The 8 Must-Try Dishes at Zippy’s: Hawaii’s Beloved Local Diner
Explore the essential flavors of Hawaii through Zippy's most iconic dishes, blending tradition, comfort, and local flair.
Zippy’s isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a cherished institution in Hawaii. Known for its diverse menu that captures the unique blend of cultures defining Hawaiian food, Zippy’s has served as a home away from home for locals and visitors alike since opening its first location in 1966. From their legendary chili to innovative fusion dishes and sweet bakery treats, Zippy’s menu is a culinary map of Hawaii’s history and taste traditions. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning local seeking comfort, these eight dishes define the Zippy’s experience.
Why Zippy’s Holds a Special Place in Hawaii
Zippy’s grew from a single eatery to a beloved chain by mastering the art of the local plate lunch and infusing familiar flavors with a personal, homestyle touch. It has become a community gathering spot, a late-night staple, and a must-stop for those craving the soul of Hawaii on a plate. Their commitment to quality and variety makes Zippy’s the ultimate destination for comfort food with a distinct Hawaiian twist.
Let’s take a tour of the eight must-try dishes that embody the culinary spirit of Zippy’s.
1. Zippy’s Famous Chili
Zippy’s Chili is legendary in Hawaii—the quintessential dish that put the diner on the culinary map. Unlike Tex-Mex or mainland styles, their chili features a unique blend of ground beef, kidney beans, Portuguese sausage, and an unmistakable spice blend that creates a slightly sweet, hearty, and comforting profile. It can be enjoyed in several variations, making it a dish with endless possibilities.
- Chili with Rice: Classic and simple, served with two scoops of white rice. The local favorite.
- Chili Frank: Topped with chopped hot dogs, a satisfying twist for meat lovers.
- Chili Moco: A creative take on loco moco, featuring chili over a hamburger patty, rice, and eggs.
- Chili Cheese Fries: Golden fries drenched in rich chili and cheese sauce—an addictive option.
The rich, slightly sweet, and subtly spicy chili is so beloved that Zippy’s even retails frozen versions in grocery stores statewide. Locals often pick up containers of chili for family parties, potlucks, or nights when only Zippy’s comfort will do.
2. The Signature Zip Pac
The Zip Pac is the plate lunch perfected. Imagine a bento box showcasing Hawaii’s multicultural influences—a bed of rice topped with a fried chicken drumstick, Korean-style teriyaki beef, a slice of Spam, and battered white fish fillet, garnished with Japanese-style furikake (seaweed seasoning).
- Perfect for indecisive eaters: The Zip Pac allows a little taste of everything the islands love.
- Travel-friendly: It’s designed for portability, making it ideal for beach picnics, work lunches, or road trips.
- Customizable: Other variants include the Saimin Zip Pac (with noodles) and the Mini Zip Pac (smaller portions).
Biting into a Zip Pac is like taking a culinary tour of the islands’ favorite flavors. It’s the go-to meal for locals when they want a filling and satisfying taste of home.
3. Saimin: Hawaii’s Iconic Noodle Soup
Saimin is Hawaii’s answer to ramen—a noodle soup with roots in Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino culinary traditions. At Zippy’s, their saimin is a soothing pick for any time of day. The clear, light broth is served with wheat noodles, char siu (roast pork slices), fish cake, green onions, and egg. It’s the ultimate comfort food, especially after a day at the beach or during cooler evenings.
- Upgrade it: Order the Wun Tun Min, which adds house-made wontons (dumplings) for extra texture and flavor.
- Family favorite: Saimin appeals to all ages and is often recommended for children’s meals.
Slurping a bowl of Zippy’s saimin connects diners with decades of Hawaii’s local food heritage—simple, satisfying, and deeply nostalgic.
4. Korean Fried Chicken
Korean Fried Chicken at Zippy’s is a crispy, sticky, and slightly spicy treat. Each piece of chicken is marinated, then double-fried for an audible crunch before being tossed in a sweet, garlicky, and mildly spicy glaze. The result is a flavor explosion that blends Korean technique with Hawaii’s penchant for bold, memorable flavors.
- Great as a meal or appetizer: Order it on a plate lunch or as a party platter for sharing.
- Popular combo: Pair with rice and macaroni salad, or get it as a breakfast plate with eggs and toast.
The addictive glaze and satisfying crunch have turned this item into a menu mainstay and a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
5. Loco Moco
No survey of Hawaii’s comfort food is complete without mentioning Loco Moco. Zippy’s version of this beloved dish starts with a scoop of steamed rice, topped with a juicy hamburger patty, covered in velvety brown gravy, and crowned with a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg.
- Ultimate comfort: Each bite is the perfect harmony of savory, creamy, and hearty.
- Zippy’s twist: Their gravy is rich and flavorful, binding all the components together.
- Popular at any hour: Loco Moco works as breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a late-night snack.
