Review #18 for 2022.My brother and I just happened upon this place as we were walking around downtown. We saw a truck parked on the side of the road that said, "Kanak Kitchen," so we looked it up on Google Maps and realized it was just around the corner. As Hawaii boys we needed to try it out.Kanak Kitchen is located on the fourth floor of an office building, so if you don't know that it's there, it's easy to miss. I imagine it's mostly just the workers in that building that frequent Kanak Kitchen, but I'd love to see more people from all around try this place.I'd call Kanak Kitchen a fusion of foods from Hawaii. We got poke nachos, which had a good amount of poke and chips with cheese. The quantities were proportional, and it came with some salsa too. We also tried a plate with kalbi short ribs, chicken katsu, Asian slaw, and coconut rice. Coconut rice is not typical in Hawaii, but it was very good as a support for savory foods. The chicken katsu was crispy and good. The kalbi was also good, but we're not used to it having a vinegar flavor. I'd like it a little more well done as it was kinda chewy, but still good overall.There's lots of seating in the restaurant, and there's also a quick serve kiosk on the first floor. Kanak Kitchen does catering too, but we haven't been able to try it yet. The owner Mike is nice, and we look forward to going back to try other foods too!
Matt
Went to Kanak for the first time today. I used to live in Hawaii and heard many reviews so wanted to give it a try. Two things that is big in Hawaii is spam and kalua pork. For my meal I ordered a spam and kalua pork burritos. Interestingly I had never had one nor even thought about putting them together into a burrito. It was pretty tasty. I would say the only thing I didn't like was the fried cheese that was melted to the burrito. The burrito was too big for me to just pick up and so it was difficult to cut. Neverthless, I'll be back.
Deez N.
Sometimes I swear this place is amazing and sometimes it tastes like Mid Bento. If you're feeling lucky go here. The rice bowls are 10x better than Mid Bento, but more expensive
Amanda S.
As a vegetarian, Hawaiian restaurants scare me. They're normally all about pork products--it's just the cultural preference. That's great, but I am just not into a pig roast or a slab of spam. Kanak Kitchen, though, is totally vegetarian-friendly and has more options than almost anywhere in town. They offer tofu for almost every entree as a protein choice, and if you ask for something meatless they're very accommodating. I love their tofu katsu, which is crispy fried tofu. It's available in a rice bowl, in their Asian burrito, and on a sandwich. The tofu is best in their Hawaiian tacos. For $6, you get two tofu tacos with Asian slaw and cotija cheese (I nixed the Sriacha sauce because I'm a wimp). The tofu is perfectly crispy and light and pairs with the vinegar and salt in the slaw and the creaminess of the cheese and creates a perfect taco. Most meals come with a side--salad, chips, soup, or their amazing cheesy tots. Let's be real, if you're an Idahoan, you're going for the tots. They're covered with gooey cheese, salty, and fried perfectly. If you want to keep it lighter, grab a salad. They have Asian, Ceasar, chicken bacon, luau, spinach bacon, and shrimp options. I asked for the Asian salad, which normally comes with chicken, but with tofu instead, and they agreed without a second question. I always appreciate service that is willing to meet a reasonable request with a yes. If you have room in your stomach, try a soup. They're house-made and phenomenal. I've tried the three-bean and the potato, and both were rich, creamy, and popped with flavor. Other sides include elotes, Hawaiian macaroni, potato, and a fruit medley. All are good but their kimchi is amazing and a unique option that isn't overly heavy. The desserts are amazing too. All of them have creative Hawaiian twists on a classic. Two thumbs up on the bread pudding, but the pineapple upside-down cake is my favorite. Prices are totally reasonable--around $9 for a hot sandwich with a side, or their enormous burrito, or a burger loaded with toppings. You definitely get your money's worth and will leave with a doggie bag too. The owner is an absolutely wonderful man. He also hires immigrants in the community, which I commend as a means of helping extend our Boise niceness to people from outside the valley. I will be back here. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe tonight. Once you try the food, you will too. There's nothing like it in Boise.
Pesky Media
Excellent choices! You must visit this place…Its up on the 4th floor of the Downtown Boise Plaza! I counted 5 other items I wanted so I’ll definitely return!
Yeah A.
Eating area is very nice. Food is usually not too bad, but inconsistent. Come here often because it's close. Definitely worth a shot for lunch.
Chad Gage
Great food!!! Fair price!! Good Service! Good view!
Jake Kimball
This is a hidden Gem great prices the cook was so nice and friendly. The food is to die for!
Stacey M.
Excellent food and friendly staff! First time I went and I'll definitely be going back soon
Gary Allen
This place has real potential. I had the rice bowl with brisket. Everything was really good but would be great if they jazzed up the veggies a bit. Rice wine vinegar? Aloha!
You haven't eaten here then you're missing out order the tacos with steak you'll thank me later.
Alannah Long
Great street tacos! They have options for everyone, too. Super friendly staff. Its a nice atmosphere.
Jennifer Non
Great environment and food. Service was excellent!
C W
Was recommended to try this place; I was thoroughly disappointed. Ordered off their food truck, the Korean Brisket. It was salty; so salty that the flavor/texture of the meat tasted EXACTLY like teriyaki beef jerky. Was not a fan of their coconut rice either; the sweet coconut rice was off-putting. I could overlook the sweet rice, but not the saltiness of the beef. I'm literally writing this salty post over your salty brisket because it was SO. DAMN. SALTY.
Emilee
My husband and I ate there yesterday. The word that best describes it is "wow". I had the Bacon LT and I was shocked by the flavor best BLT I've ever had. My husband ate the spicy poke bowl and loved it. Wish we had a location closer to where we live but we'll definitely be back.
