When it comes to savoring the authentic flavors of Hawaii, Lulu Hawaiian BBQ stands out as a beloved culinary destination. Known for its hearty, comforting meals that bring the spirit of the islands to every bite, Lulu Hawaiian BBQ offers a diverse menu that appeals to both locals and visitors alike.
The perfect blend of traditional Hawaiian cuisine with a modern twist, their dishes are a celebration of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and cultural heritage. Whether you’re craving succulent grilled meats, flavorful sides, or classic Hawaiian favorites, Lulu Hawaiian BBQ’s menu showcases a variety of options that cater to all tastes.
The menu is thoughtfully curated to highlight the unique tastes of the Pacific Islands while maintaining accessibility for a broad audience. From the rich, smoky notes of their barbecue to the vibrant freshness of their salads and sides, every item on the menu reflects a commitment to quality and authenticity.
Luau-inspired flavors, island-style marinades, and generous portions make Lulu Hawaiian BBQ a go-to spot for those seeking a satisfying and memorable meal. Dive into the menu and discover the diverse offerings that make Lulu Hawaiian BBQ an iconic Hawaiian food experience.
Signature Plate Meals
The heart of Lulu Hawaiian BBQ’s menu lies within its signature plate meals. These meals are designed to provide a fulfilling dining experience by combining a main entrée with traditional Hawaiian sides.
The plates are popular for their generous portions and balanced flavors, making them a favorite choice for lunch or dinner.
Each plate typically features two scoops of rice, a scoop of mac salad, and a choice of one or two protein options. This combination offers a satisfying mix of textures and tastes that reflect the local Hawaiian palate.
Whether you prefer the smoky kalua pork or the succulent teriyaki chicken, the plate meals offer a hearty, well-rounded meal.
Popular Plate Combinations
- Kalua Pork Plate: Slow-roasted shredded pork with a smoky flavor, served with steamed white rice and creamy mac salad.
- Chicken Katsu Plate: Crispy breaded chicken cutlet paired with tonkatsu sauce, rice, and mac salad.
- BBQ Mixed Plate: Combination of BBQ chicken and kalua pork, offering a taste of two signature proteins.
- Teriyaki Beef Plate: Tender grilled beef glazed with sweet teriyaki sauce, served alongside traditional sides.
“The plate meals at Lulu Hawaiian BBQ capture the essence of island comfort food – rich, flavorful, and perfectly portioned.” – Food Enthusiast Magazine
The plating emphasizes not just flavor but also the experience of Hawaiian hospitality. Meals are served quickly, making them ideal for those seeking a delicious and convenient dining option.
The presence of both rice and mac salad balances hearty and creamy textures, a hallmark of Hawaiian plate lunches.
Appetizers and Small Plates
Before diving into the main dishes, Lulu Hawaiian BBQ offers a variety of appetizers and small plates that provide a perfect way to start any meal. These lighter options showcase a range of flavors and textures that complement the heartier entrées.
From crispy fried items to fresh, tangy salads, the appetizers menu caters to diverse preferences and cravings. Many of these small plates can also double as snacks or side dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Featured Appetizers
- Spam Musubi: A beloved Hawaiian snack, featuring grilled Spam on rice wrapped with nori seaweed.
- Furikake Fries: Crispy fries sprinkled with furikake seasoning, offering a savory umami punch.
- Garlic Shrimp: Succulent shrimp sautéed in a rich garlic butter sauce, delivering bold island flavors.
- Edamame: Steamed young soybeans lightly salted – a healthy and refreshing option.
One of the standout appetizers is the Spam Musubi, which has become a cultural icon in Hawaiian cuisine. It perfectly blends the salty, savory flavor of Spam with the softness of rice, all wrapped neatly in nori.
This makes it portable and easy to enjoy on the go.
Furikake Fries offer a unique twist on traditional fries by incorporating Japanese seasoning, which includes seaweed, sesame seeds, and dried fish flakes. This combination adds layers of flavor that elevate the simple potato into something extraordinary.
