Kuoha Culinary
Honolulu, HI
(25)
Honolulu, HI
(25)
I specialize in small upscale catering events and private chef services. I like to get into the mindset and expectations of the client for the event so I can create and customize a menu that exceeds their standards, but stays within price points.
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25 customer reviews
Khanh N.
Wow!!! Where do I even start? Chef Ed first did my proposal dinner back in 2018 and he completely blew our minds away. He did not just provided exceptional service along with his assistant Jacob, but he also helped me plan the ring surprise for my fiancé. Now, three years later in 2021 he just did my father in law's 70th birthday and the courses he planned exceeded expectations once again. We had a couple of people who have very particular taste buds, but Chef Ed's cuisines were soooo good that they devour every course. Chef Ed may have open a new horizon for these people. From the bottom of our hearts...Mahalo Chef Ed for making another memorable Hawaii trip. We will very likely to include you and your talent as a tradition on all of our future return visits to Oahu. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Malia
Let me start off by saying my husband and I are very picky when it comes to food. We were a little nervous hiring a private chef to cook for our gathering based solely on reviews and not having a set menu to choose from.
Chef Ed gives you recommendations based on your food preference and budget. Chef Ed was quick to respond and was communicative throughout the entire process. He arrived to our event on time and headed straight to the kitchen without me even knowing (I was busy getting ready). He was very professional in his presentation, had an explanation for each dish, and gave everyone a menu. Service was excellent! It was as if we were eating at a fine dining restaurant but in a comfortable atmosphere. Every single dish was so delicious and we all couldn’t stop thinking about his food for days! If we could only pick three of our favorites it would be the Kabayaki Bacon, Ahi Tataki, and the Lilikoi Crème Brulee Tarts. He provided us with more than enough food; we were full before the entrees came out and there were tons of leftovers to enjoy the next day. Don’t even question it, hire Chef Ed for your next gathering and you won’t regret it! Bonus- it was also nice to support a fellow Native Hawaiian owned company.
More...
Reviewed on WeddingWire
Malia
Let me start off by saying my husband and I are very picky when it comes to food. We were a little nervous hiring a private chef to cook for our gathering based solely on reviews and not having a set menu to choose from.
Chef Ed gives you recommendations based on your food preference and budget. Chef Ed was quick to respond and was communicative throughout the entire process. He arrived to our event on time and headed straight to the kitchen without me even knowing (I was busy getting ready). He was very professional in his presentation, had an explanation for each dish, and gave everyone a menu. Service was excellent! It was as if we were eating at a fine dining restaurant but in a comfortable atmosphere. Every single dish was so delicious and we all couldn’t stop thinking about his food for days! If we could only pick three of our favorites it would be the Kabayaki Bacon, Ahi Tataki, and the Lilikoi Crème Brulee Tarts. He provided us with more than enough food; we were full before the entrees came out and there were tons of leftovers to enjoy the next day. Don’t even question it, hire Chef Ed for your next gathering and you won’t regret it! Bonus- it was also nice to support a fellow Native Hawaiian owned company.
More...
Reviewed on WeddingWire
Malia
Let me start off by saying my husband and I are very picky when it comes to food. We were a little nervous hiring a private chef to cook for our gathering based solely on reviews and not having a set menu to choose from.
Chef Ed gives you recommendations based on your food preference and budget. Chef Ed was quick to respond and was communicative throughout the entire process. He arrived to our event on time and headed straight to the kitchen without me even knowing (I was busy getting ready). He was very professional in his presentation, had an explanation for each dish, and gave everyone a menu. Service was excellent! It was as if we were eating at a fine dining restaurant but in a comfortable atmosphere. Every single dish was so delicious and we all couldn’t stop thinking about his food for days! If we could only pick three of our favorites it would be the Kabayaki Bacon, Ahi Tataki, and the Lilikoi Crème Brulee Tarts. He provided us with more than enough food; we were full before the entrees came out and there were tons of leftovers to enjoy the next day. Don’t even question it, hire Chef Ed for your next gathering and you won’t regret it! Bonus- it was also nice to support a fellow Native Hawaiian owned company.
