We know a visit to Home Depot doesn’t exactly top a visitor’s list of things to do in Honolulu. In fact, the last thing you want to think about on vacation is a DIY home improvement project. We get it. However, we ask that you make an exception and head over to Pearl City and look for the bright orange brick and mortar store. But don’t worry, you don’t have to step inside because the main attraction is found outside of the entrance – Bunto food truck.
Specializing in Hawaiian style sliders (aka mini-burgers), crispy seasoned fries, and rice bowls, Bunto is about as “hidden gem” as it gets when it comes to food trucks. Given its location, only locals know about it, but that’s what makes it so enticing for visitors. The fun of being in-the-know aside, it’s all about the food.
What chef Eric Leon and Nenisa Garingalao have created is a comfort food revolution. Their recipes integrate locally sourced meats, seafoods, cheeses, spices, and sauces to deliver an island take on traditional sliders. Their use of Hawaiian sweet and taro buns is the beginning of the journey Bunto takes your taste buds on, while the main ingredients (chicken, kalbi beef, short rib, pork belly, shrimp/crab) seal the deal. If you show up early be sure to try their breakfast sliders too. Furthermore, Bunto has impressive small bites and sides to return for, including an authentic Hawaiian loco moco, pork belly bites, and our personal favorite – short rib croquettes. Canadian visitors (or anyone) will really appreciate Bunto’s take on poutine as well. And the brownies…yum!
Do yourself a favor and head over to Bunto food truck in Pearl City Honolulu. If you can’t make it out that way, you can also find them closer to your hotel at the Honolulu Farmers Market by Neal S. Blaisdell Center every Wednesday from 4 to 7 PM. They are also at the Kapiolani Community College Farmer’s Market near Diamond Head every Saturday from 7:30 to 11 AM.
Now that we’re down talking, you can scroll below to salivate accordingly.