Simply Ono

1. VERDICT/VALUEThey take credit card and while some meals will cost you, $10 or less gets you most meals (and they're pretty good) fast - what's not to like about that 2. FOOD With the choice of two food trucks (Koi and Simply Ono), I thought I would give the one with no line a try.  Isn't that a bad thing?  Not in this case!  New York Steak Katsu ($10 including tax): comes with your choice of white or brown rice, your choice of salads, and of course, a deep fried strip of New York steak.  The brown rice was too moist (i.e. soggy) and the mayo in the mac salad made up for it somewhat, but HUZZAH - the steak was just right!  Crunchy crust mixed with tender steak on the inside...even my co-workers were raving about it and wanting to get another plate of their own of it!3. SERVICEIt's a food truck - no long conversations here, but the service was nice, fast, no unneeded upselling, and as I mentioned, takes credit card unlike some (who carries cash these days?!).4. ATMOSPHEREIn this case, there wasn't any seating around Simpy Ono being a food truck and all.  You're surrounded by happy people looking forward to getting some great grindz and that's always a good thing.  Will be trying other dishes again soon! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

This place lives up to its name...Simply 'Ono!  My co-workers and I look forward to the days their food truck is here at work.  Pastele stew, gandule rice, winner.  Prime rib, with REAL mash potatoes, au jus and horseradish is a must.  Still have yet to try some staples that I have heard are good--baked spaghetti and beef stroganoff.  The two ladies who work the truck are always friendly and accommodating...we tell them what we like, what to bring back, and they actually listen!  Needless to say, they are to blame for my expanding waistline ...can't get enough! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Fast, relatively cheap, filling.  What more could you want?Kalbi plate (not as unhealthy as it sounds).Chix w/shrooms plate (not as druggy as it sounds). Poke bowl (every bit as 'ono as it sounds).Open right up till the nite classes.  See the electrical and construction workers stand ahead of you in line, in their fluorescent, long-sleeved, work shirts.  Ready to fix whatever infrastructure the college is losing to time and erosion and rust, after they down a quick mac salad, white rice, and heartily flavored red meat (or fish). Plus carbonated drink of choice.Proof of quality, right there. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

It's about time I wrote a review for Simply Ono. I've been enjoying their selections for years, first when I worked at UH Manoa, and now in Kakaako at their location in the John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM). Please note: The food is delivered here in a truck; however, you go into the cafeteria (called Cafe Waiola) at JABSOM to get your food. Anyone can go into JABSOM. There is a security guard who may ask where you are going, but that is for the sake of safety. The cafeteria is in the Medical Education Building (MEB), toward the back right on the ground floor, if you are looking at MEB from Ilalo Street. Enter through the main doors off of Ilalo Street, or walk around back. Indoor and outdoor seating is available."Simply Ono" is an apt description. This is simple, fresh, yummy comfort food that hits the spot. The portions are large. I got the roast turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing, salad and cranberry sauce with gravy today. The regular size is $9.50 with a smaller size for $8.50. I eat my largest meal at lunch, but even I couldn't finish the regular size. It would make two meals for some people or may be enough for two people to share. There was a mound of mashed potatoes the size of the Big Island, topped with four generous slices of turkey, a scoop of dressing on the side and a small salad. (Just iceberg lettuce, though.) I've also had the BBQ pulled pork sandwich, homemade corn chowder, hamburger curry, and I can't even remember what else. Nothing is over-salted but everything is flavorful. The staff members at all sites are helpful in accommodating dietary needs. For example, most of the time I forgo rice or potatoes or other starches. They will substitute tossed salad instead at no extra cost. I really appreciate that. Some places freak out when you ask for this, while others will do so, but charge extra.They do breakfast and lunch each weekday. The coffee bar is open 7 am - 3 pm. Breakfast is 7 am - 10:30 am and lunch goes from 10:30 am - 1:30 pm. You can view the daily menu by visiting simplyono.com/Menu.html. Parking can be a challenge. There's free parking on Coral Street, if you can find it. There's metered parking on Ilalo and Keawe Streets, or pay parking in Lot C (enter from Ilalo Street and follow the instructions on the payment machine). The 19, 20, 42, 55, 56, 57, and 57A buses stop at Ala Moana and Coral; you'll have to walk a block makai (toward the ocean) to get to JABSOM. I recently discovered that an express bus goes down Ilalo Street. I couldn't see the number. Only problem with express buses is that they make so few trips - usually only one or two trips in the morning coming into town, and one or two trips in the evening heading out of town. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

