By Kristin Hashimoto

Wei Wei BBQ burger and fries, photo by Kristin Hashimoto

Those that know of Wili Pa Loop in Wailuku, are aware of the small businesses, federal operations and various agencies that perform their daily operations in this little industrial area. Upon closer inspection, hungry people will find some interesting local eats that range in cultures and ethnic influences in a single restaurant.

Wei Wei Barbecue is local Chinese food that is well-priced, offers a large selection, and tastes similar to what grandma made for you back in the day. The food is homey and unpretentious. It’s exactly as it was described, “local Chinese food.” No apologies and no justifications.

Added to the mix are burgers, fries, local style saimin, and mini-plates such as: BBQ Teri Steak, Chicken Katsu and a Loco Moco.

The BBQ Cheeseburger is made local-style. This isn’t regular barbecue sauce that one would find in a Texas BBQ joint. The sauce from Wei Wei has a sweet base, akin to teriyaki sauce, that is slathered over a meat patty with melted cheese and a mayo mustard mixture that seems to meld with the sauce to perfection. It’s a little oily, which is rather normative. The fries were crisp and made fresh. Add a saimin to that combo and dip the burger into the “shiru” or soup/broth, and you’ve got typical, if sodium rich, local-style grinds for under $12.

Wei Wei BBQ garlic chicken, photo by Kristin Hashimoto

The staff was friendly and helpful when asked what this or that dish is. Walk-ins waited approximately ten minutes or so for their orders. People left satisfied, sighing and saying how good their food was.

For the portions, price and expediency of this locale, Wei Wei offers everyone a great selection of local Chinese food, and local favorites at one stop. This restaurant is open everyday from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.