Roots Time Vegan Wagon - Hawaii Restaurant
#129 of 175 Restaurants in Hilo Caribbean

Roots Time Vegan Wagon

4.0(1 community reviews)
Budget ($)

About

Discover Roots Time Vegan Wagon, offering the best Caribbean experience in Hilo. Enjoy Budget ($) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

Fresh Island Flavors on Wheels

Parked in the heart of Hilo, Roots Time Vegan Wagon brings a soulful approach to plant-based eating. This food truck captures the relaxed, unhurried pace of the Big Island, serving up hearty bowls and wraps that prioritize local produce and bold, natural flavors. The scent of fresh cilantro and simmering coconut milk often greets you before you even reach the service window, making it a favorite stop for locals grabbing a nutritious bite near the downtown shops.

What to Expect on Your Plate

The menu focuses on clean, vibrant ingredients, often highlighting tropical fruits and island-grown vegetables. You will find signature offerings like their tempeh-based dishes and colorful salad bowls layered with homemade dressings that provide a genuine farm-to-table experience. The portions are substantial enough to fuel an afternoon of exploring the nearby waterfalls or walking the Hilo bayfront.

A Local Perspective

The atmosphere is casual and open-air, defined by the sound of tropical birds and the occasional rumble of a passing truck. Keep in mind that seating is limited to what the curb offers, so it is an ideal spot to grab a take-out lunch to enjoy at a nearby park. While the wagon itself is small, the personality behind the counter is huge, often reflecting the laid-back, community-focused spirit of the Hilo vegan scene. It is the perfect stop if you want to skip the heavy, fried tourist fare and lean into the nourishment of Hawaii’s fertile soil.

Amenities & Features

Location

Hilo Farmer's Market, Hilo, Hawaii, 96720

Directions

Reviews

Showing 10 of 1 community reviews
J

jean KozGoogle Maps

Recently

It is very unfortunate that I have to leave this review. I went in very healthy and left to nurse the worst diarrhea I had in my life. Within 30 minutes of eating I felt very unwell and ended up getting a taxi to return home. The moment I saw the fresh spinach on top of the soup and the uncooked vegetables on the starter something did not feel right. People preparing food need to wash their hands properly. In addition one has to be careful that raw vegetables must be well washed since we have rat lung worm disease in the island. Expensive lunch and losing hopefully just one day of vacation. I will update if necessary.

P

P HGoogle Maps

Recently

One of the best thai restaurants i have ever visited. Everything was so delicious and fresh just the perfect seasoning and very fresh. Would highly recommend this to anyone visiting big island. They have the best mango rice pudding. Must try for anyone looking for great food. Service was excellent and ambience was good and cozy

J

Johnny SimonGoogle Maps

Recently

Tina's garden Cafe is highly recommended. They serve Thai cuisine. I really enjoyed the red curry with jumbo shrimp. It was excellent sweet flavor in the curry. I ordered it to be spicy. That was one level down from Thai spicy and I ended up wiping the sweat from my head continually although it was not too spicy for me. My drink was mint tea. I really enjoyed it. It was very flavorful. All of the food that I had was excellently prepared and delicious. The service was excellent, very friendly as usual of the Hawaiian people and spot on. I came in on a tour bus so I can't respond to parking, although there's parking directly in front of the building I really enjoyed the meal. It was busy. However, I did not have to wait to be seated when I got there. Again, I highly recommend this restaurant for a great Thai meal.

C

Chinmayee Prabhu DessaiGoogle Maps

Recently

The food was absolutely delicious and you can tell they use fresh and good quality ingredients from the flavours and richness especially in case of the curries. For the red curry I asked to make Max hot, and the even added chilli oil on top, it was satisfying. Portions were very filling. A must try place!

J

Jason HazeloGoogle Maps

Recently

What a great experience! Our waiter was professional and kind. He was accommodating to our order and attentive to keeping our drinks filled. We had the red curry with jumbo shrimp spicy and red curry mild with chicken and both were spot on. The brown rice was not what I expected. It was kinda red in color but so tasty like sticky rice. We had the turmeric chicken roll as an appetizer and it was good with the chili sauce. Highly recommend and supporting as it is family ran! Food and service all top notch. And place as clean, friendly and family friendly. Thank you Tina's Garden Cafe

E

Ed BonserGoogle Maps

Recently

Tom Kah soup was thick and flavorful, easily shared with wife. Pad see ew noodles were perfectly fried and tender chicken. I compare it to going to a friends place who cooks a wonderful meal for you!

C

czincGoogle Maps

Recently

DO NOT COME. I don’t know what had happened but this place is OVERPRICED with NOT-AT-ALL-FRESH food. The potion is SMALL, $50 dish is similar size with a $25 one in LA. Seafood and fruits both taste like wax. Ordered so-called fresh lilikoi juice. Taste just like any canned juice and they charge $7 a bottle. They also got white/brown rice order wrong but that’s small deal comparing to the others. Staff do smile at you but the food quality makes you wonder if they’re laughing at your stupidity for dining here.

A

Akori NGoogle Maps

Recently

The pizza Thai is actually the pretty disappointing! Apart from the cover which is nice and crispy, the inside is bland, tasteless and guey. Despite the reviews, this was not good. The panang curry was fab!! Loved it. Good mix of veggies. Would get that again. The curries are awesome. Live they have vegetarian vegan options. Service was prompt. Bonus points that the closed bathroom was female!

S

Suchita GanesanGoogle Maps

Recently

This spot offers a unique Thai-fusion twist, with plenty of vegetarian options to choose from. The standout dish for me was the nut medley salad—unlike anything I’ve tried before, with a mix of nuts and fresh fruits/vegetables brought together by a bright, tangy dressing. The tofu burrito was decent, and the service was quick and friendly. Overall, the ambience was pleasant, making it an interesting place to try.

C

Cristian ArreazaGoogle Maps

Recently

Tina's Garden Cafe is a hidden gem! From the moment you walk in, the service is warm and welcoming. The staff is attentive and accommodating, making sure you're comfortable and well taken care of. But what truly sets this place apart is the flavor and care put into every dish. The spices are beautifully balanced—enhancing the natural flavors of the vegetables, meats, and broths without overpowering them. This is a fantastic spot for vegetarians, yet they also offer delicious chicken and meat options. I tried the green curry with medium spice and was blown away. The subtle hint of coconut milk added depth without being too rich. The Tom Ka Ga was comforting and fragrant, the seafood noodles were perfectly cooked, and the mango sticky rice was the perfect sweet finish—everything tasted homemade and fresh. Portion sizes are generous, so you’re definitely getting value for your money. I left full, happy, and already planning my next visit. Highly recommend!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Roots Time Vegan Wagon

Common questions from diners about Roots Time Vegan Wagon in Hilo.

They serve Caribbean and Jamaican inspired vegan food.

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