On a mobile device? Try our mobile site, optimized for faster browsing.
Tue-Sat. 6:00 a.m. - 5:30 a.m.
Sun. 6:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Loading...
Came here for the last minute night grinds with my youngest one. He was craving a pancake so we got 1 hot cake and I got the special Mahi Mahi and eggs. Mahi was the typical egg batter. Overall good. The hotcake was a giant piece. That hotcake is great.
Didn't have to wait too long for a seat. so that was good!
G
Before Bearded Papa...there was Liliha Bakery. And I'm partial now.
Your first experience is always the most memorable. The coco puff knew it was my first time. I was nervous. But puff made me feel comfortable, we even cuddled after as I shed a single tear.
No seriously, the coco puffs at Liliha are mighty tasty. Perfect balance of crispy and soft, and the chocolate flavor is not generic like the Jello Chocolate Pudding flavor that they put in coco puffs elsewhere.
Do it.
I thought I reviewed this place last month but it appears I did not. Well, I give it 5 stars. That shiz is the truth. You won't find better coco puffs, nor will you find more pleasant counter staff. Seriously I don't know how these ladies smile all day long in such a genuine way. I feel like a star when I'm there because they don't rush me at all (even with a line out the door) and there is always choice parking when I arrive.
You will regret a visit to Honolulu without visiting this Honolulu institution. Thankfully I don't think its on the tourist maps.
When I was in the 10th grade my friend Jessica introduced me to the Liliha Bakery and their famous cocoa puff. If you have not had the Liliha Bakery cocoa puff you have yet to live a true and meaningful existence. I kid you not!
To the unknowing eye, the Liliha Bakery cocoa puff may simply look like a cream puff in disguise, but it is oh so much more than just common pastry! A light crusty and bready outside filled with yummy chocolate pudding (that Bill Cosby himself would be proud of), topped with buttery sweet chantilly frosting. If Zeuss himself were to only enjoy one earthly delight, methinks it would be chantilly frosting! I think you could cover anything with chantilly frosting and it would improve it's Yelp rating by at least one star! The popularity of the Liliha Bakery cocoa puff is astounding as they have it refrigerated in 1/2 and 1 dozen boxes so that you don't have to wait 30 minutes.
Beware because if you are there to order other pastry then you'll usually have to wait 20-30 minutes because it's always so busy. In addition to the legendary cocoa puffs, Liliha Bakery also has an old school counter which serves local breakfast, lunch and dinner. You'll be sure to raise your cholesterol and have to loosen the belt straps when eating here so make sure you have good blood pressure or are visiting the counter at 3 am after some cocktails. Who cares what you consume at that point right?
Mmmmm butter rolls & red jelly...try them!
So many yummy yummy things here. Onion rolls, coco puffs, chantilly cake and lady fingers. I have tried the decorated cup cakes and it was just okay, but the winner today is the banana muffin/cupcakes with chantilly/coco puffs topping. OMG! It is not too sweet but just perfect and moist and delicious. They are topped with macademia nuts. A steal at $1.45 each. The lady told me to call in advance if I don't want to wait next time, since I was ordering 27, but the wait wasnt very long at all.
I want to know what they put into the coco-puffs. I really do because I want more. They must put crack in them.
The coco-puff alone is enough reason for me to spend a ridiculous amount of money on a plane ticket to Honolulu so I can eat one or three.
We bought four and out of the four BF ate one and I ate three. They are best cream puff -chocolatey - custard thing I have ever put in my mouth. They sell them frozen and I would love to try them frozen but alas they don't ship to the mainland. This alone made me well up with tears.
If you have to choose between Leonards and Liliha go to Liliha. Better selection (they do have other things to choose from plus a restaurant) and they have nice bathrooms. But really folks, it is the cocopuff you are after. They have other flavors too like Green Tea. Mmmmmm....
Cocopuff I miss you.
BTW, they are open 24 hours and have a private lot to park in! Fo' Shizzle!!!
Finally got a chance to try the much vaunted Coco Puffs... they are solid... but way overrated... to die for? I am not sure I would even choose to take a punch in the face for? I certainly wouldn't take a kick in the nuts for them.
