GREAT EATS HAWAII: BAN'AN

Sunday, May 31, 2015

BAN'AN

3212 MONSARRAT AVENUE

HONOLULU, HI 96815

808-429-5657

HOURS: Daily 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

www.bananbowls.com

My favorite Shave Ice spot is located on Monsarrat Avenue near the base of Diamond Head Crater. It was closed on this day so my Daughter got on her phone and did a search. "Ban'an" she screamed. "Lets go to Ban'an". She said all of her friends at school talk about this place and we must try it. Not knowing what to expect we walked up Monsarrat and found a Food Truck in a parking lot next to a Coffee place and across from the Aloha Petroleum Gas Station. There was a young kid waiting inside the truck with a huge smile. He asked if we had any questions and if we were ready to order. I looked over the menu posted on the truck and did not know what the heck this was. I just went for the Original not knowing what to expect. My Daughter ordered the Amazon. We strolled across the parking lot to where there is a bench in the shade and sat down. A few minutes later the smiling guy in the truck delivered our Ban'an to us. I asked him what this stuff was and he explained that the Original was 100% fresh Hawaii bananas blended and frozen. No sugar, color or preservatives added. Tasted like Banana Ice Cream only fresher. I thought the stuff was delicious. In the cup there also was grated Coconut, Crispy Quinoa, Honey, Pineapple and Papaya. All fresh local ingredients we were told. The Original Cup size was $6 and it was very filling. Don't think I could ever eat the larger versions. The Amazon ($6 Cup) was a huge hit with my Wife and Daughter. They loved the flavor of the Acai. None of us really got the Quinoa but I guess it is something local and healthy.

This was a very refreshing dessert on a hot Hawaii day. Nice to sit back near Diamond Head and enjoy the views and people watching.