My coworker had been hinting at eating here for a while now and we finally took the time to drive out there for lunch. HINT: If you can find street parking on Ilalo Street right in front of JABSOM, do that. You just park there and go into the campus and it's on your left. Unmarked from that side but it's a little cafeteria looking (high end). The other side has a sign that says "Cafe Waiola" which is what threw me off. I was so excited to try the Shoyu Pork. Order completes pretty quickly, food is pre-made and just plated at order. Perfect for them to-be-doctors! Looking at my plate, I couldn't have been happier to dig in. Shoyu pork looked DELICIOUS! Choose between white or brown rice, toss/potato/mac salad. Some parts of the pork was a little tough, have to say it's probably because it was over-cooked from sitting too long (understandable) and overall it was really very tasty. Awesome portions for $9 plate. The menu changes almost daily, so we will DEFINITELY be back! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

This is a great hidden location nestled inside the John Burns Medical Center in what was supposed to be a cafeteria.  The menu changes daily and mostly has great new items weekly as well.  As for the food,  it's a hit and miss,  with nothing terrible,  but sometimes falls a little short.  Never the less,  the smoked meat is my go to item,  but there beef stew is killer when it's done right. Also,  the prices are awesome and for sure you will not leave hungry. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Been there for lunch a few times.  Food is pretty good.  They give a lot.  Most in the $10 range.  Tried the spicy Ahi poke bowl and the smoked meat chili.  They take credit cads but $10 minimum.  Nice and clean if you're going to eat inside. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

New things at the Cafe Waiola inside of the John A. Burns School of Medicine.  Philly Cheese Steak sandwich with quality meat and real Cheddar Cheese for $8. 50.  Now serving Samurai Ice with five flavors at $1.75 each.  Daily sandwich special for those starving students and staff at $5.00 for a BLT(for 10/1/15, but varies) and drink. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Delicious fresh poke. Seared Ahi and lomilomi salmon. Thank you so much for the wonderful treats!!!

Reviewed on Yelp

Oh Simply Ono!  How I love thee!  First had your food when you were at 99 Ranch.  I have never had comfort food this good!   I got very sad when you left.  But when I saw your truck at UH a few years later, I was so happy to have your food again (beef stroganoff, turkey, and your poke).  I stopped going to UH and attend LCC (why can't you come to LCC!?)  I work at HCC now and to my amazement, your truck is on campus!!!  Oh is this fate?  Maybe.  Cora and Harris, you have a faithful follower. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Simply Ono really is simply ono. I'm only two bites into my roast turkey meal $9.50 (roast turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, cranberry jelly, tossed salad) and chocolate chip cookies (4/$1. 00) and I feel the need to write this. This is a must try. I absolutely love it. Mashed potatoes are chunky and buttery, turkey is moist, everything is perfect!I've also tried baked spaghetti, spaghetti with meat sauce, clam chowder, ham and cheese sandwich, chicken adobo, lasagna, and others. I love the wide selection that Simply Ono provides on a daily basis. To be honest, the quality of food isn't always 5 stars but I don't expect it to be since it's all precooked and kept warmed until served. It's the service, affordable prices, (usually) generous servings, and the wide variety that I appreciate so much and keeps me coming. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I love their laulau and spicy poke combo. Its everything I want and nothing more. I haven't found any other place that offers this kind of combination - it seems to be a one of a kind. At a price point of $10 - I'm also very satisfied with the amount of food. Quantity for value!Just remember when you order - say the entree, (brown/white) rice, (toss/mac) salad. They offer a great daily rotation of food. Accepts credit cards Mon - Thurs. Friday is cash only. Not on campus on the weekends, holidays, school breaks, etc. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

