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Zippy's (Hawaii's local restaurant)
 If I had to choose one restaurant that best represents Hawaii and its diverse cultures, it would have to be Zippy's Restaurants. Zippy's has 24 locations in Oahu and soon there will be one on the island of Maui. I am sure that Maui residents have been waiting for a long time to get their own Zippy's.
The first Zippy's opened in 1966 on South King Street in McCully as a drive-in restaurant. This was the idea of two brothers, Charles and Francis Higa. They wanted to offer local food. Their original menu started out with saimin, beef stew, beef curry and chili. These were foods that the brothers grew up enjoying.
 Zippy's menu has expanded since their opening however their vision to serve local food has not changed. They serve Japanese, Chinese, Filipino, Hawaiian, Korean, Portuguese and American cuisine. It's comfort food for all of us in Hawaii no matter what ethnicity we are...with that special local touch. I remember when I was traveling back and forth to Maui and Kauai for my job. After a few days of "wine-dine" hotel food, as good as it is, I would get tired of it and would crave something simple.
My routine was to stop off at Zippy's on Nimitz on my return and have their Wun Tun Min with their Orange Bang drink. And if I was hungrier, a side order of their fries was just perfect. I love McDonald's french fries but Zippy's fries rate just as high.
They are famous for their chili, saimin, stews, plate lunches, fried chicken, spaghetti, oxtail and Portuguese bean soups and bento. Their Zip Pac bento is perfect for picnics. This meal includes teriyaki beef, a slice of Spam, deep fried mahi mahi with tartar sauce and a fried chicken thigh. And we can't forget the rice that goes with it and the slice of takuan (pickled Japanese radish). Just put some shoyu to taste and you are in heaven. There is something magical about this combination. It's perfect for a day at the beach!
 Zippy's Chili is also very popular. As a matter of fact so popular that Zippy's Benefit Chili is used for school fundraisers. Their frozen chili is also sold at many of Hawaii's supermarkets. You can get them with or without beans and even vegetarian style. The chili can be eaten American style with crackers but for locals, it's gotta be over rice!
 There is something at Zippy's for everyone. And since Zippy's is opened 24 hours a day it is a popular hang out for the young people to go after their movie dates, games and club outings.
 Zippy's has grown to include a successful catering business and mail order business. They also have bakeries, sushi and okazuya (a variety of local Japanese delicacies). And just how local is the menu this week? Their specials include BBQ shortribs, Garlic Miso Chicken, Teriyaki Meatloaf (American classic with a local twist), Shoyu Pork, Lup Cheong Chicken, Kim Chee Sparerib Soup, Miso Butterfish and Prime Rib. Now I think that it would be hard to beat this local and culturally diversified menu. A visit to Zippy's is a must for all visitors!
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