FORKED UP

PORK BELLY BENEDICT
THE NOOK NEIGHBORHOOD BISTRO
1035 University Ave.
Phone number (808) 942-2222
website thenookhonolulu.com

Think of the classic eggs benedict — but replace the ham with crispy pork belly. Oh, it sounds perfect on paper, but we weren’t incredibly impressed with this benny. For one, it’s surprisingly small: thin slices of pork, a dab of hollandaise, slender English muffins. The taste is great, but we were left wanting more of everything. Good thing those rosemary potatoes were so on point (and filling). We advise passing on the eggs for something sweeter: Mochi waffles are always a win, all the time. (Check out our recent story on the nook at metrohnl.com for more on that.)

NEGITORO DON
MAGURO-YA
3565 Waialae Ave. #108
Phone number (808) 732-3775
website maguro-ya.us

The best Japanese restaurants are the little ones tucked in nondescript storefronts, staffed by matronly waitresses and elderly sushi chefs — and Maguro-Ya is no exception on either front. Negitoro isn’t always on the menu, but when it is, make it a priority: a generous portion of pulverized fatty tuna over rice, complemented by nori garnishes and egg. But just in case you don’t appreciate mushy fish, Maguro-Ya also offers ahi cooked in every other way imaginable — in tempura, as sashimi, grilled, atop sushi — and it’s all delicious. Another, non-edible highlight of your visit: the big boat jutting out of the wall as a decoration. We’re not joking. It’s huge.

CHAR SIU SAIMIN
SHIRO’S SAIMIN HAVEN
98-020 Kamehameha Hwy.
Phone number (808) 488-8824

This Westside staple (with locations in Aiea, Ewa Beach and Waipahu) may require a bit of a drive for townies, but’s well worth it for the days when you want something with a little more pizzazz than simple ramen. It’s not the broth that you write home about here; it’s the garnishes. Shiro’s offers upwards of 50 different saimin options — including Chinese roast pork, Vienna sausage and laulau — but we like to keep it classic with just extra char siu. Every bowl comes with a pile of wonton, meats and veggies, so you’re getting a whole lot more than just noodles.