シンプリーオノは、これもロコに大人気のフードトラック。スパイシーアヒは、絶品。それに、熱すぎるご飯にのせずにいい加減に冷ましたご飯に出してくれるところもにくいよね。日替わりでここマノア大学のキャンパスにも出没。誰でもキャンパスに入れるから、大学生になった気分で食べるのいい！デザートには、パンプデイングね！

Reviewed on Yelp

Previously, as a college student, I did not have many suitable places to eat. Sure, you could walk across campus to Paradise Palms and get something from the slew of selections they have there. You could also get something from the Campus Center's cafeteria's heavily overpriced food. However I like to spend my money on value (big portion at value price). That having been said, when you want a big portion of onolicious, local Hawaiian food to eat, this place is where you need to hit up!  Food: The menu changes changes every day with Friday containing an addition of whatever's left over during the week.  Every day this food truck changes what they have for fish, poultry, and pork/beef dishes.  Check the menu online to check whether they have what you like that day! I love Thursdays and Fridays. Thursdays is turkey day with mashed potatoes, stuffing, and turkey. Fridays are full of Hawaiian style plates from laulau and kalua pig to spicy poke and chicken long rice. Yum!The service is friendly, fast, and efficient. Generous portions are given and the server is always able to recommended a dish; even when its busy. This lunch stop shows the spirit of aloha which exudes with every bite from its dishes. Salüd my fellow yelpers. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

ランチワゴン、フードトラック、どっちなのか。どっちでもいいのですが、「シンプリー・オノ」はその名の通り、美味しいんです。私はダウンタウンで停まっているトラックでは食べたことはないんですが、イートザストリートに出ているシンプリーオノは、ほぼ毎回食べています。もちろんイートザストリートの場合はテーマが毎月替わるので、それに伴ってメニューも多少替わりますが、定番は「スパイシーアヒポキ丼」。OMG〜これはシンプルに本当においしい。味付けがいいんですよね。スパイシーアヒポキ丼というのは、マヨネーズベースのソースに少しスパイスを加えて、アヒポキを合えた丼ぶり。これは毎回外せません。以前すごいプレートがありました。スパイシーポキ、ラザニア、そしてポークカツレツが入った「サンプラープレート」。これが$10で食べれたのでした。これ、イートザストリートでも時々出るんですけどね。デザートでおいしいのは、ブレッドプディング。しゅわっとしたブレッドプディングに、まったりカスタードソースがかかった一品。たまりません。シンプリーオノは、ローカルの中年のご夫婦が経営しているお店。旦那様は日系の方で、日本語を結構上手に話しますよ〜。奥様がメニューのほとんどを考えるそうです。いろんなアイデアをお持ちなんです。総合的に、このフードトラックはいつも"安定した味でおいしい"、ということ。外れがほぼない。今度は平日にダウンタウンで食べてみます。

