Best Shave Ice?
So good, it takes two hands
Where is the best shave ice on O'ahu? I have a short list of locations that are essential to include in any sort of comparison, but I'm also looking for those smaller, hole-in-the-wall stores that can dish out pure heaven in a cup. Suggestions?
I'll be dining nearly exclusively on shave ice for a while, and will report back soon after... assuming sugar shock doesn't kill me.
Matsumoto's is my pick and when I can't get out there, I take out my old style crank shave ice maker and make my own :)
Alan,
You must visit B&S (Shimizu Store) at the corner of Frog Lane. Winnahs!
I am a shaved ice whore. I've tried tons of places here in search of the "one." So far I've narrowed it down to two, Tropicana and Waiola. Texture is of the up most importance when it comes to shaved ice. It should be soft, fine and fluffy. I still have yet to write about both in my food blog www.Cheapplacestoeatinoahuhawaii.com
Let me know what you think or if you fine one that's better.
There are two places in Aiea that you could try. Ice Garden is in the Aiea Shopping Center above Times Supermarket and Baldwin's in the Waimalu Shopping Center where you'll also find Shiros, Waimalu Chop Suey and Chun Wah Kam.
The best shave ice place may not necessarily be the the one with the best shave ice. I think where you enjoy your shave ice is a huge part of enjoying it. I think it's important to distinguish if it is the shave ice itself that you like, or the place. Ideally the best would have both.
For example, sure Matsumoto's has some nice shave ice. But they've got some mean flies buzzing around because of all the melted stuff all over the floor. And usually it's standing room only, directly in the hot sun.
But Wailoa Store has nice shave ice AND is positioned well, so in the afternoon, the sun doesn't get you directly, and the "eating turnover rate" is quick so that you can have a seat on the bench, enjoy the clear blue skies in the shade. Fewer flies too.
My vote: Waiola Store - no ka `oi!Thank you everyone for the suggestions so far. A couple (the Aiea ones) are places I've not yet been. Time to correct that, ASAP. The others are due for reacquainting.
Rick, the shave ice is central, but you're right that it's not the only factor. You have to take in the whole setting.
Jung's got my vote, its located on king across the street from washington inter.
Hey Alan!
I second Ice Garden, espcially their custard shave ice bowl - out of this world! hehe.
I was just at Waiola's II on Kapahulu today...for some reason it never tastes anywhere near as good as the original Waiolas.
Ryan, don't think I've ever been to Jung's. I'll have to try it out.
Kathy, I agree. The original Waiola has a certain charm that can't be duplicated.
HTK Hawaii (aka Hawaiian Snow) also makes pretty good shave ice! They are a major supplier for shave ice stores around the island. If you go in and pretend to be interested in a machine, they will make you a free shave ice as a demo! The flavors are good and the texture is soft! :)
I recently went to Japan and you cant go anywhere with out running into shaved ice, its all over the place there.
My husband and I was driving to H-1 freeway when we wanted to have something cold. We stopped in at shimizu store. I must say their shave ice is the "BOMB" The texture of the shave ice is so fine fluffy and soft, and the flavors are SOOOOO ONO!!
Iam a concierge at one of the most prestigious hotels on the island.
I used to recommend MAtsumoto's... NOT ANYMORE!!
Yes its kinda out of the way of all the crowds but that is where you would usually find the best resturants too.
You People gotta go try it!!! ALOHA!!
KNW, Shimazu Store is on my short list, once I pick this thread back up again and report what I've found. Thanks for the recommendation.