Located on Oahu’s northeastern coast is Kahuku, a small town known for one thing: its epic food trucks, and in particular, the ono shrimp they serve. And while you’ll find mouthwatering shrimp – and food trucks – across the Hawaiian Islands and the world, it’s easy to argue that Kahuku is the “Shrimp Capital of the World.” You see, it was in Kahuku – a small community of approximately 2,600 residents – that the shrimp truck was introduced to the island in the 1990s, and became a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. These seven roadside eateries are some of Kahuku’s best – and we know you won’t regret ordering a shrimp plate lunch from any of them.
The island shrimp craze started with Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck.
twber1/Flickr
Matthew S./Yelp With two locations on Oahu’s north shore, Giovanni’s is by far the most famous food truck in the area - though it may not look like it. For less than $15, you can purchase an iconic plate lunch consisting of a dozen jumbo shrimp and two scoops of rice. Choose between shrimp scampi, hot and spicy shrimp, and lemon butter shrimp.
Fumi’s Kahuku Shrimp is one of the more well-known eateries.
Nadine C./Yelp
Rick L./Yelp In addition to their casual shrimp plate lunches cultivated from their adjacent farm, Fumi’s serves up mouthwatering tempura-fried shrimp, mahi mahi, steak and fried squid.
The iconic red color of Romy’s Kahuku Prawns & Shrimp is hard to miss.
Gerard G./Yelp
Gerard G./Yelp More food stand than actual truck, the shrimp from Romy’s are produced at a private shrimp farm behind the facility, so you’re always guaranteed the freshest shrimp possible. You don’t want to miss their mouthwatering garlic and butter sauce!
The Island Bree’z Lunch Wagon is always a hit.
Thomas B./Yelp
Psych G./Yelp For made-to-order seafood dishes in a casual, open-air environment, head to Island Bree’z, No. 54 on Yelp’s “Top 100 Places to Eat for 2017.” If you’re not in the mood for shrimp, we suggest trying the “life-changing” lobster tacos.
Look no further than Tita’s Grill for shrimp - and amazing comfort food.
Brighson T./Yelp
Daisy F./Yelp Because Tita’s does more than shrimp, it’s an obvious choice for the family with one member who isn’t into shrimp. Their fresh bread is phenomenal, and the kalbi makes an excellent addition to their mouthwatering garlic shrimp.
Head to Kahuku Shrimp & Thai Food for something a little different.
Boracho G./Yelp
Tracy S./Yelp This Kahuku staple sets itself apart from the crowd by serving up mouthwatering shrimp and delicious Thai food. Pro tip: order the green shrimp curry. You will not be disappointed.
The Famous Kahuku Shrimp Truck is the definition of hole-in-the-wall.
Famous Kahuku Shrimp Truck/Facebook
Aerin W./Yelp Imagine this: shrimp with the shells still on to lock in the flavor, and garlic butter sauce coating the shrimp, rice, and slaw. The coconut shrimp is quite delicious, too, if you aren’t a garlic fan.
All located along Kamehameha Highway in Kahuku, it’s easy to find any of these stellar shrimp trucks – as well as roadside eateries specializing in coffee, tacos, and barbecue. Which of Kahuku’s shrimp joints is your favorite?
twber1/Flickr
Matthew S./Yelp
With two locations on Oahu’s north shore, Giovanni’s is by far the most famous food truck in the area - though it may not look like it. For less than $15, you can purchase an iconic plate lunch consisting of a dozen jumbo shrimp and two scoops of rice. Choose between shrimp scampi, hot and spicy shrimp, and lemon butter shrimp.
Nadine C./Yelp
Rick L./Yelp
In addition to their casual shrimp plate lunches cultivated from their adjacent farm, Fumi’s serves up mouthwatering tempura-fried shrimp, mahi mahi, steak and fried squid.
Gerard G./Yelp
More food stand than actual truck, the shrimp from Romy’s are produced at a private shrimp farm behind the facility, so you’re always guaranteed the freshest shrimp possible. You don’t want to miss their mouthwatering garlic and butter sauce!
Thomas B./Yelp
Psych G./Yelp
For made-to-order seafood dishes in a casual, open-air environment, head to Island Bree’z, No. 54 on Yelp’s “Top 100 Places to Eat for 2017.” If you’re not in the mood for shrimp, we suggest trying the “life-changing” lobster tacos.
Brighson T./Yelp
Daisy F./Yelp
Because Tita’s does more than shrimp, it’s an obvious choice for the family with one member who isn’t into shrimp. Their fresh bread is phenomenal, and the kalbi makes an excellent addition to their mouthwatering garlic shrimp.
Boracho G./Yelp
Tracy S./Yelp
This Kahuku staple sets itself apart from the crowd by serving up mouthwatering shrimp and delicious Thai food. Pro tip: order the green shrimp curry. You will not be disappointed.
Famous Kahuku Shrimp Truck/Facebook
Aerin W./Yelp
Imagine this: shrimp with the shells still on to lock in the flavor, and garlic butter sauce coating the shrimp, rice, and slaw. The coconut shrimp is quite delicious, too, if you aren’t a garlic fan.
Be sure to add these 15 mouthwatering food trucks found throughout the islands to your Hawaii dining bucket list.
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