From classic island comfort food to tropical drinks and bakery sweets, these spots offer flavors that can bring Hawai‘i a little closer to Los Angeles.
King’s Hawaiian Bakery and Restaurant
Address: 2808 Sepulveda Blvd, Torrance, CA 90505
Fortunately with food, familiarity breeds… rumbling stomachas. Famously known for their pillowy soft bounce and perfect hint of sweetness to any classic slider, King’s Hawaiian Bakery and Restaurant originates from the fluffy bread brand who happen to also own a full-service restaurant and bakery serving up delicious renditions of Hawaiian local food.
For, third-year environmental science student, Allie Quan describes the classic spot as having “good memories of the board bonding dinner there and the bakery items are especially yummy!” The Paradise cake houses a three-layer light chiffon with syrupy fillings of guava, passionfruit and lime which shine on any dining table with bright neon colors of orange, lime and coral. For those craving a richer bite, the Chocolate Haupia pie, a traditional flaky pie shell filled with smooth chocolate cream and a layer of their haupia, a coconut milk pudding. To top it all off, a chocolate mousse seals the deal and is piped across the border to add to the chocolate delicacy.
Rutt’s Hawaiian Cafe
Address: 11707 Washington Pl, Los Angeles, CA 90066
There is no better way to introduce people to your culture than food. Whether the crowd fills a whole hall or you need a quick lunch on the go, Rutt’s Hawaiian Cafe has you covered with relaxing and bountiful Hawaiian plates. The options are endless with menu items which include pan-fried crispy spam, slow-roasted Kalua Pork which can be paired with filling sides like fluffy rice and savory macaroni salad.
For Hawai‘i Club, Rutt’s Hawaiian Cafe is a fairly close and affordable place to cater for their annual lū’au. Quan, who is also the president of the club, reflects that “our club usually gets our annual lū’au cultural night catering from there and it makes our large cultural gathering perfect.”
7 Mile’s Tea Lab
Address: 2010 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Sawtelle is a go-to food oasis for local UCLA students who need a satisfying meal after studying or a treat to end the night. Pictured as a standout boba spot, 7 Mile’s Tea Lab not only is mixing fresh strong milk and fruit teas but are creating drinks to transport you to a tropical climate.
Fourth-year molecular, cell and developmental biology student, Leah Oasay, raves “I absolutely love 7 Mile’s Mango Pomelo with Boba. I will always and forever be a boba addict and the mango flavor reminds me of home.”
The Mango Pomelo drink packs a blended mouthwateringly sweet and creamy mangos with coconut milk into a slush. The layers are abundant with pomelo pulps that release their mild slight bitter juice upon impact to your tastebuds, agar agar balls that have a hard jelly-like feel and small, chewy sago pearls made of tapioca starch. Depending on the person the drink could be a textural nightmare or a collection of energetic consistencies that provide a contrast of feelings and flavors.
