A-loooo-ha! We found authentic Hawaiian food in Shibuya, Tokyo and it’s not from McDonald’s. This week the Golden Arches franchise introduced a Hawaiian inspired menu offering a Hawaiian Barbecue Pork Burger, Loco Moco Burger, and a few choice desserts. As part of their World Mac campaign, the menu is only here for a limited time. Not to worry though. L&L Hawaiian Dining Café in Tokyo serves authentic Hawaiian barbecue and it’s here to stay!
L&L Drive-Inn was founded in 1976 on Liliha Street in Honolulu, Hawaii. At that time it was called L&L Drive-Inn. In 1999, L&L was introduced to the mainland U.S.A. under the business name “L&L Hawaiian Barbecue” to clearly identify themselves to residents who have never been to the Hawaiian Islands. Today, L&L has expanded to include four International locations: Japan, New Zealand, China and Indonesia. Operations in Shibuya, Tokyo, began in June 2010, and in April 2012 it was reopened as a dining café. Not quite Hawaii, but I’d say it’s the next best thing after you’ve found yourself roaming through the famous Shibuya scramble crossing all wrapped up in winter attire.
Due to the interior design of lanai-like seating (Hawaiian porch) at L&L Hawaiian Dining Café in Tokyo, faux windows are zipped up and portable heaters will keep you warm and cozy in the chilly months. The exterior may change each season, but one thing is constant. The L&L signage paired with the yellow surfboards and red hibiscus flora out on the storefront instantly take me back to beach days in Hawaii.
Let me introduce to you the Hawaiian Plate Lunch. The traditional plate lunch consists of two servings of rice, a serving of macaroni salad, and features a generous serving of a hot entrée such as fried shrimp and mahi-mahi, or barbecue short ribs, chicken, and beef, marinated in a flavorful blend of ingredients unique to the islands.
Then there’s the Loco Moco, Hawaii’s ultimate plate lunch and comfort food. This dish includes white rice topped with a hamburger patty, a fried egg, and smothered with brown gravy. Break the egg with your fork and mix it all up for a taste of the best fast food on the islands (or in Japan).
At L&L Tokyo, their menu is pretty substantial for a small café and portion sizes are American style (this means large!). The Loco Moco options are served with a Japanese twist. You can either have yours topped with the standard brown gravy, or try it with curry, teriyaki, salsa, or chili. Choose from chicken, beef, or short ribs for the BBQ Plate Lunch. Or, garlic shrimp, chicken katsu, or mah-mahi to make it a Fried Plate Lunch.
For patrons with a bigger appetite, the Big Plate Lunch with either a BBQ Mix (all three meats) or Special Mix (all BBQ and Fried options) might just put you in a food coma. A Healthy Plate option, Burgers and Beer, are also available. And if you still have room, why not go for the stacked pancakes topped off with whipped cream and fresh fruit. Oh! Don’t forget to add a side of SPAM Musubi to top off your Hawaiian dining experience as a “local.” Shaka brah! \mn/