Reviewed on Yelp

This is the dawn of the food truck. From racing across the country on the Food Network; to Eat the Street events and even catering small functions, the food truck has grown from it's Manapua Truck days. Simply Ono lives up to its name. It's a quick Hawaiian and local plate lunch truck. Serving such local items as lau lau, garlic ahi, shoyu pork along with a meatloaf sandwich and bbq pulled pork sandwich. I like that they offer toss salad, three bean salad and brown rice in addition to the standard side items. Their beef stew can stand up with the best of them. The vegetables were firm, not over cooked to the point of near baby food mushiness (yeah, it's a word) and the meat tender and plentiful. The kalua pig is definitely juicy although I could have use more flavor in the form of smoke and salt. Admittedly I do have a love affair with salty pork goods. Considering the amount of food they give you the prices are fair. When the nice lady gave me the plate I was taken back by the shear weight of it. Of course my first thought was that it was mostly rice...yeah, not so much. In fact, quite the opposite. The rice portion is generous but it's no filler. More than half the the plate was all main dish.If you find yourself passing by Simply Ono's truck I highly suggest giving it a strong consideration. From comfort food to gourmet on the go, food trucks are a growing industry and a mobile outlet for those culinary cravings. Bon appétit! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I love this place!!! I tried the furikake salmon & spaghetti thus far. They give tons of food where you can have a choice of 3-beans, mac salad or green salad. Usually I get a regular sized plate & eat half & save the other half for leftovers the next day. I also tried the triple chocolate dessert which was good but a little pricey. The lady there is very friendly & always tries to make small talk with you. I also love the convenience to work as its always there on punchbowl street next to the side of the State library. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

When I'm pressed for time and am so hungry that Red Bull and candy won't cut it, I rush out to the Simply Ono food truck. I was initially really hesitant about trying it out but one day was so hungry that I decided to give it a try . I really appreciate that Simply Ono offers a variety of fish entrees and that it offers patrons a choice of mac or green salad. The salad dressing is a light and tasty vinegarette. In addition to fish entrees, they also offer local lunch options like hamburger curry and beef stew. I always order the ahi with ponzu sauce (mini $7) and it is always delicious and perfectly cooked. The lady who works there is super nice and I feel very comfortable that she is the one serving food-- it's always awkward when unhygienic individuals serve you food-- it makes me question the preparation. Great lunch! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

OMG this little truck packs a whole lot of flavor!!My BF and I discovered Simply Ono at the Pro Bowl themed Eat the Street event.  It was super crowded and the lines were long for most of the trucks.  We only had frites (french fries) and a cheese quesadilla from 2 different trucks.  My BF was ready to leave so we could eat something a little more filling; when out of the corner of my eye, I saw a truck with no line!We looked at the menu and decided to share their sampler plate: Fresh Smoked Salmon, Grilled Lamb Chop, and Kalua Pig.  Of course there was rice and I think mac salad.  We put in our order and getting back our change, and a plate was placed right in front of us.  I looked around for someone who was waiting for their order and there wasn't anyone.  It was our plate!!  What?!?!  That's like Rainbows Drive In fast!Anyway, our food was...Simply Ono!!  Seriously - the smoked salmon was soo good - you can tell that they smoked it themselves.  The lamb chop was grilled perfectly. And the Kalua Pig was tasty!  We started talking to the owner, who was standing outside and he's a really nice guy.  Very personable and very proud of the food he's serving.  I wish I could remember his name!  This Friday is Eat the Street and the theme is chocolate...hmmmm, I wonder what Simply Ono will whip up! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Attended the Eat the Street event last Friday. The theme was luau in conjunction with the 125th anniversary of Kamehameha Schools. Since the theme was luau, I was really looking forward to getting some Hawaiian food.I was kind of finding that theme lost in many of the vendors at the event. But then I found Simply Ono which has several lunchwagons across Honolulu. Specifically, downtown Honolulu and the University of Hawaii. This lunchwagon is an old school truck unlike the social media era trucks which focus on a specialty.Simply Ono is a great spot in which you can find a large selection of dishes of different cuisines reflecting the culture of Hawaii. Hence, you will find American, Chinese, Filipino, Hawaiian and Japanese dishes available here. Though you will want to look on the daily/weekly calendar on their website to see what they are serving on a certain day as it changes daily.Since the theme was luau, the selections at Simply Ono were Hawaiian. I saw a number of tempting dishes including a bread pudding and a full Hawaiian plate, but I decided to get the kalua pork with rice ($5). It was a mini portion that was just the right size for a event like this in which you want to try many things.The kalua pork was flavorful and moist. There is a little fattiness to the pork which just makes the rice taste better. This is the type of food that I ache for here in Seattle. It just doesn't taste as good as in Hawaii.If you happen to be in downtown Honolulu or UH during the weekday lunch hours, Simply Ono is worth seeking out for local style dishes. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Some of the dishes here like the baked sphaghetti were pretty run of the mill, but others have really stuck out, especially for the price. $8.00 furikake salmon today was very good and as usual, it was a good sized portion. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Baked mac and cheese all the way.  Definite guilty pleasure, yummmm.

