With Spam and big island flavor, Hawaiian BBQ is becoming an unlikely Lexington hit

The “aloha” spirit has arrived in Lexington’s with the opening of the city’s first Hawaiian barbecue restaurant, located in the former Bone-Dry Roofing building at 904 Liberty Road, at Winchester Road.

Owner Harry Ginsberg launched Big Kahuna Hawaiian BBQ on May 1 featuring Hawaiian and West Coast cuisine — from the iconic Loco Moco plate lunch to a Spam and egg sandwich.

Spam is extremely popular in Hawaii where residents have the highest per capita consumption in the U.S. — five cans eaten per person per year.

As previously reported, what makes Hawaiian barbecue unique is that is a little sweeter, with some Asian influences and some spicy heat, and served traditionally as what is called a “plate lunch,” with two scoops of sticky rice and a scoop of macaroni salad.

And it has been a big hit with those in Lexington who have tried it, according to social media posts in the Facebook group, Lexington Food & Dining News and Sharing group.

For a first-bite review, I visited Big Kahuna Hawaiian BBQ earlier this week, along with Lexington Herald-Leader writer Janet Patton. I went with the Kalua Pork sandwich, consisting of slow-roasted marinated pork, Hawaiian BBQ sauce, an onion ring, and slaw on a toasted King’s Hawaiian bun, served with a side of macaroni salad, $8.

Janet opted for the Grilled Tofu plate lunch featuring a generous portion of marinated and grilled tofu served with charred pineapple over rice, topped with sweet soy, spicy mayo and sesame seeds, also served with macaroni salad. $8.50.

We were both pleased with our respective choices.

Other available plate lunches include the Loco Moco (two beef patties over sticky rice covered in brown gravy topped with sunny side-up eggs), $10; Kalua Pork, $8.50; Katsu (pork in panko breadcrumbs, deep fried, and dressed in spicy mayo, eel sauce, and house chili sauce), $9.50; BBQ Chicken (chicken thighs in a sweet teriyaki-style sauce), $8; and Coconut Shrimp, $14.50.

All rice dishes are served with spicy mayo, eel sauce, scallions, and house chili sauce unless specified otherwise. You can substitute fries or slaw for $2 more.

Other sandwiches on the menu include the Big Kahuna Burger (two 4-oz. grilled beef patties topped with charred pineapple, Swiss cheese, bacon, and an onion ring with Hawaiian BBQ sauce), $11; the massive Katsu sandwich (pork breaded in panko, deep fried and topped with eel sauce, spicy mayo, and cabbage slaw), $9.50; and the Hawaiian BBQ Chicken sandwich (marinated and grilled chicken with a sweet Hawaiian glaze, topped with slaw), $7.50.

Do not miss the Grilled Tuna sandwich (served rare with cabbage slaw), $13.50; and the aforementioned Spam and Egg sandwich (grilled Spam and fried eggs with choice of Swiss, cheddar, or American cheese), $8.

Sandwiches are served on a toasted King’s Hawaiian bun along with macaroni salad. Substitute fries, slaw, or rice for $2 more. Add a fried egg to any sandwich for an additional $1.25.

And speaking of fries, they are available plain or dressed Hawaiian style with spicy mayo, eel sauce and chili sauce for $1 extra. That’s the way to go.

Big Kahuna’s kids’ menu includes a Kid’s Burger, $6; a Grilled Chicken Bowl, $5; and a Kid’s Katsu Plate, $6.

You can also order a side of Spam Musubi (a slice of grilled Spam and sweet soy on sticky rice wrapped in seaweed) for $3. Tip: It is delicious.

Open for lunch and dinner, the second-floor restaurant has dine-in counter service with seating for fewer than 30 people and offers carryout. Locally crafted beer will be available in the near future.

Ginsberg notes he eventually plans to add a deck on the back for outdoor seating which seems like a good idea as every seat was filled upon our recent lunch visit.

Parking is available in the rear of the building and along Winchester and Liberty.

Rob Bolson is a local foodie who prides himself on eating local. Often. Follow him on Instagram at @RobbieBolson.

Big Kahuna Hawaiian BBQ

Where: 904 Liberty Road, Lexington.

Phone: 859-317-9179

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Closed on Monday.

Online: bigkahunalex.com/ and facebook.com/Bigkahunalexington

This story was originally published May 10, 2021 at 6:00 AM.