Hawaiian Express BBQ
A few months ago, this Hawaiian BBQ was brought to my attention by Jack & Terry R., two readers of this blog. So one day a few weeks ago I had the chance to drop by Hawaiian Express BBQ.
This Hawaiian BBQ is located in the Food Court of Plaza Bonita Shopping Center in National City. I'm sure you'll find it; just look for the bright "neon". The menu contains two interesting "characteristics". First, there are no "mini" plates, they have been replaced by "Medium"($4.49-4.99) plates. Call it a marketing move I guess. Secondly, there are a few items on the menu that are somewhat unique. A Fries, Cheese, and BBQ plate(fries, cheese, and BBQ chicken???) and Walnut Shrimp stand out.
Jack and Terry recommended the BBQ short ribs here, so I definitely had to give those a try. I got a "medium" BBQ Short Rib plate($4.49):
This was a pretty large mini...ooops, I mean "medium" plate. It included one scoop of rice, a useless bland egg roll, and the absolute worst macaroni salad I've ever had. Note to plate lunch makers; macaroni salad has mayo in it! But the ribs made up for the salad, they were thicker and alot more tender then the usual Hawaiian BBQ ribs. Usually at L&L, the ribs are cut very thin and are tough as a rubber slipper, with pieces of inedible gristle. These were very soft and tender. The marinade could probably be flavored better, these were a bit on the bland side, but overall were pretty good.
I also ordered a Medium Chicken Katsu($4.49):
The first thing I noticed when I opened this, was the lack of any "katsu sauce". Instead there was some liquid poured over the chicken. The fairly large portion of chicken was cooked well, but the semi-sweet sour sauce poured over the katsu made the pieces soggy, and really did not taste very good.
If I'm in the area, I'd try Hawaiian Express BBQ again. I'd lose the salad and egg rolls, and add another scoop of rice if I can. The service is typical food court, manned by indifferent students (unless you're their friends, they get great attentive service!), but is adequate. Prices of "Large" plates range from $5.99-$7.99, portions are large, and prices are pretty good.
Hawaiian Express BBQ
3030 Plaza Bonita Rd (In the Plaza Bonita Food Court)
National City, CA 91950
Thanks for the recommendation Jack & Terry!
Chicken Katsu with no Katsu sauce - what were they thinking?
I love reading up on all your posts on Hawaiian BBQ spots - it's almost like you're back home!
Posted by: Kathy | Sunday, 13 November 2005 at 12:45 AM
Hi Kirk,
I would have ordered two medium plates all rice then did a swap with someone else mid-bite! The kalbi looks good and too bad about the katsu sauce. Maybe next time you visit, you can bring them some of your own katsu sauce and tell them to try it so they can see how much better it is.
Posted by: Reid | Sunday, 13 November 2005 at 02:55 AM
Hi Kathy - These Hawaiian BBQ's are everywhere.
Hi Reid - I think I'll stay away from the Katsu, but I'm actually interested in how the BBQ chicken will taste!
Posted by: Kirk | Sunday, 13 November 2005 at 06:53 AM
What is it with katsu sauce? Most of the places here in SD get it wrong. Is it me?
Posted by: Jack | Sunday, 13 November 2005 at 03:25 PM
Your website is amazing Kirk! I just saw your posts on Yuma, and they brought tears to my eyes. I used to live in Arizona, and it is so wonderful to see the increasing Asian influence there.
Posted by: Passionate Eater | Sunday, 13 November 2005 at 03:42 PM
Hi Jack - It's not you; it's that they follow the L&L Katsu sauce model!
Hi Passionate Eats - I love that "handle"! Thanks for stopping by and the kind words. I really had a great time in Yuma! I also spent time in Phoenix during an "earlier life", and enjoyed myself!
Posted by: Kirk | Sunday, 13 November 2005 at 08:51 PM
You wen kaukau at Island Boy Grill in Sorrento Valley yet?
Posted by: Island Boy | Thursday, 02 March 2006 at 01:08 AM
Howszit Island Boy! That one is coming up soon!
Posted by: Kirk | Thursday, 02 March 2006 at 11:25 AM