Where is Rice & Fries located in Waikiki?
Rice & Fries food truck is located at 2002 Kalakaua Avenue in Honolulu, Hawaii, at the intersection of Kalakaua and Kaiulani. The truck operates in a food truck park with outdoor seating including picnic tables with tiki umbrellas. Look for the ABC Store nearby as a landmark. The location is about a 10-15 minute walk from Hilton Hawaiian Village and Ilikai Hotel along Ala Moana Boulevard.
What are Rice & Fries' hours of operation?
Rice & Fries is open for dinner and late night service. Monday through Thursday and Sunday: 5 PM to 10 PM. Friday and Saturday: 5 PM to 12 AM (midnight), making it one of the few late-night food options in Waikiki. Hours may change, so check their Instagram @riceandfrieshi for the latest updates.
What should I order at Rice & Fries?
The K-Loco Moco ($18) is the #1 best seller and signature dish - it's a Korean twist on Hawaii's classic loco moco with a bulgogi patty, fried egg, and kimchi gravy over rice. Also highly recommended are the Animal Style Fries ($14), handmade fried mandoo dumplings ($9), and the house-made plum-ade drink ($3). For families, David recommends sharing plates with the K-Loco Moco and adding sides.
Does Rice & Fries have vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes! Rice & Fries takes dietary restrictions seriously and uses dedicated cookware and recipes specifically for vegan and vegetarian guests to prevent cross-contamination. The Fried Enoki Mushroom Plate ($20) is fully vegan. The fried enoki mushrooms ($9 side) are both vegan AND gluten-free - a rare combination for fried food. Let David know about any allergies when ordering.
Is Rice & Fries on DoorDash or Uber Eats?
Not currently. Rice & Fries is focusing on walk-in customers and building their in-person experience first. David prefers to connect directly with customers. You can DM on Instagram @riceandfrieshi to order ahead for pickup - David responds quickly and can have your order ready when you arrive.
How much does it cost to eat at Rice & Fries?
Rice & Fries offers good value for Waikiki. Plates with protein (steak, shrimp, or mushroom) are $20. The popular K-Loco Moco is $18. Loaded Fries are $16 and Animal Style Fries are $14. Sides range from $6-9. Drinks are $2-3. Expect to spend $18-30 per person for a filling meal with a drink.
What makes the K-Loco Moco different from regular loco moco?
Traditional Hawaiian loco moco features a hamburger patty with brown gravy. David's K-Loco Moco uses a Korean bulgogi-seasoned patty with house-made kimchi gravy instead, creating a unique Korean-Hawaiian fusion. It's topped with a fried egg, green onions, sesame seeds, and shishito peppers. You can also add a double patty and cheese for an extra $5.
Is Rice & Fries good for late night food in Waikiki?
Absolutely! Rice & Fries is one of the best late-night food options in Waikiki. They're open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays when most restaurants have closed. The loaded fries and animal style fries are perfect post-bar food, and the K-Loco Moco makes for a satisfying late-night meal.
What is the kimchi gravy at Rice & Fries?
The kimchi gravy is David's house-made signature sauce that comes with all plates. It's a unique fusion creation that combines the tangy, fermented flavors of Korean kimchi with a savory gravy consistency. It's what makes Rice & Fries dishes distinctly Korean-Hawaiian. You can also order extra kimchi gravy as a side for $3.
Who owns Rice & Fries?
Rice & Fries is owned and operated by David, who grew up in Korea and learned to cook from his parents and extended family starting at age 9-10. He runs the food truck solo, cooking everything himself using recipes rooted in Korean tradition. The name represents his fusion philosophy - rice for Asian cuisine, fries for American comfort food.
Does Rice & Fries have gluten-free options?
Yes. The rice served with plates is naturally gluten-free, and the fried enoki mushrooms are also gluten-free. David uses dedicated cookware for dietary restrictions. If you have gluten sensitivity, let him know when ordering and he can guide you to safe options.
How do I get to Rice & Fries from my Waikiki hotel?
Walking is the best option from most Waikiki hotels - it's a pleasant stroll along Kalakaua Avenue. From Hilton Hawaiian Village or Ilikai Hotel, it's about 10-15 minutes. You can also take Uber/Lyft (often cheaper than parking) or rent a Biki bike. Street parking in Waikiki is difficult, so walking or rideshare is recommended.
Is Rice & Fries good for families with kids?
Yes! Kids love the Animal Style Fries ($14), Loaded Fries ($16), mozzarella sticks ($6), and regular fries ($6). The outdoor picnic table seating is casual and kid-friendly. For a family of four, David recommends 1-2 plates to share, the K-Loco Moco, one order of fries for the kids, and fried mandoo for the table - around $70-85 total.
What does Rice & Fries' name mean?
The name represents David's fusion cooking philosophy. Rice is the foundation of meals across Korea, Hawaii, and much of Asia - it represents his Korean heritage. Fries represent American comfort food that David loves (he orders steak fries every time he sits at a bar). Together, they symbolize how the food truck bridges cultures, just like Hawaii itself.