More...
Reviewed on WeddingWire
Malia
Let me start off by saying my husband and I are very picky when it comes to food. We were a little nervous hiring a private chef to cook for our gathering based solely on reviews and not having a set menu to choose from.
Chef Ed gives you recommendations based on your food preference and budget. Chef Ed was quick to respond and was communicative throughout the entire process. He arrived to our event on time and headed straight to the kitchen without me even knowing (I was busy getting ready). He was very professional in his presentation, had an explanation for each dish, and gave everyone a menu. Service was excellent! It was as if we were eating at a fine dining restaurant but in a comfortable atmosphere. Every single dish was so delicious and we all couldn’t stop thinking about his food for days! If we could only pick three of our favorites it would be the Kabayaki Bacon, Ahi Tataki, and the Lilikoi Crème Brulee Tarts. He provided us with more than enough food; we were full before the entrees came out and there were tons of leftovers to enjoy the next day. Don’t even question it, hire Chef Ed for your next gathering and you won’t regret it! Bonus- it was also nice to support a fellow Native Hawaiian owned company.
More...
Reviewed on WeddingWire
Malia
Let me start off by saying my husband and I are very picky when it comes to food. We were a little nervous hiring a private chef to cook for our gathering based solely on reviews and not having a set menu to choose from.
Chef Ed gives you recommendations based on your food preference and budget. Chef Ed was quick to respond and was communicative throughout the entire process. He arrived to our event on time and headed straight to the kitchen without me even knowing (I was busy getting ready). He was very professional in his presentation, had an explanation for each dish, and gave everyone a menu. Service was excellent! It was as if we were eating at a fine dining restaurant but in a comfortable atmosphere. Every single dish was so delicious and we all couldn’t stop thinking about his food for days! If we could only pick three of our favorites it would be the Kabayaki Bacon, Ahi Tataki, and the Lilikoi Crème Brulee Tarts. He provided us with more than enough food; we were full before the entrees came out and there were tons of leftovers to enjoy the next day. Don’t even question it, hire Chef Ed for your next gathering and you won’t regret it! Bonus- it was also nice to support a fellow Native Hawaiian owned company.
More...
Reviewed on WeddingWire
Malia
Let me start off by saying my husband and I are very picky when it comes to food. We were a little nervous hiring a private chef to cook for our gathering based solely on reviews and not having a set menu to choose from.
Chef Ed gives you recommendations based on your food preference and budget. Chef Ed was quick to respond and was communicative throughout the entire process. He arrived to our event on time and headed straight to the kitchen without me even knowing (I was busy getting ready). He was very professional in his presentation, had an explanation for each dish, and gave everyone a menu. Service was excellent! It was as if we were eating at a fine dining restaurant but in a comfortable atmosphere. Every single dish was so delicious and we all couldn’t stop thinking about his food for days! If we could only pick three of our favorites it would be the Kabayaki Bacon, Ahi Tataki, and the Lilikoi Crème Brulee Tarts. He provided us with more than enough food; we were full before the entrees came out and there were tons of leftovers to enjoy the next day. Don’t even question it, hire Chef Ed for your next gathering and you won’t regret it! Bonus- it was also nice to support a fellow Native Hawaiian owned company.
More...
Reviewed on WeddingWire
Malia W.
Let me start off by saying my husband and I are very picky when it comes to food. We were a little nervous hiring a private chef to cook for our gathering based solely on yelp reviews and not having a set menu to choose from. Chef Ed gives you recommendations based on your food preference and budget. Chef Ed was quick to respond and was communicative throughout the entire process. He arrived to our event on time and headed straight to the kitchen without me even knowing (I was busy getting ready). He was very professional in his presentation, had an explanation for each dish, and gave everyone a menu. Service was excellent! It was as if we were eating at a fine dining restaurant but in a comfortable atmosphere. Every single dish was so delicious and we all couldn't stop thinking about his food for days! If we could only pick three of our favorites it would be the Kabayaki Bacon, Ahi Tataki, and the Lilikoi Crème Brulee Tarts. He provided us with more than enough food; we were full before the entrees came out and there were tons of leftovers to enjoy the next day. Don't even question it, hire Chef Ed for your next gathering and you won't regret it! Bonus- it was also nice to support a fellow Native Hawaiian owned company. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Terry H.