Reviewed on Yelp

Oh yummy yummy!!!!  Just had some of their DEVINE bread pudding!!!    I want more!!!!!!!  The yummy rich custard was sweet and creamy, the perfect balance.

Reviewed on Yelp

When I was a student at UH, this used to be my favorite place to get lunch. The walk was somewhat far from Shidler, but it was well worth it. There is not one thing I can single out from their menu because everything I've tried tasted so good. The food usually comes in two sizes, a mini and a regular. The mini is enough to feed one person. But if you want more for your money, you should definitely get the regular. The regular used to last me two lunches. And the regular is only $1 more than the mini!I really do miss eating here :( More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I've tried several plates from the Biomed (and temporarily at Korean studies) location.  The portions are generous, and the food is very tasty.  This is some good comfort food and I love that they have an extremely  varied menu throughout the week with awesome offerings at very reasonable prices.  I've tried the Furikake Crusted Opah, Baked Fish with Lup Chong & Onions, Roasted Turkey, Turkey Jook, and Roast Strip Loin Au Jus.... all were very good and were served in satisfying portions.  Highly recommend! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Simply Ono has a hidden gem on the bottom of their menu. The $3.00 bread pudding. If you could bottle that sauce, they would make loads of dough. I was hoping the portion would be a little bigger but I guess it was a decent enough size. But the bread pudding itself had a nice chewiness to it and that sauce just made it that much better.  I also tried their chocolate covered bacon which I would highly recommend you skip. I've had chocolate covered bacon in the past and this was a soggy melted mess. Even though it was refrigerated the bacon itself was either a cheap cut or not fried enough. I took a bite and it was so chewy. Not cripsy and chocolatey. I was expecting a sweet salty treat and it was neither. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

Simply Ono hooks it UP. If you've got an insatiable appetite after being in class or you want to share, this is a college student budget's dream. When you walk past the cart their smell is sure to make you salivate even if you're not hungry. They always have a great selection of really local comfort foods from chicken adobo to garlic shrimp to meatloaf and spaghetti. I think I even saw turkey and gravy listed. It's really mind-blowing how they're able to cook up fantastic dishes (and so MUCH of it) in that tiny little truck. And when they don't have the truck, they're still out there under an awning and serving up plate lunches. I've had their garlic chicken and they actually give entire legs and thighs. It was really succulent and moist, it was too much for me to finish. If you're just looking to get comfortably full, I suggest splitting with someone. There's a reason there's a line of people from all walks of life--professors, construction workers and students--this food is mighty tasty and CHEAP. And they're so friendly, who can beat that? Out of all the choices, this is definitely one of the top 3 places to eat on campus.Yelp challenge: #23/365 More...

Reviewed on Yelp

After six weeks of passing by this place before class I was finally able to try it.  Now that summer school is almost over, I'm quite sad I won't see it around anymore.  Located right across the street from the School of Law library, and right before the John Young art museum is where it's at.First time, only got a bowl of soup, corn chowder (3.50 small bowl, $5.00 large bowl), I liked it.  Not too heavy on the creaminess, and not too watery either.  It was a bit different, has carrots inside, not something I'm use too...Next time, seared ahi with wasabi aioli ($7.50).  Their ahi is very fresh, and it is seared the way I like it (slightly cooked on the outside, raw on the inside), and it isn't dry either.  You can definitely taste the shoyu/wasabi sauce it's kept in.  It isn't too overpowering either, so you'll still taste be able to taste the ahi.  It also comes with either white or brown rice, along with either toss or mac salad.  Their toss salad has a really good dressing, I can't quite put my finger on it, but it's somewhat similar to an oriental type of dressing.  Their menu changes everyday so check their website:simplyono.com/WeeklyMenu…I've already got my third visit choice picked out already! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I went early today to avoid the line and to ensure that I lock down the entree I wanted.  The bombucha pork chops are just that! Massive and cooked perfectly! Due to a little generosity on the salt  this has to be one of the best lunchwagons in Hawaii! Don't sleep on bread pudding! I would honestly go back...just for the bread pudding alone! It's just that good! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

