Chef Chai - Honolulu Restaurant Image
#95 of 1,736 Restaurants in Honolulu French

Chef Chai

4.5(257 community reviews)
Upscale ($$$)

About

Discover Chef Chai, offering the best Asian experience in Ala Moana. Enjoy Upscale ($$$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

A Symphony of Pacific Flavors

Situated near the bustling Kaka'ako district in Honolulu, Chef Chai stands as a cornerstone of Hawaii's upscale culinary scene. Chef Chai Chaowasaree brings a distinct artistic flair to the dining room, blending Thai influences with fresh local ingredients. The space is sophisticated yet airy, characterized by high ceilings and soft lighting that makes it a prime choice for celebratory dinners or impressing a date.

Signature Bites and Island Ingredients

The menu is a masterclass in fusion. You cannot leave without trying the famous Salmon Gravlax wrapped in rice paper or the succulent Roasted Duck Breast with red curry sauce. The kitchen treats local seafood with immense respect; the aroma of lemongrass and coconut milk wafts from the open kitchen, signaling that the flavors are as bold as the presentation. Everything arrives on the plate like a small painting, echoing the chef's commitment to visual perfection.

The Honolulu Experience

While the food is elevated, the atmosphere remains distinctly local. You might find the dining room humming with the energy of a full house, which can occasionally lead to a lively, high-decibel environment. It is the kind of place where conversation flows easily over a glass of crisp white wine. Parking can be a bit of a challenge in this part of town, so plan to arrive a few minutes early to navigate the lot. Whether you are a long-time resident of Oahu or visiting the islands, Chef Chai offers a refined look at what happens when modern techniques meet the bounty of the Pacific.

Photos

Chef Chai - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Chef Chai - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Chef Chai - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Chef Chai - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Chef Chai - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Chef Chai - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Chef Chai - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Chef Chai - Honolulu Restaurant Image

Location

1009 Kapiolani Blvd, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96814-2112

Directions

Reviews

Showing 9 of 257 community reviews
P

Paul NakamotoGoogle Maps

Recently

We did the Mothers Day buffet and had a blast. Every bite was delicious, the staff was attentive and friendly, the space was clean and beautiful. Parking was onsite and convenient. Highly recommend, we will be back for sure thank you Chef Chai 🤙🏼

C

Charlean KemppelGoogle Maps

Recently

We celebrated our 40th Anniversary Vow Renewal dinner & everything was delicious.

L

Leesha WilliamsGoogle Maps

Recently

This is your one stop review. And when I do reviews, that means the place was bomb. If not, I don’t leave a review. Me and the wifey went on a Friday night for our anniversary. It was a slow night so it wasn’t packed at all, no issues with parking. The staff were so kind and welcoming. They didn’t bring out the typical complimentary bread. It was a peanut sauce with grilled chicken skewer and pita bread. Amazing. We ordered the crab cakes, the seafood tortellini, and fillet mignon, and the oxtail soup. Y’all…they put their foot in that food (that means it was amazing lol). We will definitely be going back. 10/10 🙌🏾🤩

T

Tony ChanGoogle Maps

Recently

5⭐️ I’ll be back! One of the best meals I’ve had in Hawaii this trip and the service was also top notch. Food: recommend the cod (think buttery and melt in your mouth fish). Shrimp curry was also very solid (wasn’t spicy but more curry flavour). Crispy fried fish was also yummy. Every table gets complimentary chicken skewers with peanut sauce and fluffy warm naan bread. Drinks: old fashion was really good so we had a few of those. Gimlet was very strong if you enjoy some punch. Ambiance: white table cloth but relaxed. They have a piano for special events and have a private dining area for events. Service: from the host to our waiter (Brian) was excellent. Very attentive and went above and beyond even though managing several tables.

C

Cymatic AudioGoogle Maps

Recently

This place had awesome food and our waiter was reliable and ver7 helpful. Gave us house appetizer flat bread with some awesome sauce and chicken skewers. Then I ordered the Hawaiian sunset and yes it was amazing and that too hit the spot. For food I got the lamb which was good aswel

J

J KwanGoogle Maps

Recently

This is a fusion restaurant with creativity and great presentation. It is like eating on 6 stars cruise ship. If you like poke, ahi cone is a must. The taro prawn is best shrimp I ever tasted. White chocolate amore gelato truffle is to die for. The best entree is the beef tenderloin, salmon, seabass.....

E

Erica KristinGoogle Maps

Recently

This was my first time here and we did the set menu. The food was decent for the most part. I liked about half of the set menu dishes. The mango sticky rice was fabulous. The soup was a bit off for me and was lacking the sour. I usually love Tom yum soup. The fishe as tasty. The curry dish I was not a fan of. It was as though the noodles did not belong in the curry. The passion drink was delicious. It felt like the focus was on the fancy and less on the food. Valet parking was $7.

M

Mike MezackGoogle Maps

Recently

A week in Waikiki and this was one of the food highlights. A little away from downtown but worth the 10 min ride. Very thoughtful , well executed menu. The signature dishes were very pleasing to both eye and palate. Appetizers were good and varied. We tried buratta which was well presented and full of flavor. The balsamic pearls were a really nice addition and finished the dish nicely. Crab cakes were solid as well. We didn't order signature tiger prawn appetizer but it seems every other table did so it must be good!! Mains were really good. Miso sea bass was well portioned and the miso glaze didn't overwhelm. Had the salmon and it was beautifully done!! Perfect seasoning and presentation. Lastly had the steak and again perfectly cooked and plate was beautiful. Additional side of coconut curry brown rice is not too be missed either. Dessert of Coconut cake with Tahitian vanilla sauce was also a winner! Nothing left of anything to take home. Only comment is the complementary chicken satay was a bit incongruent. The chicken was ok, however the peanut sauce was top notch and Naan was a great addition. Would definitely go back.

J

Jonathan BeckGoogle Maps

Recently

Amazing atmosphere and location. You must pay to park so bring cash for the valet. The food was very interesting as a fusion Asian twist on traditional dishes. Me and my wife celebrated our anniversary here and would love to come back. Also the duck tacos are the best appetizer I have had in a long time.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Chef Chai

Common questions from diners about Chef Chai in Honolulu.

Chef Chai is known for fusing fresh Hawaii ingredients with the exotic flavors of Asia to reflect the cultural diversity of the islands.

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