Zippy’s has become an institution for generations of folks living on Oahu. They’ve evolved over the years from plate lunch stand to family diner to bakery and everything in between.

Of all the great food served here, the superstar of them all is the Chili. Due to numerous fundraiser advertising campaigns and just an overall well-done recipe, the chili embodies the simplicity, consistency and great taste that Zippy’s is known for. As the TV commercial goes, “The Chili’s Good”. This is certainly true.

Another signature item is the Zip Pac…

Zip Pac: Teriyaki Beef, Spam, Mahimahi & Fried Chicken on Rice with Furikake and Daikon – $7.40

Half plate lunch and half bento, the Zip Pac underlines Zippy’s ability to satisfy just about everyone. I would say if you’re new to the islands, put the Zip Pac on your culinary “to do” list, as it gives you a good scope of what eating “local” is all about. There’s also one called the Surf Pac, which is priced even higher at $8.10, but I’d stick with the Zip Pac. The fried chicken is one of the best on the island, and the panko-battered mahimahi is tender and moist. I think what really makes it taste so good is the Furikake on the rice, which suprisingly very few plate lunch restaurants do, considering how relatively cheap this flavorful rice condiment is. The Zip Pac is relatively overpriced as far as bentos or plate lunches are concerned, but satisfaction is almost a guarantee.

Zippy’s has locations all over Oahu, which are all corporate-owned, not franchised. Because of that, as said above, they have a coveted reputation for quality and consistency. All their restaurants are clean well staffed and maintained. Most locations include a take-out counter and dine-in restaurant, as well as Napoleon’s Bakery which is famous for their “Napples”, a filo-wrapped apple turnover.

Menu items include everything from plate lunches, soups, burgers, sandwiches and salads. They also have a comprehensive website that ships many of their signature items in frozen packages.

www.Zippys.com