One of my favorite lunch trucks and so convenient for when I'm on campus since UH is severely lacking in the good food department! Their menu is constantly changing so I've tried many different things and each one has been "simply ono". My favorite is the turkey plate but these are some construction worker type portions so if you no can handle, get the mini. The workers are super awesome and have a quirky sense of humor that some people might not get but overall, it makes for an eventful lunchtime adventure! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

For a lunch wagon and for a plate lunch place, this place is awesome. The employees are super nice and give you good value for food--one full plate is enough for two to share. Was happy to see them at Eat the Street--the brie, spinach, mushroom macaroni and cheese and lobster & shrimp empanada were off the hook! Don't ever leave UHM! More...

Reviewed on Yelp

If you're looking for a healthier meal from a lunch truck, order from Simply Ono.  They must rove, because although this specific post states that they're at UH, as I walked down punchbowl street, I saw a blue truck parked right next to the library, and wouldn't have known that it was the Simply Ono truck until I saw their logo on the back of the woman's shirt! I had to order it today because I know they will have a ridiculously long line at the truck food rally this friday night, and I'm so glad I ordered!Seared Ahi - 4 star - for $7.50, the ahi was very fresh, but cold because they have to keep it refrigerated.  Their soy sauce with a tinge of wasabi blended very well with the ahi.  There's a choice of brown, white or garlic rice.  I wanted to eat more healthy, so I ordered the brown rice, which was a little hard, but made a healthier meal.  I am still on my quest to find out who makes good mac salad.  However, the mac salad was ok, but the mac noodles were a litlte hard and there was too much mayonnaise - though I'm very very picky when it comes to mac salad and certain other foods - as the hunt goes on.I was going to order the prime rib, but being such a heavy meal, I'll have to save that for dinner at the lunch truck rally, if they don't have a long line.   She mentioned that she'll be bringing the white truck with the logo at the food truck rally instead of the blue one so she'll be easy to find. More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I sometimes try to bring lunch from home, but if I ever do not have enough time to prepare my meal, Simply Ono is the first choice for me to eat on campus. They give generous portions, and this is important for a college student! They are also very friendly and have a great menu day to dayIf you are ever at UH campus I recommend going there More...

Reviewed on Yelp

"Next victim!"  shouts the man in the truck.  Those words are music to my ears since I am next to order.Simply Ono has been a delightful change to my usual Taco Hut or overpriced bento from Campus Center food court.  Most of their plates are under $7 and the portions are generous!  I agree with the reviewer before me that some items are hit or miss, especially the sauteed mahi.  It was a little bit dry and not enough sauce.  The rice to fish ratio was way off as well!  Regardless, they have an extensive menu that will keep me entertained.With campus food going up next semester, I hope Simply Ono keeps their prices low since I predict myself visiting that truck a lot =) More...

Reviewed on Yelp

I grabbed some lunch before heading home and i boost this place to 4.5 because I still havent tried that many dishes but it is still quite good, as far as campus food is concerned.  I got the furikake fish with brown rice and tossed salad and it was delish.  It was a regular place for only &6.75 (no tax here) but if you want a mini its $6 but for 75 cents more might as get the regular that way you can have left overs for dinner cause the portions are pretty generous.  In my plate there were 6 decent sized pieces and fish with really big scoops of rice.  The two people working the wagon are also very friendly and likes to chat it up with his customers and the many regulars.  This place is good for some cheap eats on campus. More...

Reviewed on Yelp