The Island of Kauai has gained considerable steam in recent years as visitors who have "been there, done that" on Oahu and Maui seek out new adventures on an island that's not-yet-so developed.
That, combined with a new influx of transplants, has resulted in a budding culinary scene for an island traditionally known as a "bland" destination-stemming from the plantation era when gummy white rice and fried beef stew stood atop menus.
Now, things are changing, and rapidly so.
This year, three Kauai restaurants were named on Yelp's Top 100 Places to Eat for 2017: Porky's, Makai Sushi, and Nom Kauai. All three have helped to change the landscape of what has traditionally been done in Kauai's kitchens.
NOM Kaua'i Owner Thomas Fuquay attributes Kauai's-and his own-rise to two things: 1) An influx of new chefs to Hawaii and 2) the changing palate of tourists who visit. He said he's a part of a new wave of chefs who have moved to Hawaii in recent years that seek to push the boundaries of its traditional options, pleasing a new class of clientele that expects more from its food.
"When I got here, I saw the abundance of fresh produce and delicious fish and island-raised beef, and I started working my way through restaurants, only to find that every menu had sort of the same thing," Fuquay said of his arrival eight years ago.
"It used to be that tourists wanted to see coconut shrimp, poke nachos, macadamia-nut encrusted mahi: It was always a Hawaiian Pacific Rim menu. But I think that whole scene is kind of dying down. Everyone is a foodie now; everyone has good taste now. You can't hide from that. A lot of new chefs here on the island are trying to do something different."
Below are five restaurants to check out that embody this new movement. Those interested in learning more should check out Tasting Kauai Food Tours. Additionally, owner and operator Marta Lane is the island's only full-time food writer and has written a restaurant guide on Kauai's evolving food scene.
Porky's
For all the talk of the island's elevating food scene, it's fitting and a bit funny that a hot dog cart like Porky's would make the Yelp list.
It goes to show that while local ingredients are important, it's not all about organic vegetables and healthy eating. Taste, above all else, is at the center of the movement. Porky's patrons have gone crazy for its grilled pineapple pork sausage, which combines two beloved Hawaiian staples.
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Makai Sushi
This high-quality sushi stand sits unassumingly in the Kukuiula Market. It is owned and operated by chef Matt Oliver, who was born and raised on Kauai and has developed a following for his Gorilla Ahi Bowl, a twist on the locally-beloved poke bowl with ahi, salmon and ono.
Nom Kauai
This food truck is permanently parked in Kapaa, right on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. It is the fastest-growing success story on the island, developing a voracious following after opening in September 2015 by specializing in chicken and waffles and big, cheesy beef burgers.
"This is where I go when I want something that's super tasty, affordable and with a view," Lane said. "All of their burgers are made with grass-fed beef that was raised 5 miles away and served on fresh-baked taro brioche buns. They are behemoths, and my husband devours the ranchero burger with cheddar, jalapenos and a fried egg. I always order the fried chicken and waffles with pineapple bourbon butter."
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Hanalei Taro & Juice
In 2000, Haraguchi Farms opened its food truck, Hanalei Taro & Juice, on Kaua'i's north shore. It's still one of the most popular food trucks on the island today, and the farm has now been in operation for more than 100 years.
Go here for plate lunches and taro smoothies.
Monkeypod Jam Café
This breakfast joint works with more than 25 Kauai farmers to create about 55 seasonal preserves. You can give them a try in the café and buy some to take home.
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