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{USA} Local Food, a Hidden Gem Serving the Best Kalua Pork in Maui

On our recent trip to Maui, we stumbled upon this hidden gem of a shack called “Local Food”. It was on the way to our hotel and had great reviews on Yelp. We were a little skeptical when we saw that it was a little “shack” in an old strip mall with just two tables out front but we’re so glad we stayed and gave it a go!

Three words to sum it up – Best Kalua Pork!

Kalua Pork

Best Kalua Pork we’ve had in Maui! It’s tender, juicy, lightly smoky and lightly salted! Mouth watering! They serve it with rice and salad (instead of mac & cheese)!

After a week in Maui and trying many other Hawaiian restaurants, we have to say that “Local Food” is still the best place for Kalua Pork on the island that we’ve had! Even the frequently recommended Aloha Mixed Plate restaurant that serves similar dishes didn’t come close to the deliciousness of the kalua pork served by Local Food!

“Kalua” means “to bake in a ground oven” in Hawaiian. At its best, kalua pork is tender, juicy, lightly smoky and lightly salted — exactly how Local Food serves it!

The store was started about 7 years ago. It is run by a friendly couple named Menba and Victor. Their three kids help out as needed around the store. They are a friendly lot. They told us stories of how the buildings in the strip mall used to be a motel and how the parking lot used to be a swimming pool.

Menba mentioned that they also served Adobo, a traditional philipino dish, on some days. They didn’t have Adobo when we were there so we didn’t get to try it. Besides the kalua pork, we also ordered and enjoyed their lau lau and loco moco. The Kalua Pork was the best though!

Menba, Victor and family

Menba, Victor and their three daughters run Local Food.

Local Food

Local Food is a little shack in a strip mall. Don’t judge it by its cover! Order the Kalua Pork!

Local Food

A simple set up that serves delicious kalua pork plate lunch for $7!

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Menu

Menu at Local Food. We highly recommend the kalua pork with cabbage!

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lau lau

Lau Lau is also delicious. Pork was tender and juicy!

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Juicy lau lau

Lau Lau was juicy and flavorful!

Loco moco

Their loco moco is served with fried rice and no mac & cheese. We welcomed the substitution of the mac & cheese with the salad (healthier option, definitely)!!

It was so good, we went back a second time to Local Food before we left Maui. This is a definite meal stop for us next time we’re back in Maui!

 

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REMEMBER:

  1. Local Food is located at 222 Papalaua St, Ste 202, Lahaina, HI 96761. Their phone number is (808) 667-2882.
  2. We had the best kalua pork while in Maui at Local Food.
  3. They also serve good lau lau and loco moco. We have not tried the other dishes, so we’re not sure how good the other dishes are.
  4. “Don’t judge a book by its covers!”. Don’t get put off by the looks of the storefront. Order the kalua pork plate lunch and then make your judgement.
  5. Local Food was started about 7 years ago by Menba & Victor.
  6. If you’re in Maui, be sure to give Local Food a go!
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Have you been to Local Food? What is your favorite restaurant that serves kalua pork in Maui?

If you liked this post, don’t forget to like, +1, tweet, stumble and share this post!

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31 Comments

  1. Mark Wiens October 30, 2011 Reply

    Ohhhh! It’s been a few years since I’ve had Hawaiian food, and after reading this post I want some so badly. I’ve never been to Local Food, but if I’m in Kailua next time I’m going to check it out. Awesome photos!
    Mark Wiens recently posted..Photo Favorite: Motorcycle Taxi Drivers Lining Up in BangkokMy Profile

  2. Sailor
    Twitter:
    October 28, 2011 Reply

    Wow! The food looks very delicious and colorful!
    Sailor recently posted..Santhome High Road ChennaiMy Profile

  3. Kris Koeller
    Twitter:
    October 25, 2011 Reply

    I LOVE loco moco. We had it at least once a day during our recent trips to Hawaii. Its not health food, but perfect for when you’re on vacation!
    Kris Koeller recently posted..Daily Photo: Parrot Cay BeachMy Profile

  4. jenjenk
    Twitter:
    October 24, 2011 Reply

    mmm…will have to try it the next time I’m there!!
    jenjenk recently posted..Turkey: The Kind and Friendly TurksMy Profile

  5. adventureswithben
    Twitter:
    October 24, 2011 Reply

    It doesn’t look like much from the front, so it’s great that you shared it.
    adventureswithben recently posted..Norman Love Chocolates: Tiny, Beautiful, Delicious, Expensive and Worth ItMy Profile

  6. Christy @ Ordinary Traveler
    Twitter:
    October 24, 2011 Reply

    Usually those shack places have the best food. They don’t bother wasting time with ambiance because they know it’s all about the food. 🙂 Nice find!
    Christy recently posted..Red Tide Magic – Bioluminescence Captured With Video and Night PhotographyMy Profile

  7. Jeremy Branham
    Twitter:
    October 24, 2011 Reply

    I’ve never been a big fan of food but this looks delicious!
    Jeremy Branham recently posted..Fall colors in northern California: Hope Valley Autumn leavesMy Profile

  8. Jan Ross
    Twitter:
    October 24, 2011 Reply

    Some of the best food we had recently when we were in New York was in tiny, hole-in-the-wall restaurants that could only cram in a few tables. We had the best homemade ravioli in a tiny place in Little Italy. It’s really worth it to seek out those small, local restaurants.
    Jan Ross recently posted..Summing Up the Norwegian JewelMy Profile

  9. Annie - FootTracker October 24, 2011 Reply

    Have to agree, never judge by its cover! The best food I found while traveling is also one of those small places that tourists normally would not notice. ^_^ Love the loco moco photo…it made me hungry.
    Annie – FootTracker recently posted..Monterey (5) One Devilish Treat @Lily Mae’s Cinnamon RollsMy Profile

  10. Laurel
    Twitter:
    October 24, 2011 Reply

    I love little places like this and the food looks really good!
    Laurel recently posted..Keeping Travel Memories AliveMy Profile

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