“Starting your meal with Lulu’s appetizers is like tasting a miniature version of Hawaii’s rich culinary culture.” – Local Food Blogger
Classic Hawaiian Dishes
At the core of Lulu Hawaiian BBQ’s menu are the classic Hawaiian dishes that have been cherished for generations. These recipes honor traditional methods and ingredients, providing an authentic taste of the islands.
Featuring hearty proteins, tropical seasonings, and island-style preparation, these dishes evoke a sense of nostalgia and pride. Many items are slow-cooked or marinated to develop deep, rich flavors that are unmistakably Hawaiian.
Essential Hawaiian Staples
- Loco Moco: A comforting plate with white rice, a hamburger patty, fried egg, and brown gravy.
- Kalua Pig: Tender pork slow-roasted in an underground oven, delivering smoky and juicy meat.
- Huli Huli Chicken: Grilled chicken basted in sweet and savory huli huli sauce.
- Laulau: Pork wrapped in taro leaves and steamed for a unique texture and flavor.
The Loco Moco is particularly popular for its hearty and satisfying combination. It is often described as the Hawaiian equivalent of comfort food, perfect for any time of day.
The combination of juicy beef, runny egg, and savory gravy over rice is a timeless crowd-pleaser.
Kalua Pig remains one of the most traditional dishes, reflecting the ancient Hawaiian method of cooking in an imu (underground oven). While Lulu Hawaiian BBQ uses modern ovens, the flavors still capture the essence of this historic preparation.
“Hawaiian classic dishes at Lulu Hawaiian BBQ are crafted with respect to tradition and love for the islands.” – Culinary Historian
Seafood Selections
As an island-based cuisine, seafood plays an integral role in Hawaiian cooking, and Lulu Hawaiian BBQ offers a thoughtful selection of fresh and flavorful seafood dishes. These options showcase the bounty of the Pacific Ocean, prepared with island-inspired marinades and seasonings.
The seafood selections range from grilled to fried preparations, catering to different tastes and dietary preferences. These dishes pair wonderfully with the menu’s signature sides, creating balanced and vibrant plates.
Popular Seafood Items
- Garlic Shrimp Plate: Juicy shrimp sautéed in garlic butter, served with rice and mac salad.
- Grilled Mahi Mahi: Fresh mahi mahi fillet grilled to perfection with a light citrus glaze.
- Furikake Ahi Poke: Diced ahi tuna seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, and furikake seasoning.
- Fried Ono: Crispy battered ono fish served with a tangy dipping sauce.
| Seafood Item | Preparation | Flavor Profile | Best Paired With |
| Garlic Shrimp | Sautéed | Rich, buttery, garlicky | White rice, mac salad |
| Grilled Mahi Mahi | Grilled | Light, citrusy, fresh | Steamed vegetables, rice |
| Furikake Ahi Poke | Raw, marinated | Umami, savory, slightly nutty | Seaweed salad, rice |
| Fried Ono | Battered and fried | Crispy, mild, savory | Tartar sauce, rice |
Seafood lovers will appreciate the freshness and attention to detail in each dish. The use of traditional Hawaiian seasonings like furikake, soy, and citrus ensures the flavors are vibrant and authentic.
“Every seafood dish at Lulu Hawaiian BBQ is a tribute to the ocean’s gifts, prepared with island love and care.”
Vegetarian and Lighter Options
While known for its meaty plates, Lulu Hawaiian BBQ thoughtfully includes vegetarian and lighter fare to accommodate diverse dietary needs. These options maintain the island spirit through fresh ingredients and flavorful seasonings.
Vegetarian dishes often incorporate local produce and traditional Hawaiian flavors, ensuring that plant-based eaters do not miss out on the authentic experience. These lighter options provide a refreshing balance to the menu’s richer selections.
Noteworthy Vegetarian Choices
- Vegetable Stir Fry: A medley of fresh vegetables sautéed with garlic and soy sauce.
- Veggie Plate: Options include steamed rice, mac salad, and a choice of vegetable sides like edamame or salad.
- Seaweed Salad: A tangy, umami-rich salad made from various seaweed types.
- Tofu Katsu: Crispy breaded tofu served with tonkatsu sauce, a plant-based alternative to chicken katsu.
