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Kalua Pork
About
Hawai’i Nei Cafe
Welcome to the vibrant flavors of Hawai’i Nei Cafe, located at 801 Chestnut St, San Marcos, TX. This hidden gem is not just a food truck; it’s a delightful culinary experience that transports you straight to the islands of Hawaii with every bite.
The moment you step up to the cheerful service counter, you're greeted by the warmth and kindness of the owners. They are passionate about their craft, and their friendly demeanor sets the tone for a memorable meal. As one customer, Erin Ruthven, shared, the service here is lightning-fast, with portions that are not only generous but made with care. You'll feel right at home as they take the time to learn your name and ensure that your experience is nothing short of stellar.
Now, let’s dive into the highlights of the menu. The kalua pork is a standout dish, praised for its fork-tender texture and juicy flavor profile. Pair it with the hand-made macaroni salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. The fresh scallions sprinkled atop offer a burst of color and flavor that elevates this classic dish. For those craving a taste of tradition, the spam musubi and kimchi fried rice are must-tries, providing a fusion of savory delight that tantalizes the taste buds.
If you're in the mood for something lighter yet equally flavorful, the poke bowl has gained rave reviews as the best in town. Customers like Cesar Sotelo rave about the love that's infused into every dish, highlighting just how important the personal touch is to the dining experience here.
Hawai’i Nei Cafe isn’t just a stop for food; it’s an invitation to indulge in the essence of Hawaiian culture, community, and joy. Each dish is crafted with attention to detail and a deep respect for tradition, making it a true haven for food lovers. As you savor your meal, you are not just tasting flavors; you're experiencing a slice of Hawaiian hospitality that warms the heart and feeds the soul.
With prices that are surprisingly reasonable for the quality offered, there's no reason to opt for fast food when you can enjoy a delectable feast at Hawai’i Nei Cafe. Set aside the drive-through; your taste buds will thank you for discovering this culinary treasure. So, whether you’re a local or just passing through, do yourself a favor and pay a visit to Hawai’i Nei Cafe. You won’t regret it!
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ I am so happy we found Hawai'i Nei Cafe. The vendor was so friendly, the food came out lightning fast and the portions were huge. She offered a complimentary water while I waited. She called me by name when taking my order (from the card), and I even got a little buzzer to let us know when it was ready. It was almost no need as it was ready before I finishedI filling up my van with gas. The pork was fork tender and juicy, and the macaroni sauce was clearly hand-made. The fresh scallions added to the flavor. For 11 this was a STEAL. No reason to go to a drive-through when this food is cheaper, faster, healthier, and made with love. ”
“ The 2 owners are some of the kindest people I’ve ever met. The food is amazing and they are always smiling. If you get a chance to order from this truck feel free to talk to the owners they’re truly kind and what the world needs more of. Your friend J ”
“ Love the customer service here! The staff is super sweet and always helpful. The food is amazing, especially the poke which is full of flavor and very filling. The musubi is also fresh and delicious. ”
“ This place was absolutely incredible! The lady working when we ordered was so nice and friendly. The kalua pork was phenomenal— juicy, flavorful, and the texture was PERFECT. The spam musubi was standard and pretty tasty. The Kimchi fried rice was amazing. I’d never had it before, so I was pleasantly surprised. My partner had the loco moco, and LOVED it. Mac salad was also bangin’. Overall the price was really good for all of the yummy food we got. Definitely 1000/10 recommend y'all give it a try. ”
“ This is the best poke bowl in Austin! The owners are incredible people, extremely kind, and always such a pleasure to see. You can taste the love and joy they put into their food and you can bet they will always greet you with a smile! Seriously cannot recommend Hawaii Nei Cafe enough! A staple in South Austin, we are extremely lucky to have you guys!!! ”
“ Listen up ppl! Once you start coming, you will not be able to find another local spot with authentic Hawaiian culture and taste! The owner Lauren, brings the knowledge and delicate traditions from her island of Oahu straight to the South Austin! You can’t go wrong with Loco Moco at breakfast time, Teriyaki Musubi for a quick lunch/snack, or the BBQ Shoyu Chicken for dinner. Don’t sleep on the Mac Salad or the Li Hung Pineapples; fantastic options for each dish! Be sure to check the website before you order to ensure your food item isn’t sold out for the day since their hours are dependent upon the food they sell! Enjoy ”
“ 5/5 kalbi - large portion of short ribs, flavor is on point. Sometimes you order these at places and its too much fat. Thats not an issue here, so much meat! 5/5 kimchi - it was at my favorite ripeness level and great flavor 2/5 mac salad - too sweet for me 4/5 egg rolls 5/5 musubi - it was huge! The lady who works or owns this food truck is such a sweet person, so bright, and a joy to talk to. I will be back!! ”
“ Excellent food and very friendly owners here as well. My favorite is the pork kimchi fried rice and my wife likes the various poke (spicy, teriyaki, etc) here. Not only is the pork fried rice amazing, but it's enough to fill me for three meals! Their shrimp tempura is super tasty as well, as are the egg rolls. Very happy to have discovered this little gem of a trailer, and doubly happy that it's so close to home. It's a quick Doordash delivery, and a SUPER quick pickup. I placed tonight's order over the phone and they said they'd have it ready in 10 minutes. Sure enough, it was. Highly recommend this place! ”