Aloha, Tokyo

It may be barely a month since one of Hawaii’s favourite pancake houses, Eggs’n Things, opened its doors in Tokyo – but still the queues of eager customers waiting to get in haven’t shrunk. With a wait of up to two hours – even 30 minutes in the evenings, those who don’t want to line up for a table should try to get there by 9am, when the restaurant opens. Hawaii and all things Hawaiian are so popular in Japan that it’s consistently one of the country’s top ten travel destinations. If you can’t actually get to the islands, we have another suggestion. Sit back, relax and find you little slice of Hawaii at any of these spots.

Eggs’n Things

The extensive all-day-breakfast menu includes pancakes covered in generous portions of cream, and a wide variety of omelettes, so you can enjoy a full breakfast at any time of the day. From 6pm the menu includes special dishes available only at the Tokyo branch, such as the Hawaiian-style fried rice (¥1,000) and Cajun-spiced potatoes (¥800). Come with a big appetite, but be prepared for long queues.
(Full details & map)

Maui Coffee Roasters

Unwind under a slowly turning ceiling fan and a wash of relaxing Hawaiian tunes. The ¥500 Morning Set is available at breakfast and at lunch time any main dish, like Eggs Benedict or Loco Moco, comes with a choice of unlimited soup or iced coffee. The Cobb Salad is a must for those looking for their fill of fresh vegetables.
(Full details & map)

Kahala Nuts!

Kahala Nuts! lovingly hand-roast and sell their nuts at their Ebisu workshop. If you are lucky enough to pop in when they are caramelising the nuts, you’ll be enveloped in a blissful cloud of sweetness. The cinnamon glazed nuts come in six varieties, including macadamia, almond and pecan nut. They make a great snack or even an excellent accompaniment to wine. Four times a year the store also holds classes in how to braid ribbon leis.
(Full details & map)

Teddy's Bigger Burgers

This popular Hawaiian burger joint makes hamburgers with 100% fresh beef patties. These delicious, juicy burgers have won a local newspaper’s Best Burger award six years running since 2004. Burgers come in three sizes: Big (140g), Bigger (200g) and Biggest (255g), but be ready – even the smallest burger weighs in bigger than a Quarter Pounder at McDonalds. If you’re picky about how you like your burger cooked, they can be cooked to order from rare to well done – leave it to the chef and you’ll find yours medium. Top your burger with a choice of fixings such as avocado, bacon, cheddar or American cheese, Cajun seasonings, pastrami and jalapenos. If you’re looking to enjoy authentic large portions and flavours, then this spot is definitely worth a go.
(Full details & map)

Aloha Table Daikanyama Forest

This Hawaiian restaurant is located in a leafy corner of Daikanyama, with a terrace that is a must on sunny days. Lunchtime offers unlimited drinks and soup. The restaurant’s original Loco Moco is made with a blend of 40% brown and 60% white rice, giving it an edge on Tokyo’s run-of-the-mill white rice Loco Moco, and running ¥1,100 for a medium size and ¥1,200 for a large. The dinnertime barbecue menu, featuring favourites like pork spare ribs and spicy chicken is sure to satisfy with its ample servings, making it a perfect place to get together with a large group of friends.
(Full details & map)

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