When I first saw the phrase “furikake ‘Animal’ sauce” on the lunch menu at Roy’s Waikīkī, decision-making became easy. I just had to try that sambal plum-glazed C.A.B. 8-ounce burger ($27) — served with french fries and the aforementioned sauce — which is one of the new dishes on the lunch menu at Roy’s Waikīkī.
Roy’s Waikīkī offered lunch prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, but didn’t bring it back until this past Tuesday. Lunch is served daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The lunch menu features some of the eatery’s signature dishes — like big-eye blackened ʻahi ($76), misoyaki butterfish ($60), kanpachi crudo ($25) and Roy’s Szechuan pork ribs ($22) — along with lunch-only exclusives.
It’s hard to beat the classics; the blackened ahi with soy-mustard butter is a must, and the pork ribs are glazed liberally with sticky Mongolian sauce. Meanwhile, the fresh crudo swims in a pool of savory yuzu kosho white soy sauce that I can never get enough of.
Exclusive dishes include gochujang white shrimp ($26), sambal plum-glazed C.A.B. (certified Angus Beef) 8-ounce burger ($27) and “CY” chirashi ($28). The latter is a seafood lover’s dream with maguro, kanpachi, sake, blue crab mix, crispy shrimp and garlic soy.
Sambal has a complex flavor profile — sweet, tangy and a tad of spice — but this glaze is on the sweeter side. It’s offset nicely by the fries and accompanying sauce, which is like a thicker Thousand Island dressing with furikake bits. If you have leftovers, ask for extra sauce to go.
Be forewarned: This dish is kanak attack-inducing, so good luck trying to get any work done afterwards.
During a media preview, we got smaller portions of some of the dishes, in order to taste as much as possible. The Gochujang white shrimp had a nice, crispy exterior, and it’s served on a bed of creamy risotto. The tan tan risotto was cooked perfectly with a slight spice.
While dessert isn’t officially on the lunch menu, it will be added soon. In the meantime, ask your server about any featured options. The peanut butter crunch bar ($18), which is on the eatery’s dinner menu, is an indulgent choice. Imagine an elevated version of a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup with a crispy, wafer-like crust.
If you’d rather drink your dessert, opt for the pineapple dream ($20). This sweet slushie-like drink — blended Kōloa Rum, coconut, pineapple, drunken pineapples and strawberry guava puree — is a refreshing option, especially if you’ve ordered something savory for lunch. If you want to take this to the next level, order a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add on top. It gives the drink a creamier texture, reminiscent of a milkshake.
Pro tip: Valet parking is free at Embassy Suites Waikīkī porte cochere from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with restaurant validation. Customers must present a same-day restaurant receipt for $10 or more to the valet, accompanied by the validated parking ticket.
In other words: Getting Roy’s Waikīkī for lunch just got that much easier.
CONTACT
Roy’s Waikīkī
Waikīkī Beach Walk
226 Lewers St., Honolulu
808-923-7697
royyamaguchi.com/roys-waikiki-oahu
Instagram: @royshawaii
Lunch: Daily, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
