What Are the Most Popular Dishes and Treats at Liliha Bakery?

Old diners never go away (if we’re lucky): This classic reveals different top sellers at each Liliha Bakery location.

July 19, 2024

Mari Taketa,

Editor’s Note: In the summer of 2022, just before Liliha Bakery opened its fifth location in Pearl City, these were the top sellers at the iconic local diner’s four other spots. We’re republishing this post because the meals and treats are timeless. Our top takeaway? Locals love hamburger steak!

Liliha Bakery Butter Rolls 2 Aaron Yoshino

These butter rolls. Photo: Aaron K. Yoshino

Just as every Zippy’s and every Rainbow Drive-In is a little bit different, every Liliha Bakery location is different. Only the “original” Liliha (the true original opened around the corner on Liliha Street in 1950) has beef curry and beef stew—and the best counter diner experience in town. The Nimitz Highway restaurant has Waffards, which are waffles layered with dollops of custard; Ala Moana Center’s one has mimosas (!); and the Waikīkī location, at posh International Market Place, has carved prime rib and milkshakes.

The top-selling baked goods at each place don’t vary: Coco Puffs reign everywhere, and the famous grilled butter rolls with neon raspberry jelly get their due. But country-style omelets? Even Liliha Bakery can’t explain why this scramble of three eggs with green and round onions, tomatoes and your choice of meat is the No. 1 entree at original Liliha and Ala Moana—except to note that breakfast is served all day, and these locations are the most heavily patronized by locals.

Other surprises: Liliha Bakery makes a mean oxtail soup. Who even knew there’s mushroom chicken? And though we buy the same best-selling pastries at every single location, mind-bogglingly, these do NOT include slices of chantilly cake.

Now, the chain’s fifth restaurant is slated to open in Pearl City on Aug. 31. Given the mix of potential customers there, we’re betting the top sellers will be country-style omelets—and Coco Puffs. Of course.