Lemongrass Restaurant
About
A Taste of Southeast Asia in Keaau
Tucked away in the quiet landscape of Keaau, Lemongrass Restaurant serves as a local anchor for those craving bold, aromatic Southeast Asian profiles. The dining room feels like a modest neighborhood kitchen, where the heavy, humid air of the Puna district gives way to the sharp, citrusy scent of crushed lemongrass and sizzling garlic drifting from the kitchen.
The Signature Experience
The menu leans heavily into traditional Vietnamese influences. Patrons frequently gravitate toward the fragrant Pho, served in oversized bowls with a broth that reveals a long, slow simmer. The spring rolls provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender rice noodles. If you arrive during the lunch rush, expect a bustling, tight-knit environment where local regulars swap stories over steaming bowls of soup.
Why This Spot Stays Authentic
Unlike the polished, sterile dining rooms found in resort corridors, Lemongrass keeps things unpretentious. It is an ideal stop for a traveler driving toward Volcano who needs a genuine, comforting meal without the frills. One minor observation for visitors: the parking lot can get tricky when the community gathers for the mid-day break, so bring a bit of patience.
This establishment captures the spirit of Puna—straightforward, unrefined, and deeply focused on quality ingredients. Whether you are grabbing a quick bite before heading into the forest or settling in for a relaxed afternoon, the consistent heat of the chili oils and the freshness of the basil keep this corner of town vibrant.
Location
16-586 Old Volcano Rd, Keaau, Hawaii, 96749
More to Explore
Reviews
Showing 10 of 2 community reviewsEarthbeeGoogle Maps
Recently
Singapore noodles was made like original, right curry powder and hotness. Sprinkle of green onions, enough protein. Great attitude and lots of locals.
Andrew HendricksonGoogle Maps
Recently
Situated in Kea'au Shopping Center between Foodland and and Ace Hardware. They have an already food bar to choose from. I ordered General Tso's Chicken and 4 Pork Spring Rolls and water for $29.00. The girl working was very nice and eager to help. General Tso's Chicken came out in 10 minutes and the pork spring rolls a few minutes later. The vinegar sauce with the spring rolls I didn't care for so asked for Chinese mustard and sweet and sour sauce which I mix. That's the way I like my spring rolls. Not too impressed with them. The General Tso's Chicken was okay. Very saucy but okay. I rated the food 3 star. It's about what you'd expect at a eatery style place. See pics. I won't be in a hurry to get back here but also wouldn't pass by if I was hungry and at the Kea'au Shopping Center.
Shen HolderGoogle Maps
Recently
Son was sick and requested won ton soup. The soup was amazingly tasty!! The won tons are scrumptious and the broth? So good Highly recommend and will return and return!! Impeccable service and very clean!
xyzGoogle Maps
Recently
we went there on Xmas! excellent food for the price. we got a jumbo thai tea too.
Subhasish BhattacharyaGoogle Maps
Recently
Great portions, good taste, veg friendly and friendly/fast service. Also, convenient to find and get to in the town center…
R MGoogle Maps
Recently
Really good Chinese food in kea'au. Lunch was fanatic. Very quick to order and plated. Mahalo guys for a great lunch!!!🤙🏽
Bartosz BrozekGoogle Maps
Recently
No thrills Asian restaurant with good menu, fast service and large portions. We did like our Mongolian beef and pad thai with shrimps. Staff is friendly.
Shelagh Arruda (Pandabear)Google Maps
Recently
Ordered the pad thai with chicken. Insane amount of food, reasonably priced, but seasoning is a little on the sweet side. No comment on heat level since I didn't ask and it wasn't offered. And for people particular about their chicken, mine came with boneless skinless chicken thighs.
Mel CGoogle Maps
Recently
I eat there a few times a month, but I usually eat the lunch buffet. Today for the first time I ordered Mongolian beef ala cart. They should call Mongolian onions, because not much meat, but what looks like 2 or 3 whole onions. Bummer, looks way better in the buffet.
Carissa NerbovigGoogle Maps
Recently
My favorite thing about my experience here was the positive response to my asking about special requests. I was happily told that they could do anything I wanted. I ordered sweet and sour chicken with my sauce on the side and fried rice without peas and carrots. My order was ready in 10 minutes and was soooo good. They put it all in a bag to keep it together while traveling, too, which was very nice. Convenient location in the Kea'au shopping center between Foodland and Ace, friendly service, and great food!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Lemongrass Restaurant
Common questions from diners about Lemongrass Restaurant in Keaau.
