Sam Sato’s

Tucked away in Wailuku Millyard, Sam Sato’s is a little gem with a long history on Maui. Founded in 1933, the first Sam Sato’s was at Camp 3 in Sprecklesville. Over the decades, it moved to Puunene, then Happy Valley—and since 1993 its latest incarnation has been at 1750 Wili Pa Loop

“My grandparents founded Sam Sato’s,” says Kirk Toma. “My parents, Charles and Lynne Toma, are still very much involved. My sister, Keri, helps out too. ”Basically, it’s a breakfast and lunch spot from7 a.m. to 2 p.m. and you can pick up Manju until 4 p.m.”

Themanju, or Japanese sweet rice cakes, are all baked in house, as are the turnovers —the latter with fruit flavors such as peach, apple, blueberry, coconut, and pineapple coconut. Different designs on the crust guide you to what’s inside. “Our dry noodles are really popular,” says Kirk. We cook them with bean sprouts, green onions and char siu. They go really well with our barbecue-beef sticks. Other noodle dishes include super dry with veggies along with saimin, won-ton mein and chow fun.” You may order take-out noodles in small, medium, large and extra large pans for parties at home.

Diners also love local plate lunches of hamburger steak, stew, spare ribs, beef tomato and yakitori. Sides include kimchee, and thickly-cut French fries with the uniquely Maui-style dip of mayonnaise and mustard. “The beef tomato at Sam Sato’s is out of this world,” says Mickey Helm of Wailuku.

Sam Sato’s
1750Wili Pa Loop
Wailuku. Maui 808-244-7124

Second place winner:
Da Kitchen
425 Koloa St. • Kahului • 808-871-7782
and
2439 S. Kihei Road • Kihei • 808-875-7782

Third place winner:
Aloha Mixed Plate
1285 Front St
Lahaina, Maui • 808-661-3322