This is soul food in the truest Hawaiian sense—equal parts filling and nostalgic.
6. Chicken Katsu Curry
Chicken Katsu Curry is a celebration of Japanese influence in Hawaiian cuisine. At Zippy’s, tender chicken cutlets are breaded and deep-fried until golden and crispy, then served atop steaming white rice and drenched in a mild, aromatic Japanese-style curry sauce. Potatoes, carrots, and onions in the curry bring a hearty, warming touch.
- Perfect for curry lovers: The harmony of crispy katsu and smooth curry sauce is unforgettable.
- Alternative proteins: Substitute with beef, pork, or shrimp katsu for variety.
This dish perfectly embodies Hawaii’s ability to fuse comfort with global flavors, creating plate lunches that locals crave again and again.
7. Apple Napple and Bakery Treats
No visit to Zippy’s is complete without exploring the Napples from their in-house bakery. The Apple Napple is a flaky, golden-brown turnover filled with tender apple filling and kissed with a delicate glaze—a Hawaiian twist on the classic apple strudel. The bakery’s reputation for fresh, high-quality treats is well deserved.
- Other favorites: Guava chiffon cake, malasadas (sugar-dusted Portuguese donuts), and custard pies round out the options.
- Available all day: Grab a sweet treat for breakfast, dessert, or as a midday snack.
Locals often pop in just for a hot Napple or slice of cake, turning Zippy’s into a dessert destination in its own right.
8. Portuguese Bean Soup
Portuguese Bean Soup is an essential Hawaiian comfort dish that brings together the islands’ immigrant heritage in one warming bowl. Zippy’s version is robust and flavorful, packed with smoked Portuguese sausage, kidney beans, potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and celery in a tomato-based broth. Savory and filling, it’s the ideal meal for a rainy day or a healing pick-me-up.
- Legacy dish: Showcases the strong Portuguese influence on Hawaii’s culinary traditions.
- Satisfying and hearty: Works equally well as a starter or a full meal with bread or rice.
This soup is comfort in a bowl—the best way to warm up and nourish yourself, local style.
Taste the Diversity: Zippy’s Unique Role in Hawaii’s Food Culture
What sets Zippy’s apart is its ability to bring together flavors from so many traditions—Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Filipino, and classic American—and make them feel distinctly Hawaiian. Their menu offers not only the classics but also seasonal specials, featuring island produce and chef’s innovations, ensuring there’s always something new to try.
- Plate lunches: The foundation of Zippy’s menu, allowing you to mix and match favorites.
- Bakery: A destination within a destination, with fresh treats always on offer.
- Late-night service: Many locations are open 24/7, making it the ultimate late-night comfort stop.
- Something for everyone: Kid-friendly meals, vegetarian options, and customizable plates ensure every diner leaves satisfied.
From family dinners to late-night cravings, Zippy’s brings people together over food that tells Hawaii’s story with every bite. Whether you crave the bold flavors of chili and katsu, the comfort of soup and noodles, or a sweet finish from the bakery, Zippy’s delivers an experience that’s cherished by generations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What makes Zippy’s chili so special in Hawaii?
A: Zippy’s chili combines ground beef, kidney beans, and Portuguese sausage in a secret spice blend, creating a sweet-savory flavor profile unique to Hawaii. It’s iconic as both a dish on its own and as an add-on to other menu favorites.
Q: Can I try a little of everything at Zippy’s?
A: Absolutely! The Zip Pac sampler packs multiple plate lunch staples into one bento, letting you taste fried chicken, fish, beef, and Spam on one plate.
Q: Are there vegetarian or vegan dishes available at Zippy’s?
A: While Zippy’s is known for meat-heavy classics, some locations offer vegetarian options like salads and saimin with tofu or vegetables. Always check the latest menu or speak to the staff for dietary accommodations.
Q: What are Napples, and why are they famous?
A: Napples are Zippy’s signature apple turnovers—flaky pastries filled with sweet apple filling—baked fresh and beloved for breakfast or dessert. Their unique taste and fresh-from-the-oven quality have earned them a cult following.
Q: Is Zippy’s only in Hawaii?
A: While most Zippy’s locations are across Hawaii, the brand continues to expand and has even opened locations on the mainland U.S., bringing a taste of local comfort food to new audiences.
Q: What are the best sides to order with Zippy’s plate lunches?
A: The classic Hawaiian plate lunch combo is rice and macaroni salad, but you can mix it up with French fries, green salad, or even a scoop of chili.
Experience Zippy’s: More Than Just a Diner
For decades, Zippy’s has been more than just a restaurant. It’s where locals gather after long nights, families celebrate milestones, and visitors get their first authentic taste of Hawaii’s diverse food culture. With these eight must-try dishes, you’ll experience everything that has made Zippy’s a legend—and understand why “going Zippy’s” is a time-honored Hawaii tradition.
