Itsu’s Kim Chi Burger & Loco Moco
Last month I went to Itsu’s and had one of the most onolicious plate lunches, so I had to come back to try their other goodies, especially their famous Kim Chi Burger. I also had to further investigate their loco moco, which they have a very “interesting” way of preparing!
First, the Kim Chi Burger ($1.50).
Looks good doesn’t it? I’ve never had anything much like it before and it was so delicious!
Here’s a closer look:
The kim chi must’ve been homemade. It wasn’t the type of kim chi you would see at the stores and it tasted so fresh. It was drier, crispier, and the chili peppers tasted fresh with a nice kick. There was also a yellowy mayonnaise type of sauce smothered on the soft bun. Both the kim chi and the yellow sauce complimented the burger perfectly. The burger was a premade type of burger, but it was very tender, moist and tasty. I’m usually not a fan of this type of burger, but for some reason, this unique combination worked perfectly for my taste buds.
The loco moco ($2.50) was a bit of a different story. I was already uneasy about ordering one when my friend told me how they prepare it: they use a microwave to cook the egg! I guess since they don’t have a grill on hand, that’s the only way they can do it.
Here’s what it looks like:
Unfortunately, the gravy and burger couldn’t save this one. The egg was completely rubbery and tasteless (1 out of 15pts). The gravy was bland as well (15 out of 35pts). The burger was the same type of burger as the one in the Kim Chi Burger, which was not that bad for a premade burger (20 out of 35pts), but when tasting it with all of the other elements, it still tasted bland. Rice was normal (14 out of 15pts).
50%
The wonderful Kim Chi Burger made this visit still worth it. Also be sure to try their plate lunches. Just stay away from the loco mocos!
Itsu’s Fishing Supplies Inc
810 Piilani St Hilo
(808) 935-8082
January 28th, 2006 at 11:02 pm
James,
I haven’t tried the kim chi burger at Itsu’s before, but it sounds interesting. Sorry that the loco moco wasn’t too good this time around. =(
January 30th, 2006 at 2:50 am
hi, james! that kim chi burger looks yummy! have you tried putting kim chi in a sandwich? it’s REALLY yummy…especially in a tuna sandwich with lots of tabasco mixed in the tuna!!
January 30th, 2006 at 7:47 am
Hi James - Kim Chi Burger? That sounds pretty good…..microwave egg on a locomoco - that’s heresy!
January 31st, 2006 at 8:43 am
No grill!!!!! So sad. Hopefully they’ll invest in one in the near future. Can’t see someone serving microwaved egg and probably reheated premade hambuger patties in a microwave. Guess I’d better stick to their beef stew on my next visit.
February 7th, 2006 at 9:11 am
Reid, for a buck and a half, it’s surely worth a try.
lope, i’ve tried kim chi once in a ham sandwich… bad bad idea! but yes, i think a tuna sandwich would fit better. haha..
Kirk, yes it is! heresy!
lance, yeah, i think they should just not serve loco mocos and just keep on doing what they do good with (plate lunches).
March 25th, 2006 at 10:13 am
i grew up on Itsu’s ice shave! they hvae some new “tempura hot dogs,” you should review those, if you’ve not already.
for me, their hot dog and sweet popcorn is the best–aside from their shave ice (li hing mui flavor!!)
April 24th, 2006 at 10:59 am
penny, tempura hot dogs? i’ll be sure to try those next time..
i really need to review their shave ice too
and hot dogs, and sweet popcorn..
so much food, too little time!
June 27th, 2007 at 9:35 am
Thanks for this site!
hifue.info
July 12th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Adam’s Visit…
My little brother Adam and his friend David Cahill came out for a week to visit before I move to Washington D.C. They flew out on the 4th of July and spent that night trying to stay awake long enough to enjoy the firework at Ala Moana. Over the…
July 13th, 2007 at 5:39 pm
quote: lance Says: January 31st, 2006 at 8:43 am
“No grill!!!!! So sad. Hopefully they’ll invest in one in the near future. Can’t see someone serving microwaved egg and probably reheated premade hambuger patties in a microwave. Guess I’d better stick to their beef stew on my next visit”.
HUH????? For Real????
I’d pay extra for “homemade” burgers.