Review #18 for 2022.My brother and I just happened upon this place as we were walking around downtown. We saw a truck parked on the side of the road that said, "Kanak Kitchen," so we looked it up on Google Maps and realized it was just around the corner. As Hawaii boys we needed to try it out.Kanak Kitchen is located on the fourth floor of an office building, so if you don't know that it's there, it's easy to miss. I imagine it's mostly just the workers in that building that frequent Kanak Kitchen, but I'd love to see more people from all around try this place.I'd call Kanak Kitchen a fusion of foods from Hawaii. We got poke nachos, which had a good amount of poke and chips with cheese. The quantities were proportional, and it came with some salsa too. We also tried a plate with kalbi short ribs, chicken katsu, Asian slaw, and coconut rice. Coconut rice is not typical in Hawaii, but it was very good as a support for savory foods. The chicken katsu was crispy and good. The kalbi was also good, but we're not used to it having a vinegar flavor. I'd like it a little more well done as it was kinda chewy, but still good overall.There's lots of seating in the restaurant, and there's also a quick serve kiosk on the first floor. Kanak Kitchen does catering too, but we haven't been able to try it yet. The owner Mike is nice, and we look forward to going back to try other foods too!
Went to Kanak for the first time today. I used to live in Hawaii and heard many reviews so wanted to give it a try. Two things that is big in Hawaii is spam and kalua pork. For my meal I ordered a spam and kalua pork burritos. Interestingly I had never had one nor even thought about putting them together into a burrito. It was pretty tasty. I would say the only thing I didn't like was the fried cheese that was melted to the burrito. The burrito was too big for me to just pick up and so it was difficult to cut. Neverthless, I'll be back.
Sometimes I swear this place is amazing and sometimes it tastes like Mid Bento. If you're feeling lucky go here. The rice bowls are 10x better than Mid Bento, but more expensive
As a vegetarian, Hawaiian restaurants scare me. They're normally all about pork products--it's just the cultural preference. That's great, but I am just not into a pig roast or a slab of spam. Kanak Kitchen, though, is totally vegetarian-friendly and has more options than almost anywhere in town. They offer tofu for almost every entree as a protein choice, and if you ask for something meatless they're very accommodating. I love their tofu katsu, which is crispy fried tofu. It's available in a rice bowl, in their Asian burrito, and on a sandwich. The tofu is best in their Hawaiian tacos. For $6, you get two tofu tacos with Asian slaw and cotija cheese (I nixed the Sriacha sauce because I'm a wimp). The tofu is perfectly crispy and light and pairs with the vinegar and salt in the slaw and the creaminess of the cheese and creates a perfect taco. Most meals come with a side--salad, chips, soup, or their amazing cheesy tots. Let's be real, if you're an Idahoan, you're going for the tots. They're covered with gooey cheese, salty, and fried perfectly. If you want to keep it lighter, grab a salad. They have Asian, Ceasar, chicken bacon, luau, spinach bacon, and shrimp options. I asked for the Asian salad, which normally comes with chicken, but with tofu instead, and they agreed without a second question. I always appreciate service that is willing to meet a reasonable request with a yes. If you have room in your stomach, try a soup. They're house-made and phenomenal. I've tried the three-bean and the potato, and both were rich, creamy, and popped with flavor. Other sides include elotes, Hawaiian macaroni, potato, and a fruit medley. All are good but their kimchi is amazing and a unique option that isn't overly heavy. The desserts are amazing too. All of them have creative Hawaiian twists on a classic. Two thumbs up on the bread pudding, but the pineapple upside-down cake is my favorite. Prices are totally reasonable--around $9 for a hot sandwich with a side, or their enormous burrito, or a burger loaded with toppings. You definitely get your money's worth and will leave with a doggie bag too. The owner is an absolutely wonderful man. He also hires immigrants in the community, which I commend as a means of helping extend our Boise niceness to people from outside the valley. I will be back here. Maybe tomorrow. Maybe tonight. Once you try the food, you will too. There's nothing like it in Boise.
Excellent choices! You must visit this place…Its up on the 4th floor of the Downtown Boise Plaza! I counted 5 other items I wanted so I’ll definitely return!
Eating area is very nice. Food is usually not too bad, but inconsistent. Come here often because it's close. Definitely worth a shot for lunch.
Great food!!! Fair price!! Good Service! Good view!
This is a hidden Gem great prices the cook was so nice and friendly. The food is to die for!
Excellent food and friendly staff! First time I went and I'll definitely be going back soon
This place has real potential. I had the rice bowl with brisket. Everything was really good but would be great if they jazzed up the veggies a bit. Rice wine vinegar? Aloha!
Restaurantji Recommends
You haven't eaten here then you're missing out order the tacos with steak you'll thank me later.
Great street tacos! They have options for everyone, too. Super friendly staff. Its a nice atmosphere.
Great environment and food. Service was excellent!
Was recommended to try this place; I was thoroughly disappointed. Ordered off their food truck, the Korean Brisket. It was salty; so salty that the flavor/texture of the meat tasted EXACTLY like teriyaki beef jerky. Was not a fan of their coconut rice either; the sweet coconut rice was off-putting. I could overlook the sweet rice, but not the saltiness of the beef. I'm literally writing this salty post over your salty brisket because it was SO. DAMN. SALTY.
My husband and I ate there yesterday. The word that best describes it is "wow". I had the Bacon LT and I was shocked by the flavor best BLT I've ever had. My husband ate the spicy poke bowl and loved it. Wish we had a location closer to where we live but we'll definitely be back.