Mama Guava

Food was amazing! Chef did a great job marrying all those asian spices and flavors

We were disappointed with this restaurant on multiple fronts, particularly the pricing and overall taste. My wife and I ordered the shrimp curry, the veal “pancit,” the She’s Healthy juice, and garlic fries. The garlic fries were nicely thin, but extremely oily—the bottom of the bowl was essentially a pool of oil. The She’s Healthy juice, priced at $10, was simply unpleasant. The drink menu overall was underwhelming, especially with items like tea priced at $7. The entrees were even more disappointing. The shrimp curry ($24) was served in a large bowl but contained a surprisingly small portion—roughly six spoonfuls of curry—and was overwhelmingly salty. The veal “pancit” was confusing and misleading. Despite the name, it resembled more of a Chinese or Thai pad see ew than traditional Filipino pancit with thin noodles. Both styles were mentioned in the description, which made it unclear what to expect. Unfortunately, this dish was also excessively salty. Overall, the food did not justify the high prices, and we won’t be returning. Also, why are the old signs for Pig & Lady still up? Found that kind of odd.

Two co-workers and I went to try the food at Mama Guava in the old Pig & The Lady location on N King St in Chinatown. One had tried their food at a event recently and said it was delicious. You must order and pay using a QR code. It seemed simple enough, but I wondered if they received our food orders because one of us didn’t get his food for at least 20 minutes. I tried Fish Curry ($24) and a glass of iced tea ($7.50). With tax and tip, it came to $39.28. My curry dish was served with a very delicious Roti. Alas, I felt the curry was oversalted, taking away from the subtle flavors of the fish and light curry sauce. My iced tea was fine, but I don’t like drinking out of a jar; the lip of the jar doesn’t feel good on my lips. Yes, a straw was provided but I don’t use straws. The owner / chef is really nice; she came out to check on us and comp-ed the diner whose food came out late. This pop-up is supposed to be limited in duration … Pig & The Lady is returning so if you want to give Mama Guava a try, do it now. I’ll give them a conditional good but could be very good rating; just reduce the amount of salt.

Had such a delicious and unique banh Xeo and flan today and can’t wait to try the rest of the menu next time. The food is great, the vibe is inviting, and the staff is kind and warm (shoutout to Maite!). This is only a 6 month pop up, so make sure to go for lunch before it’s gone - Chef Mo is creating something magical here, don’t miss it!

I don’t say this lightly: this was one of the top five meals of my life. Mama Guava is the kind of place that reminds you why food matters. Every dish feels like it was cooked by someone who knows exactly who they are and exactly what they want you to feel. You can taste the confidence, the intention, and the sheer talent in every bite. What stood out most to me was how clearly Chef Monique’s point of view comes through. She doesn’t shrink or edit any part of her story — she brings all of it to the table. The influences, the techniques, the places she’s been, the parts of her identity that don’t fit neatly into one box - she doesn’t choose one lane. She lets the full spectrum of who she is show up in the food, and it makes the experience feel almost, intimate. Genuinely special. Chef Monique is an absolute force (and total badass). This is a pop up with only four months left. I am devastated that I don't live in HNL and won't be able to eat there again. Please do yourself a favor - if you care about food, storytelling, or just supporting someone special doing something extraordinary, go eat here. Try one of everything, but especially the fish curry and hand rolled roti. Truly one of the most memorable dining experiences I’ve ever had.

Food was awesome. Everything my wife and ordered were delicious flavor bomb! Lumpia Look Fun, Salt and Pepper Karaage Chicken, Veal Pancit and Tako Poke. All so so good. Better than good! Wish I had more room to try the rest of the amazing dishes they make. Definitely going back to try the curry and burger. I can't wait to return to the umami restaurant that's Mama Gauva!

A Story of Coming Home — and of What Makes America Beautiful Chef Monique Cadavona’s life story permeates every dish at Mama Guava. You can taste the journey — from years of refinement in New York’s Le Jardinier under the Joël Robuchon lineage, to her decision that it was time to come home and tell her story, in her own way. What she’s created here isn’t just a restaurant — it’s a pop-up with a purpose. With only four months left in this initial run, Mama Guava feels like a living, breathing memoir served one course at a time. Each dish carries the confidence of fine-dining technique and the approachable warmth of personal rediscovery. Deep, rich flavors balanced by bright, citrusy notes — the kind of harmony that only comes from a chef who cooks with both discipline and joy. Her Filipino heritage is the heartbeat of the menu, playfully woven with Vietnamese and Chinese influences that reflect the cultural tapestry of Hawaii itself. Every bite feels intentional, grounded, and deeply human — a celebration of where she’s been and what it means to return home transformed. For her sake, and for the sake of the American story — the story of hard work, heritage, and coming full circle — I hope diners flock to Mama Guava and carry it far beyond this first run. It’s not often you can taste someone’s journey so vividly. Go while you can.

I don’t really want to share this restaurant because I feel like it’s a secret that I want to keep to myself, however, I really want them to succeed and I want you all to go visit and understand why it’s so amazing. The food, the service, and the ambience are something very special that doesn’t come around too often. The taste and fusion of flavors is passion that you can feel from the chef as she tells her story. It all feels so genuine. From the incredible curry fish and delicious hand made roti to the oxtail soup, all the flavors burst and synchronize together. I wish I could go again tomorrow and maybe I will, but in the meantime I would suggest you get over and try it - you won’t be sorry.

Mama guava is a super mellow spot and locally owned. The spot is in place of the pig and the lady. The food is a fusion of local and Filipino dishes. You cannot go wrong with any dish. Even the drink options were amazing. I ordered the lumpia look fun and the veal pancit. Both dishes were amazing. Definitely come and check this spot out.