I just wanted to say that Chef Ed is the best! From the little things to coming to you to pick up a deposit to being accommodating to allergies, etc. to switching gears at the last minute and even the little menu cards he provides! He catered for my daughter's wedding in July 2020 which was on Zoom, however we still had a little reception for the family and Chef Ed prepackaged the meals for the drive-by guests. The food was awesomely delicious! We had hapa rice, Roasted Vegetable Platter with Roasted Garlic dipping sauce, Oven Baked Crispy Chicken that was actually gluten free and delicious, Pan Roasted Beef with Maui Onion Demi jus, Kahuku Food Truck Style Garlic Shrimp, House Baked Rolls with Guava Butter (this was soooo good!), a Mixed Greens Salad with a House Papaya Seed Vinaigrette and Dessert!! Dessert was Whipped Haupia Parfait and Mini Lilikoi Creme Brûlée tarts and they were both so delicious! If you're looking for someone who will provide a custom menu to exactly what you want, Chef Ed is the one!! On another occasion I asked if he could do a special anniversary drop off just for my other daughter and her husband and although he doesn't really do small drop offs for just 2 people, he went out of his way and piggy backed on another order he was preparing and still dropped off at my daughter's house! He's very thoughtful and wanted to help make my daughter's dinner a success! Also forgot to add that his response time is quick and he is able to work with your budget and still deliver an outstanding spread! Thanks Chef Ed! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Lorilynn L.
Since COVID, I imagine many people have gone without celebrations, family gatherings and a variety of social engagements, we were shut down by an invisible terrorist, telling us to mask up, glove up and its need to "flatten the curve". We have been forced to think outside of our routine boxes; however, as human beings, we require the social aspects of our lives, it helps us to manifest feelings of love and being a part of a community. I say this because my daughter was turning 35 and watched her work so hard, her company closed down, she was was pregnant, struggled in silence, had her baby in a hospital where we couldn't be there with her and do her best for her children every single day, despite the significant life changes. Anyways, I dont mean to go on and on, long story short, we wanted to give her something special this year, as she embarked on 35, quite a milestone age. In comes Chef Ed Kuoha, I found him here on Yelp. The idea of bringing a fine dining experience to my home, im sure im not the first to think of it, what a great idea. I reached out and he returned my message, very clear and available. He asked about our dietary restrictions and immediately came up with a solid menu plan. Unfortunately, he ended up not being able to do the party for unforeseen circumstances and notified me 2 days before the dinner. I was a bit nervous, not gonna lie. Everything was scheduled and set up, I know it was a family dinner at my home and Chef Ed was super generous to reschedule, but it would be too much of a hassle. I started to search for another replacement, I was not very hopeful since we are now down to one day before the party and still no replacement. Chef Ed texted me and said he found another Chef!! He worked so hard to accommodate, despite the crisis he faced himself. He put my situation my ahead of his own and I cannot possibly express adequate appreciation for this.Now the food, we were literally paralyzed with satisfaction. The menu offered was not only exquisite flavors, but paired with excellence to accommodate our very different dietary needs. I will leave a brief description of the food items with their pictures. Lastly, we also want to thank Chef Ed for sending Jacob to service our dinner. He was the icing on the cake, such a humble and respectful young man, who truly enhanced our dining experience. He was efficient and he left my home cleaner than it was before he arrived. Thank you for Chef Ed for creating a memory that will place a shining bright star on our dim memory of these difficult times. I strongly recommend you to everyone I know and will be coming back to you for future events. Your business will definitely thrive with impeccable service that you provide!! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Aiza M.
I was so lucky to find Ed on here. All the food he served are delicious. All my guest we're complementing about how good it was. He's very responsive to me altho I was only talking to him thru email since I'm not good at talking on the phone but he did his best to communicate with me and set up something. I highly recommend his business for all events. Will definitely use his service again and will recommend to all my friends and fellows. Thank you Ed! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
lynne k.
