KENJI BURGER IN KAUAI – NOT WHAT I EXPECTED

When I went to Kauai, I thought about Ono Burgers which is no longer in existence. The juicy burgers and huge onion rings. I wanted to find an equivalent to Ono Burgers, Kenji Burgers was one of the few hamburger restaurants open on Sunday. This was featured on the Food Network.

I think having a starting point from the past can make the present experience less than expected. Maybe I glorified the past experience at Ono Burgers. But the truth is this was my favorite burgers EVER in Hawai’i. Now that it is closed, I wanted to find a new favorite on Kauai. Kenji Burgers weren’t bad, but it doesn’t replace Ono Burgers. However, it actual had a variety of choices and the food was fresh.

There was a line outside and we waited under the umbrella of the park benches, which was good place to be because it was HOT outside. At the Kapaa location the seating was limited. The menu wasn’t. We ordered the Old Skool Burger, Chicken Katsu Burger, and a Poke Bowl. Although there were no onion rings, we ordered regular fries.

Sam ordered the Poke Bowl and he ate so fast that I didn’t even know he started. When asked if he liked the Poke Bowl, Sam shaked his head up and down. Alex had his own Old Skool Burger which he also inhaled. Lupe and I shared the Chicken Katsu Burger and an Old Skool Burger. The Chicken Katsu Burger sauce itself was tasty. The part of the burger I got didn’t have much in the way of chicken because I asked for the smallest cut. The deep fried portion of the chicken was crispy.

The fries were good, but needed salt. It is difficult for me to judge salt for others because I love salt. But all of us wanted more salt. The burger also needed salt. It was not dry, but it also was not juicy. I liked the fact that it was not greasy, oily, or filled with a premade patty. The ingredients were fresh; unlike picking up the burger from a drive thru that’s been sitting for 30 minutes. But I wanted flavor. I thought about what I hear when watching Chopped on the Food Network.

Does Kenji Burgers compare to my memories of Ono Burgers, no. But it was a new adventure that I don’t regret. I am wondering if the Koloa location is like. Maybe on the next trip to Kauai. http://kenjiburger.com/ #kenjiburgerskauai