Cuisine & Specialties
- Cuisine: A broad Hawaiian–Asian fusion food truck/menu. It mixes local comfort fare with pan-Asian twists (Korean, Chinese, Japanese influences) and classic American breakfasts.
- Signature dishes: Loyal customers highlight the Pork Katsu, Korean Fried Chicken, and Chicken Stir-Fry as standouts. Seafood sandwiches (like a zesty mahi-mahi sandwich) and hearty salads (e.g. seared ahi salad) also reign. Breakfast favorites include thick pancakes (often served with Portuguese sausage or eggs), French toast, and local-style loco moco. Even the simple fish & chips or corned-beef loco moco draw praise. A spicy Ahi Katsu and various wraps (hummus or sandwich-style) round out the eclectic menu.
- Regional specialties: The menu nods to Hawaiian staples (Portuguese sausage, loco moco) alongside Asian street-food style items (breaded katsu, stir-fries, wonton fillings). Dishes use local ingredients where possible, and the truck’s name reflects its Southeast Asian influences, though it’s very much a Kauai-local take on Asian flavors.
Notable Features & Ambiance
- Price range: Inexpensive (about $–$$ range). As a casual food-truck, prices are modest for plate sizes, though some reviews mention it can feel slightly high for a takeout-style meal.
- Amenities: Outdoor seating is available (casual tables next to the truck, often poolside at the resort). The setup is very relaxed – think picnic tables and counter service. Credit cards are accepted (not strictly cash-only). There’s no official Wi-Fi or bar. The truck is marked Wheelchair Accessible (ramped entrance at the Bali Hai resort food court area).
- Atmosphere & vibe: Extremely laid-back and family-friendly. This is resort-casual dining – swim trunks, shorts and flip-flops are perfectly fine. The decor is simply the food truck itself (bright, friendly signage), complemented by nearby tropical landscaping. The overall feel is informal and welcoming, much like a vacation food stall. Live music or extensive decor is not part of the scene – it’s about good, quick food in a sunny setting.
- Accessibility: Located inside the Club Wyndham Bali Hai resort at 4970 Pepelani Loop, parking is shared with the resort (guests’ parking lot). Space is somewhat limited, so if you’re not a guest, plan on a short walk from nearby lots. The truck’s serving window and seating area are accessible to wheelchairs. Stairs are not required to reach this spot. There are no special dress requirements or age restrictions – it’s easygoing for all.
History & Background
- Taste of Asia LLC appears to be a local, family-run concession rather than a national chain. It has been operating at the Bali Hai (now Club Wyndham) Princeville resort complex for several years. (The exact founding date and owner details aren’t publicly noted.) Over time it has gained a loyal reputation among islanders and visitors alike as a convenient resort eatery. There aren’t formal awards known for this spot, but positive word-of-mouth is high: many travelers mention it as their go-to breakfast/lunch choice when staying in Princeville. Anecdotally, it’s known as “the little food truck at the resort”, and is often recommended in Kauai visitor discussions for its mix of Hawaiian favorites and Asian-influenced dishes.
Review Sentiment Snapshot
- Reviews (mostly Google-based) average around 4.6/5. Guests consistently praise the flavor and portion size. The pork katsu, Korean fried chicken, mahi sandwich and Filipino-inspired breakfasts (pancakes, French toast, loco moco) get frequent shout-outs. Many note the food is “homestyle” and satisfying – for example, memorable hashbrowns and thick, fluffy pancakes. Service is generally called fast and friendly, fitting for a quick-serve spot.
- On the flip side, some diners find the meals a bit pricey for casual fare (especially compared to local grocery or food market prices). A few reviews mention minor service hiccups: occasionally an order comes missing sauce or syrup, for instance. Some describe certain dishes (like plain French toast) as “pedestrian” given the cost. Parking and the open-air setting (e.g. occasional midges or sun) are seldom noted but can catch a few off-guard. Overall, praise for the tasty fried chicken and local-style breakfast tends to outweigh complaints: repeat reviewers often call it ”the best meal of our trip”, while critical notes focus on value and small order mix-ups.
Practical Visitor Tips
- Hours: Open daily from 8:00 AM until ~6:00 PM (last orders around 5:30–6:00 PM). Closed on Tuesdays. (Note: Mondays close early, around 3:00 PM, so strongest hours are Wed–Mon 8 AM–6 PM.)
- Reservations: None needed or taken – it’s counter service only. Plan to walk up and order in person. Weekday mornings or late afternoons tend to be slightly quieter; peak times are breakfast through midday (especially weekends when families use the resort pool).
- Parking: Situated at the Club Wyndham Bali Hai Villas (Pepelani Loop). If you’re staying there, just use on-site parking. If visiting just to eat, parking can be tight – consider carpooling or parking in a nearby public lot and walking over. Note the resort address when using GPS.
- Payment & policies: They accept credit/debit cards (Visa/MC). Some travelers recommend double-checking your order before leaving (a few have had missing condiments or sauces on busy days). No liquor license or BYOB – this is a food-only vendor.
- Dress & other tips: Very casual attire is fine (many guests come straight from the pool). Bring a drink if you like – the menu is food-focused (no fountain drinks stand, though bottled drinks are sold). There’s no dress code, but keep in mind bright sun; some shade is available near the seating. Restrooms are on the resort grounds.
- Enjoy factor: Many guests turn their meal into a mini picnic by the Bali Hai pool or villas. If you’re hungry after a hike or early beach visit, this is an easy on-site pick-up. Just arrive a bit before crowd waves and keep cash or card ready to speed things up.
