a couple recommendations when it comes to choosing the best $5 bento:

• Juicy meals go best with the rice. On its own the rice can be bland but with meals like the Hamburger Steak, Kalua Pork, or stews there’s plenty of liquids to mix the rice into. If your’re trying something dry like the Katsu or Garlic Chicken you can ask for a side of shoe (soy sauce packet) to liven up your rice alternatively.
• You can always ask to see a bento before purchasing to make sure you like the look of it. In our experience this is a good idea if trying something you haven’t eaten here before. Sometimes the fish is amazing but sometimes it has more skin, fin, & bones than meat (for some this might be the best part, to each his own) but I’ve learned to check the cut of fish first before ordering. 🙂

In addition to the delicious food, the bento trucks in Honolulu also offer a unique cultural experience. Many of these trucks are run by local families who have been serving their food for generations. They are a testament to the fusion of cultures that makes Hawaii such a unique place.

Two trucks specifically that we recommend are located on the Mauna (mountain) side near 2220 S. King street and in the Diamond Head side of the KCC campus parking lot (this particular truck also serves smoothies).

If you’re looking for an affordable and delicious way to experience the local cuisine in Honolulu, look no further than the bento trucks. For just $5, you can indulge in a variety of mouth-watering dishes that will leave you feeling satisfied and content. From classic Hawaiian staples to unique fusion dishes, these trucks have something for everyone. So, grab a plate, pull up a seat, and enjoy the delicious value of $5 bento trucks in Honolulu.

by Erica McMillan