The Best Food Trucks Cheap Eat Restaurants in Kauai

Wondering if it`s possible to eat a ton of fantastic food without breaking the bank on your trip to Hawaii? You`re in luck! Kauai has several unbelievable food trucks and great cheap eat restaurants. From acai bowls to steam bun sandwiches; this island really does have something for everyone. Keep reading for a list of all of our favorite restaurants and food trucks in Kauai.

Kikuchi`s

Kikuchi’s tops our list of food trucks in Kauai because of how unique and mouth watering this food is! David and I had never tried steam bun sandwiches before visiting and we were completely blown away. These airy, light, melt in your mouth buns are filled with your choice of pulled pork, ginger chicken, or veggies and they also serve a variety of sushi wraps and salads. Don’t miss this one of a kind, husband and wife, run food truck!

Our Recommendations: The Pulled Pork & Chicken Ginger Steam Bun Sandwiches

Anatta`s Thai Street Food

It’s unlikely that you will find anyone who loves Pad Thai quite as much as I do, and this place was authentically delicious! Anatta grew up in Thailand and wanted to bring the dishes and flavours from home with her to Hawaii. She actually started off at a farmers market and has now grown to two permanent locations (one by the airport, and one in Kapaa).

Our Recommendations: The Pad Thai, The Red Curry, and The Spring Rolls

Da Fazenda

This Brazilian food truck was one of my favorite meals on our entire trip! Da Fazenda, which translates to “from the farm” in Portuguese, serves up fantastic traditional plates, seasonal veggie sides, specials and desserts while offering a ton of vegan and gluten free options! I literally put their homemade sauce on everything… it is pure magic!

Our Recommendations: The Pineapple BBQ Chicken Plate

Scorpacciata Neapolitan Pizza

This handmade pizza place was one of our first stops in Kauai and it set the food bar pretty dang high. The creative flavours and fresh ingredients make these mouth-watering pizzas a must try! Scorpacciata’s is open daily for lunch and dinner in Kapaa.

Our Recommendations: The Mediterranean and The Hawaiian

Al Pastor Tacos

Al Pastor Tacos is considered to be of the best Mexican food truck in Kauai among the locals. Between the marinated pork, homemade pico de gallo and unreal guacamole; you’ll love every item on the menu!

Our Recommendations: The Grilled Fish and Chicken Burritos and The Fish Tacos

Hanalei Poke

Poke bowls are a Hawaiian dish you’ve got to try at least once and Hanalei Poke is the place to do it! Poke is diced raw fish sliced into cubes and served over rice with different types of sauce and veggie options. They’ve got fresh and delicious ingredients and even offer a tofu bowl for those of you who aren’t big fish eaters but still want to give it a whirl.

Our Recommendations: The Mac Bowl and The Hawaiian Style

Aloha Juice Bar

Aloha Juice Bar has been a favourite in the Hanalei Big Save parking lot for over 14 years! Serving smoothies, fresh-pressed juices, acai bowls and dole whip soft serve; this is a great place to stop for breakfast or a cold treat on a hot day!

Our Recommendations: The Chocolate, PB & Banana Smoothie and ALL the acai bowls!

Holey Grail Donuts

Home to the original taro donut, Holey Grail Donuts serves up a selection of freshly made donuts and beverages. Open from Wednesday to Sunday, 7 AM to 1 PM, this adorable little food truck is one of the best places to stop for a morning cold brew and a tasting box! Pssst… these taro donuts are also completely vegan!

Our Recommendations: The Tasting Box, The Draft Latte, and the Chocolate Mylk (made with homemade nut milk, cacao, maple, and sea salt!)

JoJo`s Shave Ice

Shave Ice is a must-try in Hawaii, and this is a great place to do it. JoJo’s offers a ton of inventive combinations and make sure to get ice cream in the bottom of your bowl!

Our Recommendations: The Colada Special and The Root Beer Float

In oahu, David and I ate solely at food trucks and loved every minute of it. While that was our initial intention in Kauai as well, there were just too many fantastic little restaurants we couldn’t resist. Each of the cheap eat places below HAS prices similar to food trucks and meals that you don`t want to miss!

Hanalei Bay Pizzeria

This place… I have no words to describe exactly how amazing this pizza really is. The hand-tossed dough is made with local Hawaiian honey and organic extra virgin olive oil. Then it’s allowed to slow-rise for over 48 hours to create a soft and pillowy, breadstick crust. All toppings are freshly sliced and they have some of the best dairy free cheese I have ever had. Like, EVER! It’s the only place that we ate at twice during our trip and let’s be honest; I would have gone more times if David wasn’t constantly pushing me to branch out. Do yourself a favour and get your butt to Hanalei Bay Pizzeria ASAP!

Our Recommendations: The Greek, The Wild Hawaiian, and Rooster Revenge

NOM

NOM is an unreal restaurant serving comfort food with a southern twist. Serving breakfast and lunch food with an entire menu dedicated to milkshakes and cocktails, you’re definitely going to want to add NOM to the top of your list. The owners were lovely and the food was out of this world! They also have a ton of vegan/ gluten-free options.

*UPDATE: Unfortunately, NOM closed over COVID and has yet to reopen*

Our Recommendations: The Rock Out With Ya Guac Out and The NOM

Anakes Juice Bar

If you haven’t tried an acai bowl in Hawaii, have you really even been?? Anakes is actually a mom and pop shop located in the back of a grocery store in Poipu. Don’t let the exterior fool you… the acai bowls are a knockout!

Our Recommendations: The Funky Monkey

Japanese Grandma Café

Japanese Grandma serve the freshest organic food in an adorable little café. The owners father was a master Japanese chef and she has created a menu full of fantastic flavours. make sure to check out the shop inside the café after you eat!