Where do I even begin? Words can't really express how happy I am with chef ed's professionalism and execution. He helped cook a private dinner for my boyfriends birthday and was very responsive throughout the entire process. His quotes are more than reasonable and he kept everything within our budget. There were so many thoughtful touches leading up to the day such as picking up the deposit from my home, bringing us extra food to sample, which made me even more excited to get to know chef Ed better. On the day of the event, everyone in our group was beyond impressed with the quality of produce and ingredients, and it'll definitely be a memorable event for us. When it was all over, we got to chat and get some tips from the chef about local dining and recipes. This won't be the last time I see chef Ed, I consider him a friend now. I'm so grateful to have found him by chance because this guy has such a good heart and I love that he's passionate about his practice, clients and brand. I'll definitely recommend him to friends that are looking for a similar experience. More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Brian J Paisley
food was excellent and he set it up for me! on time and very professional set up..
Reviewed on Facebook
Mark I.
Everything was excellent! This guy is the real deal!!
Reviewed on WeddingWire
Mark I.
Everything was excellent! This guy is the real deal!!
Reviewed on WeddingWire
Mark I.
Everything was excellent! This guy is the real deal!!
Reviewed on WeddingWire
Mark Ikenaga
Everything was excellent! This guy is the real deal!!
Reviewed on WeddingWire
Mark Ikenaga
Everything was excellent! This guy is the real deal!!
Reviewed on WeddingWire
Mark I.
Everything was excellent! This guy is the real deal!!
Reviewed on WeddingWire
Mark I.
Everything was excellent! This guy is the real deal!!
Reviewed on WeddingWire
Mark I.
Everything was excellent! This guy is the real deal!!
Reviewed on WeddingWire
Mark Ikenaga
Everything was excellent! This guy is the real deal!!
Reviewed on WeddingWire
Mark Ikenaga
Everything was excellent! This guy is the real deal!!
Reviewed on WeddingWire
Jason W.
From all that I have read, It seems like this was the place to go for me and my wifes 20 yr anniversary Private dinner for 2. But apparently that was not the case. I tried contacting as instructed and was given a return call promptly; but due to the nature of my job, reception was bad and the guy that call seem irritated and was very rude about it. After several attempts of back and forth and getting no where we decided email. Apparently after I wrote what I imagined for dinner; I got no reply. Apparently a dinner for two was not worth the time... More...
Reviewed on Yelp
Sara P.
Excellent response time, excellent service! Chef Ed came up with an awesome menu that was perfect for my son's bday and family members allergies. Chef Ed was prompt and set everything up in minimal time- food, warmers, serving utensils, plates and flatware were all provided which made everything SO EASY!!! Would definitely recommend!!! More...
Reviewed on Yelp
What’s your signature dish?
I am able create a multitude of dishes from various cuisines which gives me the opportunity to have multiple signature dishes to offer to my clients pending their food preferences for the event.
How do you go about creating the perfect menu for your clients?
I converse with all clients personally that book through my company which allows me to establish a personal connection with them and I customize each menu for every event based on the client's food needs and budget.
What do you love most about your job?
It gives me a personal freedom and quality of life I've never had as a professional Chef in the food service industry. Having these things allows me to open up my creative mind and to focus on making really great food with Aloha. I am also able to work with people from around the world and help to add to their memories for a special trip or event in Hawaii at various locations around the island.
What inspired you to start your own business?
After dedicating over 20 years into his profession of cooking and guest servicing for other businesses and employers, Chef Ed Kuoha decided it was finally time to carve out his own niche. Chef Ed wanted to have something to show for all his hard work and have an opportunity to use his skill set to continue to create memories and enjoyment for many people through his vision of food, thus Kuoha Culinary was born. Chef Ed is a strong believer in putting positive energy and love into everything he creates, he feels that it aids in the end result of his work which often leads to great responses from clients who use his catering and Private Chef services. Born and raised in Hawaii, Chef Ed has felt fortunate to call this his home and doesn't foresee ever leaving paradise. Family is still the most important thing to him, and when he is not working, he is spending time with his wife and 3 children which bring him the most enjoyment.
