Ok, we don’t mean the Oahu Shrimp Trucks themselves, but you know what we mean. There are a lot of Shrimp Trucks in Hawaii, but which is the best Shrimp Truck on Oahu? Our Shrimp Truck Test took us to the most famous shrimp trucks on the North Shore of Oahu…
We went for a shark dive on Oahu out of Haleiwa and by 2pm we were starving our hearts out. When on the North Shore of Oahu, which is already a far out drive from Waikiki (~60 minutes), having shrimp from one of the shrimp trucks here is always a highlight. But we stretched it even more, and thought, okay, why not experiment and compare shrimp trucks on Oahu. We don’t know about you, but for two people, the maximum we could have is to share and compare 3 plates of shrimp.
We decided to take Fumi’s, Romy’s and of course not to forget, the oldest Shrimp Truck on Oahu, Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck to the table. The choice was also strategic, driving from Haleiwa to Kahuku (where the shrimp trucks are), you pass them one by one. To make it fair, we ordered the basic from all three: butter garlic shrimp OR the ‘scampi’
So here’s our review of the Shrimp Trucks Oahu…
Fumi’s Shrimp Truck
Plate: 8pcs large shrimps, with 2 scoops of rice, corn kernels and a slice of pineapple
Price: $14.00
Taste: more on the buttery side, less on the garlic. You can taste the butter from the sauce. If you add their spicy sauce it adds a little bit of kick. Rice was good.
Packaging: To go carton box and plastic forks
Convenience: We were able to call them ahead of time and order. Plate was ready when we got there. But since we had to wait for the 2 other plates, Fumi’s plate was not hot anymore.
Romy’s Shrimp Truck
Plate: 8pcs large shrimps, 2 scoops of rice and their signature shoyu sauce
Price: $14.75 + tax
Taste: Tasted like you’re eating so much oil and garlic. The rice was hard. Shrimps had most head on.
Packaging: Styro ‘to-go’ box and plastic forks
Convenience: We tried calling their number to see if we could pre-order. No answer. Phone does not seem to work. We got there and there were about 14 people in line. Took us 20 minutes to get to the window, only to be told ‘1hr wait time for the order’ unless you order #3 or #4. We still ordered the Shrimp and the food came in 27 minutes.
Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck
Plate: 12pcs shrimp on the smaller side compared to Fumi’s and Romy’s
Price: $14.00
Taste: More on the garlic-y side. Rice was sticky. Comes with a lemon.
Packaging: Paper plate and plastic forks. They wrap it in aluminum foil if you want to take it to go.
Convenience: There were about 7 people in line. It only took about 12 minutes until we had our order.
North Shore Tour with Stop at Oahu Shrimp Trucks
Maybe you want to explore the North Shore yourself? Have lunch at one of the Oahu Shrimp Trucks? On our Oahu Private Island Tour with Daniels Hawaii we are happy to stop at the shrimp trucks with you. Enjoy a wonderful day on our circle island tour, lean back, relax and enjoy the beaches, local food and lots of ALOHA.
Oahu Shrimp Trucks North Shore – Review
These are just bits of what we got to compare. It is important to note that we came on a Wednesday at around 3pm, so that is after normal lunch hours. Goodluck if you come during lunch, especially weekends. We have lined up for 2.5hrs in the past – not sure if it’s worth it.
All three shrimp plates did not seem extraordinary. It was definitely not worth the hype, but that’s just us. Comparing the shrimp trucks on the North Shore and eating 3 plates of shrimp in one sitting was definitely interesting.
While it’s not so ‘special,’ we think it is part of a North Shore experience to try one of these shrimp trucks while you are visiting Oahu. Come early or later in the day to avoid long lines. Bring your own wooden or bamboo utensils if you want to ditch the plastic forks. If possible, ditch the plastic straw from your drink too!
Mahalo for visiting Hawaii!
