Craving the ultimate fried rice experience in Hawaii? Look no further than Queen Street Cafe in ‘Aiea Town Square. This local gem takes fried rice to a whole new level, offering an impressive menu of five distinct and flavorful options. As passionate fried rice enthusiasts, just like the members of the Frolic Foodies Facebook group who rave about it, we ventured to Queen Street Cafe to sample each of their signature fried rice dishes. Forget ordinary takeout – Queen Street Cafe delivers an extraordinary culinary adventure in every bite.
SEE ALSO: We Asked Frolic Foodies for Their Fave Fried Rice and Got 35 Different Answers
At Queen Street Cafe, you can indulge in any fried rice variety as a generous plate ($11.75), a satisfying side dish ($8), or elevate any plate lunch by substituting white rice for fried rice for just an extra $1. Beyond their renowned fried rice, Queen Street Cafe & Grill is also celebrated for their mouthwatering firecracker chicken and savory pork chops. Currently operating for takeout only, we didn’t let that stop us from diving into all five fried rice creations – all in the name of research, of course! Here’s our detailed breakdown of each unique offering:
Garlic Fried Rice: A Flavorful Punch
Queen Street Cafe Garlic Fried Rice with Korean Chicken Katsu
Garlic Fried Rice with Korean Chicken Katsu at Queen Street Cafe in Aiea. Photo: Lauren Kaneshiro
Ingredients: Bacon, Portuguese sausage, Spam, eggs, green peas, green onion, garlic
If you’re a garlic lover, the Garlic Fried Rice at Queen Street Cafe is a must-try. While perhaps not ideal for a first date due to its bold garlic presence, this dish is an explosion of flavor. The garlic is prominent yet perfectly balanced, harmonizing beautifully with the salty and slightly rich bacon and Portuguese sausage. We paired this flavorful fried rice with the Korean chicken katsu, a combination we wholeheartedly recommend. The crispy chicken katsu complements the savory garlic rice, creating a truly satisfying meal at Queen Street Cafe.
Kim Chee Fried Rice: A Spicy and Savory Delight
Queen Street Cafe Kim Chee Fried Rice close up
Kim Chee Fried Rice from Queen Street Cafe in Aiea, Hawaii. Photo: Lauren Kaneshiro
Ingredients: Bacon, Portuguese sausage, eggs, green onion, kim chee
For those who appreciate a touch of spice, the Kim Chee Fried Rice at Queen Street Cafe is an excellent choice. If you’re usually hesitant about kim chee’s intensity, this fried rice offers a pleasantly mild spice level that’s expertly balanced with egg and savory breakfast meats. This dish elevates the familiar fried rice by introducing a subtle kick, making it a delightful and flavorful option. It quickly became our second favorite among the five varieties at Queen Street Cafe, showcasing the versatility of their fried rice menu.
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Lup Cheong Fried Rice: Sweet, Salty, and Simply Irresistible
Side order of Lup Cheong Fried Rice at Queen Street Cafe
Lup Cheong Fried Rice side dish at Queen Street Cafe in Aiea. Photo: Lauren Kaneshiro
Ingredients: Lup cheong, eggs, green onion
The Lup Cheong Fried Rice at Queen Street Cafe immediately caught our attention. This dish is a harmonious blend of sweet and salty flavors, achieving a simple yet deeply satisfying taste. The lup cheong sausage infuses the rice with a unique sweetness that is perfectly counterbalanced by savory notes. While incredibly flavorful on its own, this fried rice made us crave a meat pairing, suggesting it would be an exceptional accompaniment to any of Queen Street Cafe’s meat-centric dishes.
Adobo Fried Rice: A Unique Cinnamon Infusion
Adobo Fried Rice with Kiawe Steak and Shrimp Tempura at Queen Street Cafe
Adobo Fried Rice served with Kiawe-Grilled Steak and Shrimp Tempura at Queen Street Cafe. Photo: Lauren Kaneshiro
Ingredients: Adobo pork, green onion, egg
For a truly innovative fried rice experience, the Adobo Fried Rice at Queen Street Cafe is a standout. If you appreciate the distinctive flavor of adobo pork with subtle hints of cinnamon, this fried rice is tailored for you. While cinnamon in fried rice might sound unconventional, we were pleasantly surprised by how well it complemented the mild saltiness of the adobo. This creative take on fried rice is both intriguing and delicious. We enjoyed it with kiawe-grilled steak and shrimp tempura, a pairing that highlighted the versatility of Queen Street Cafe’s menu.
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Regular Fried Rice: Classic Comfort Perfected
Queen Street Cafe Regular Fried Rice single serving
Regular Fried Rice, a comforting classic at Queen Street Cafe in Aiea. Photo: Lauren Kaneshiro
Ingredients: Bacon, Portuguese sausage, char siu, Spam, eggs, green onion, green peas, carrots
Sometimes, the classics are the best, and Queen Street Cafe’s Regular Fried Rice is a testament to this. This dish embodies the comforting fried rice flavors many grew up with, featuring a delightful mix of breakfast meats, eggs, and vegetables. It’s a menu staple at Queen Street Cafe that’s satisfying enough to enjoy on its own. A delicate touch of shoyu subtly coats the rice grains, adding depth and umami. This is pure, unadulterated comfort food that will surely become a favorite.
So, which fried rice will you choose to try first at Queen Street Cafe? Each option offers a unique and delicious experience, making Queen Street Cafe a must-visit destination for fried rice lovers in Aiea and beyond.
Visit Queen Street Cafe at ‘Aiea Town Square: Open Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 99-080 Kauhale St. #C1, (808) 484-2708, find them on Instagram @queenstcafe