Why should our clients choose you?
Delicious Chef made food with Aloha, great personal client service, and extensive experience & flexibility to handle any event request big or small
What changes have you made to keep your customers safe from Covid-19?
"The impact of Covid-19 has caused a shift for many clients towards smaller intimate onsite/upscale drop off events to minimize any health risks to family and friends. Kuoha Culinary has been specializing in these events since the start of our business in 2015 and moving forward we will continue to operate as we've always done with every event because the "New Normal" for event catering has always been our normal with quality food, high sanitation standards and personalized client service.
Kuoha Culinary Covid-19 On-Site Event Health/Sanitation Practices:
*Kuoha Culinary will do their best to ensure all staff working event do not display symptoms of Covid-19 or related illnesses
-Should there be a late notification that an employee cannot work their shift due to illness and a suitable replacement cannot be found we kindly request Host to be understanding of unfortunate circumstances out of our control and event will not be charged for missing employee
*All Kuoha Culinary staff will wear facemasks for duration of event
*For mass gatherings over 20 people Kuoha Culinary kindly requests Host to inform guests to use facemasks while standing in line for food or while being served
*Social distancing will be encouraged for guests in food lines or when possible during event
*BOH staff to use gloves during event for all food handling and will wash/sanitize hands frequently
*FOH staff will either use gloves during event or will wash/sanitize hands frequently
*By order of the State of Hawaii DOH, there will be no self-service buffets or drink stations allowed at event
*During “Staff Served Appetizer/Buffet” service, only gloved event staff will handle serving utensils to serve guests food items
*All platters, boards, etc. for food to be served on in addition to serving utensils for the food provided by Kuoha Culinary are cleaned and wrapped prior to event for transport to/from event
*Kuoha Culinary will have disinfectant wipes & paper towels for cleaning as needed and for final wipe down at the end of event
*Kuoha Culinary will have hand soap & sanitizer available to staff during events
-Should we need to provide for guests it must be requested/notated prior to event and will be at additional cost
Private Chef & Residential Catering/Chef Demonstrations & Interactive Cooking/Customized Menu Planning
Chef Ed will design a restaurant quality menu that suits your needs for your event whether it be a casual cocktail reception, intimate buffet, home cooked family style meal, or upscale plated dinner.
Sourcing Ingredients
Once Menu is final and your date is secured, Chef Ed will secure all ingredients needed for your menu so you don't have to worry about doing any of the shopping.
Event Day
Chef Ed and his staff will arrive a couple of hours before your start time to prep and assemble the dishes for your meal. Any home kitchen is sufficient for what needs to be done as long as there is a sink, stove, and oven. We will adapt to what is available and work within those parameters.
Breakdown
After your service is complete, our staff will handle all of the clean up. We will do the dishes, clean and sanitize all kitchen surfaces that we may have used. This leaves you more time to enjoy your guests. and less time with after party clean up.
On-Site Venue Catering Services
Weddings
We know planning your wedding can be a very extremely stressful time. Let Kuoha Culinary take care of all of your wedding coordination needs, from simple menu design to rental and waitstaff services, all the way to full venue, wedding, and even honeymoon coordination thru our partnership with event coordinator services. Please inquire for more details.
Corporate & Special Events
Looking for a unique team building event? Sales meeting dinner? Annual Holiday Cocktail Reception? Graduation or Birthday Celebrations? If you need on-site services we can help.
Let Kuoha Culinary handle all of the details, handling all food, rental, and waitstaff services... We've got it covered!
Kuoha Culinary can accommodate anywhere from 8 up to 150 guests.
Upscale Catered Event Delivery
Kuoha Culinary offers delivery service where your food is prepared and delivered to your party location, residence, office, beach, or where ever you might happen to need us. We don't just deliver the food, we'll come and set up your food displayed nicely with disposable chafers, platters, plates, utensils, and menu item cards whenever it is applicable.
Individual boxed meal service is also available.
