Forked Up

HALO-HALO
MAX’S OF MANILA
801 Dillingham Blvd., Kalihi
Phone number (808) 599-5034
website maxschicken.com

Why make yourself choose pudding or ice cream or shave ice or Jell-O when you can just have it all? It’s hard to pick just one standout aspect of Max’s take on the classic Filipino dessert: the oh-so-purple ube ice cream? The stellar caramel flan? The candied fruits hidden within those creamy, icy depths? It’ll hurt to mix it all up and ruin its aesthetic perfection, but you’ll want to get as much texture as possible with every bite. And, all right, fine, the flan is totally the best part. Luckily, you also can order it on its own to enjoy without distractions.

MISO SOY SHORT RIBS
TOP OF WAIKIKI
2270 Kalakaua Ave., Waikiki
Phone number (808) 923-3877
website topofwaikiki.com

Top of Waikiki is known as much for its 360-degree view as for its food, and our current favorite dish is its Miso Soy Short Ribs. It’s served with a side of wasabi mashed potatoes that are the perfect amount of spicy — as soon as your nose starts burning, the sensation dissipates. A refreshing shrimp and corn relish sits atop the dish, which adds a satisfying crunch to the smooth short ribs.