Môr Eats! Local Favorites Now Open in Waikīkī!
The dining scene at Waikiki Shopping Plaza just got even more exciting with the arrival of two new eateries! You can now try local favorites like garlic shrimp, plate lunch, and Korean fried chicken at the Waikiki Shopping Plaza.
From fine dining to hidden grab-and-go gems, the Waikiki Shopping Plaza is the place to go for convenient and quality dining that will please the whole family. Meet our two newest dining options: Sam’s Kitchen and bb.q Chicken Hawaii!
Sam’s Kitchen: Garlic Shrimp and Plate Lunch in the Heart of Waikīkī
Chef Sam Monaghan, a culinary entrepreneur with a background in Japanese television hosting, has brought his celebrated Hawaiian-style plates to Waikiki Shopping Plaza. Building on the success of his original Royal Avenue location that launched in 2008, Sam recently opened his new location, Sam’s Kitchen Express.
Diners can customize their experience by selecting from premium proteins including Extra Jumbo Shrimp, Top Sirloin N.Y. Steak, Fresh Caught Fish, Crispy Tofu, and Lightly Fried Chicken Breast, then pairing their choice with one of Monaghan’s original sauces.
All About the Sauce
What sets Sam’s Kitchen apart are his artisanal sauces that have become fan-favorites. His renowned garlic sauce features an impressive blend of 13 wholesome ingredients, and he is also known for his signature Matsuri sauce, made with butter, sake, lemon ponzu, pickled red ginger, dried seaweed and roasted sesame seeds. You can’t go wrong with your sauce choice– there’s something for everyone with options like Spicy Garlic, Pineapple Teriyaki and more!
Local Tip:
Sam recommends upgrading the mains to “Da Plate” which is how the meal is meant to be enjoyed. Da Plate includes your choice of main alongside two scoops of fluffy Japanese Sticky Rice, a side of Organic Spring Mix Salad w/dressing, and a scoop of Potato/Macaroni Salad.
The Waikiki Shopping Plaza Sam’s Kitchen Express location operates daily from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM, offering extended hours for both lunch and dinner crowds and an option to skip the line and order online. Find it on the Lower Level!
The Best Korean Fried Chicken Restaurant in Hawaiʻi
The second exciting addition is bb.q Chicken Hawaii, a local favorite Korean fried chicken restaurant. The “bb.q” in their name stands for “Best of the Best Quality”—representing their commitment to using fresh, high quality ingredients and authentic Korean recipes.
Korean fried chicken has gained international recognition, and is especially beloved here in Hawaiʻi! The Kahala and Aiea locations are popular among locals, and the newly opened Waikīkī location makes it easy for tourists to experience their delicious chicken.
At bb.q Chicken Hawaii, the time-honored double-frying process is elevated through meticulous attention to detail. The first round of cooking eliminates excess moisture, while the second creates that signature golden, ultra-crispy exterior that sets it apart from traditional American-style fried chicken.
Authentic Korean Flavors
bb.q Chicken was founded in Seoul, South Korea with the mission to serve great-tasting, high-quality Korean fried chicken to the world.
Each piece undergoes careful hand-brushing and hand-battering before being slowly cooked at controlled temperatures for extended periods. This patient approach ensures the perfect harmony between a tender, juicy interior and that coveted crispy shell.
The flavor selection at bb.q Chicken includes options like Soy Garlic, Cheesling, Gangjeong, Wings of Fire, Honey Garlic, and Butter Crunch—each sauce carefully developed to complement the chicken’s natural flavors and retain the signature crunch.
Local Tip:
All of the flavors are great, but make sure to also try the original Golden Fried style and eat it hot and fresh!
Their signature Golden Fried offering—a combination of whole chicken and wings—is their most popular menu item. You can also get Half & Half Wings to try more than one flavor!
You can find bb.q Chicken Hawaii on the first floor of the Waikiki Shopping Plaza. They’re open 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily.
A Perfect Addition to Waikīkī’s Dining Landscape
Both Sam’s Kitchen and bb.q Chicken Hawaii are tried and true local favorites. Whether you’re craving Sam’s sauce-forward local plates or bb.q Chicken Hawaii’s perfected Korean fried chicken, these new additions provide quality dining options in the heart of Waikiki.
Visit the Waikiki Shopping Plaza at 2250 Kalākaua Avenue to experience these exciting new flavors for yourself, and check out our other restaurants here!