Farmers Markets Must Tries

We all know that Farmers Markets are known for their abundance of fresh produce like vegetables and fruits. Over the years, though, these humble events have evolved and become a culinary destination for food lovers. Here are a few of Real Big Mouths’ must tries at Farmers Markets on Oʻahu:

(This list is in no particular order and was composed from Farmers Markets that were opened in July 2020. Check online for your nearest Farmers Market.) 

Katsu Sando 808 

If you tasted the Tonkatsu and Chicken Katsu Sandos (sandwiches) from Katsu Sando 808 before, you know that they are legit! But did you know that they have a sandwich, a burger to be exact, that is not on their menu? It is the Wagyu Menchi Katsu Burger. This not-so-impossible burger that is made with Japanese grade Wagyu beef sells fast and orders are taken in advance. To add to the challenge, Katsu Sando 808 only attends the Kakaʻako Farmers Market on Saturdays. Their fine piece of meat (patty) has a crispy panko outside, a gooey cheesy center, “sando” between a tangy katsu sauce and crunchy slaw, and soft Japanese buns. If you are lucky to get your hands on a Wagyu Menchi Katsu Burger, you will be saying “MoOishi!” 

Wicked Hi Slush

Beat the Farmers Market heat and cool down with a honey slush from Wicked Hi Slush. These ice-cool treats are made from fresh pressed juices and naturally sweetened with raw local honey. Their slushies do not come out of a polar bear slurpee machine, but are scooped like sherbert from marine coolers. You can squeeze a variety of flavors--like mango, lilikoi, piña colada, and dragon fruit--in a small cup and take a sweet picture for Instagram. Be cool by strolling the market with a honey slush from Wicked Hi Slush. 

Onda Pasta 

Italian flour, plus local eggs, plus a dude “Straight Outta Italy” equals fresh pasta from Onda Pasta. Elevate your Chef Boyardee skills and bring home gnocchi, squid ink spaghetti, or other styles of handmade pastas. The black pepper gnocchi and paparadelli are very popular. Onda Pasta also offers fresh Ragu, Pomodoro or pesto sauces to compliment their delicious pastas. Buon appetito!

Ōmaʻo Man

You have to ask yourself when a green man, in a green truck, sells a green smoothie, what else does he turn green? It does not matter because it is healthy and delicious. You will probably see a line of people waiting for a mason jar filled with this blended concoction, and it's worth the wait… your bowel will thank you for it. 

Sweet Revenge 

Do not let the size of Sweet Revenge’s pies fool you. These mini pies are deceivingly packed with fillings, fruits, and flavor. Once you take a bite you will beg for more. They received recognition for their Chicken Pot Pie and have other savory pies to indulge in. Do not miss out on a seasonal Mango pie topped generously with chunks of fresh mango or their coveted Strawberry Mochi pie that is drizzled with chocolate all over. Have a cheat day and devour them all!

Tutu’s Tuna/ Poly Hut

Dip tutu dip! Tutu still has it going on with her tasty fish spreads. Made with fish caught here in the Islands and pressure cooked to perfection, you know that this tuna is just what it says it is. Tutu’s Tuna also offers delicious smoked ahi and marlin dip. If you are looking to eat something right then and there, Tutu’s Tuna is partnered with Poly Hut to offer freshly made Tahitian cuisine! Poly Hut offers Ahi Tartare, Poisson Cru, Breadfruit Luau and a sweet treat called Po’e. Poly Hut just opened a couple weeks ago and had quickly become one of our main reasons to hit up the Farmers Market on Tuesdays in Hawaii Kai. 

Farmers Markets are a true representation of Hawaiʻi and a great model of sustainability. They are a blend of innovative concepts and cultures that use local ingredients and products. Support local and visit a community Farmers Market.