The Vegetable Stir Fry is a great way to enjoy local produce with a simple yet flavorful preparation. It pairs well with rice and offers a nutritious option for those seeking lighter fare.
Tofu Katsu is particularly popular for those looking for a protein-packed vegetarian dish with the satisfying crunch of breaded katsu. It’s served with the familiar tonkatsu sauce, creating a comforting and familiar taste.
“Lulu Hawaiian BBQ proves that vegetarian dishes can be just as vibrant and satisfying as their meat counterparts.”
Signature Sauces and Seasonings
A defining feature of Lulu Hawaiian BBQ is its use of signature sauces and seasonings that elevate each dish. These carefully crafted flavors are key to the authentic Hawaiian taste that permeates the menu.
From sweet and savory marinades to tangy and spicy condiments, the sauces bring depth and complexity to every plate. Many recipes are inspired by traditional island cooking methods, updated for today’s palate.
Popular Sauces and Flavor Enhancers
- Teriyaki Sauce: A sweet and savory glaze made with soy sauce, sugar, and ginger.
- Huli Huli Sauce: A tangy barbecue sauce with a hint of sweetness and smokiness.
- Tonkatsu Sauce: A thick, sweet, and tangy sauce often paired with breaded fried items.
- Furikake Seasoning: A dry blend of seaweed, sesame seeds, and dried fish flakes used as a topping.
Teriyaki sauce is a staple in Hawaiian cuisine and is generously applied to grilled meats and vegetables, providing a glossy finish and a burst of umami flavor. The balance of sweetness and saltiness makes it universally appealing.
Huli Huli sauce is unique to Hawaii and is typically used for chicken dishes, imparting a smoky, caramelized flavor that is both comforting and addictive. It’s often the star of the BBQ mixed plates and grilled chicken offerings.
“The sauces at Lulu Hawaiian BBQ are more than condiments—they are the soul of each dish.”
Beverages and Desserts
To complete the meal, Lulu Hawaiian BBQ offers a variety of beverages and desserts that complement the bold flavors of the main dishes. These options highlight both traditional Hawaiian refreshments and sweet treats.
The beverage menu includes refreshing drinks designed to cool and cleanse the palate, while desserts provide a sweet conclusion to the rich meals.
Popular Drinks and Sweets
- Haupia: A traditional coconut milk-based pudding, smooth and subtly sweet.
- Shave Ice: Finely shaved ice drenched in flavored syrups, perfect for hot days.
- Pineapple Juice: Fresh and tangy, capturing the essence of tropical fruit.
- Hawaiian Iced Tea: A refreshing blend of tea with island-inspired flavors.
The haupia dessert is a must-try for those wanting to experience a classic Hawaiian sweet. Its creamy texture and gentle coconut flavor provide a perfect balance after a savory meal.
Shave ice is another iconic Hawaiian treat. It is light, icy, and customizable with various syrup flavors, making it a fun and refreshing way to cool down.
“No Hawaiian meal is complete without a sweet finish, and Lulu’s desserts bring that perfect touch.”
Conclusion
Lulu Hawaiian BBQ’s menu is a vibrant tapestry of Hawaiian culinary traditions and modern tastes, carefully crafted to offer an authentic island dining experience. Its wide variety of plate meals, appetizers, seafood, and vegetarian options ensures there is something for everyone.
The signature sauces and seasonings are the heart of the menu, bringing out bold, memorable flavors that linger long after the meal ends.
Whether you’re indulging in the smoky kalua pork, savoring fresh ahi poke, or enjoying a refreshing shave ice, Lulu Hawaiian BBQ delivers not just food but a celebration of Hawaii’s rich culture and warm hospitality.
The menu’s thoughtful balance of hearty, light, and sweet options makes it a versatile choice for any occasion, from a casual lunch to a festive gathering.
For those seeking a taste of the islands that is both comforting and exciting, Lulu Hawaiian BBQ offers a culinary journey that delights the senses and honors the aloha spirit. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a connection to a unique way of life, full of flavor, warmth, and tradition.
