Zippy’s has become an institution for generations of folks living on Oahu. They’ve evolved over the years from plate lunch stand to family diner to bakery and everything in between.
Of all the great food served here, the superstar of them all is the Chili. Due to numerous fundraiser advertising campaigns and just an overall well-done recipe, the chili embodies the simplicity, consistency and great taste that Zippy’s is known for. As the TV commercial goes, “The Chili’s Good”. This is certainly true.
Another signature item is the Zip Pac…
Zip Pac: Teriyaki Beef, Spam, Mahimahi & Fried Chicken on Rice with Furikake and Daikon – $7.40
Half plate lunch and half bento, the Zip Pac underlines Zippy’s ability to satisfy just about everyone. I would say if you’re new to the islands, put the Zip Pac on your culinary “to do” list, as it gives you a good scope of what eating “local” is all about. There’s also one called the Surf Pac, which is priced even higher at $8.10, but I’d stick with the Zip Pac. The fried chicken is one of the best on the island, and the panko-battered mahimahi is tender and moist. I think what really makes it taste so good is the Furikake on the rice, which suprisingly very few plate lunch restaurants do, considering how relatively cheap this flavorful rice condiment is. The Zip Pac is relatively overpriced as far as bentos or plate lunches are concerned, but satisfaction is almost a guarantee.
Zippy’s has locations all over Oahu, which are all corporate-owned, not franchised. Because of that, as said above, they have a coveted reputation for quality and consistency. All their restaurants are clean well staffed and maintained. Most locations include a take-out counter and dine-in restaurant, as well as Napoleon’s Bakery which is famous for their “Napples”, a filo-wrapped apple turnover.
Menu items include everything from plate lunches, soups, burgers, sandwiches and salads. They also have a comprehensive website that ships many of their signature items in frozen packages.
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Pomai,
You’re so right!!!! All these years and I still can not get enough of those two items. They always satisfy the cravings and “hit the spot”. Somehow, their chili can not be duplicated. It just has it’s own flavors. Just had their chili hot dog plate earlier this week. I’ve hear that Zippy’s do not “broast” their chicken anymore. Have you heard anything about that??? If you’re on the Kaneohe side, you’re got to try KJ’s Drive Inn fried chicken. It’s in the Kaneohe Shopping Center, across of Longs. Good stuff.
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Sounds like Hawaii’s version of British Columbia’s White Spot. I agree. A must-visit.
- Chubbypanda
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i heard the chili has mayo in it. not sure if it’s true.
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Sorry, gave out wrong information earlier. It’s Windward City Shopping Center – KJ’s Local Grindz.
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um… buoni, realmente buoni luogo e molto utile;)
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the special ingridient is peanut butter… try it
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if it’s peanut butter, shouldn’t they let people know who are allergic to peanuts? my friend is quite allergic to peanuts and she eats the chili all the time and no reaction….???
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Nope the special ingredient is cream of mushroom soup
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Pingback from Local Style Chili #1 - Made Healthier on February 22, 2008 at 5:42 am
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I heard from my daughter’s allergist that the chili does contain peanut butter and agree it needs to be more specified.
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Brandy and boo, if it really is peanut butter that’s their “secret ingredient” in the chili, I’ll be darned. With all these peanut allergy issues, I’m sure they can figure out how to make it taste the same without it.
Speaking of Cream of Mushroom Soup, that’s a great “secret ingredient” for making a fantastic Filipino Dinuguan. I tried it. It’s EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT. Masarap! So silky, deep and rich with flavor. Just like a good blood stew should be.
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