To Gary... get your history & chow intel in order. Coco Puffs are simply a local spin on the traditional Choux pastries such as the Profiterole. If you compare Liliha's Coco Puffs with Choux varieties around the world its solid but nothing more. If you purchase by the dozen they are kept in the fridge so the dough gets a bit waterlogged as they come to room temperature, the carmelized coconut sugar is tasty, but the chocolate pudding is very weak... just bulk packaged pudding like they serve at a chain dinner.
The baking / pastry tradition on the mainland is just so weak that you get tourists from Orange County who've never eaten a decent French pastry in their life over hyping them. I had 3 this morning.. they are good but certainly not crack or destination worthy.. you can make these better at home.
If you go to the back of the restaurant, they have pictures of Liliha Bakery from the 60's. What's funny is that this place doesn't seem to have changed much since then which makes it that much more charming and homey.
I had the best pancakes here that I have ever eaten. So light and fluffy. The loco moco was also very good. Everyone working there were so friendly. If you come here to dine, the only seats are along the counter. I enjoyed sitting here watching the cook flip my pancakes.
Don't forget to pick up some coco puffs on your way out. It doesn't seem right to leave without it.
I have been going to Liliha Bakery my whole life. I was eating their waffles and and cocoa puffs via my umbilical chord when I was in utero.
They are open 24 hours 6 days out of the week. There is a sign on the door with the times/days.
Liliha Bakery makes everything themselves. This is why anything you order tastes better- even toast. They have the best toast in the world!
If you are planning on eating at the diner, be warned: THEY ARE ALWAYS PACKED. There are maybe 15 seats at a counter and usually a line out the door. I have found that the best time to go is 10am on a weekday. You should just miss the breakfast crowd and the lunch crowd. You will be one of the elite brunch crowd!
Their waffles, pancakes, and french toast are all sweet and satisfying. And they all taste even better when you spread butter on top and let it melt. Not to mention syrup! The best part is you can buy frozen waffles, or their pre-made waffle/pancake batter to enjoy this anytime you want at home!
Their diner side is standard local food: eggs, fried potatoes, steamed white rice, toast, portugese sausage, vienna sausage, homemade corned beef hash, ham, bacon, locomoco. They really know how to cook their eggs. If you are expecting small chopped up fried potatoes, you'll be surprised: Liliha does their fried potato in quarters and fried on both side- no spices; a little bland, but good with ketchup. All of it is great. I'd say on average about $6-$7 a plate.
Their sandwiches, burgers, and entrees are also delicious. The downside is: no french fries! I guess they can't be perfect.
On the bakery side of things: everything is great. While the products aren't as fancy as some patisseries- the taste is definitely there. My favorite, just like everyone else's, are the chocolate cocoa puffs with the chantilly topping. You can get these fresh, frozen, or refrigerated. Very convenient.
The cakes are good, but cakes aren't my favorite. Doughnuts are! If you are a tourist checking out the bakery be prepared to buy a LOT. You should definitely get an order of cocoa puffs, but on top of that you should pick out whatever pastry appeals to you. There are a lot of local spins on pastry classics, like green tea cocoa puffs, lilikoi malasadas, and guava chiffon cakes. The range on this is $00.50-$1.00.
Even though the bakery is often crowded, the nice ladies work hard and you will be done quickly. Don't forget to tip!
Two words. coco puffs. We went here everyday while we were in Oahu and brought a dozen back home to mainland. I just can't get enough. Don't bother with other flavors and go with original.
5 words: BUTTER ROLL with PINK JELLY ----- To die for!
I don't know what the flavor of the jelly but, WOW!!!!!!!! I bought a whole jar of it to eat with my pb sammiches. But, it goes amazingly well with the hot butter rolls.
3 more words: COUNTRY STYLE OMELETTE
Sure, I could make this ishhh myself at home...but, there's no better time to eat this than the drunken, late night, after clubbing times =) haha
This is a definite late night eats for the locals...come early though cuz it's the diner kinda vibe with less than 20 seats.
The saimin is pretty yummy, too, considering it's just saimin. I can say the same for the pancakes, as well...yum.
Oh yeah, SAMPS the coco puffs, too. Not my go-to-eats but, lots of ppl love it!!!!!!!!!
4.5 Stars...
We came here for breakfast, and we were not disappointed!
I got the Loco Moco and my wife got the Portugese Sausage and Eggs -- both of which were very tasty! Their pink jelly was amazing!The only gripe that I had was there was only four small slices of sausage on the plate.
We were seated right infront of the griddle, so we saw them cooking different things. What caught our eye was the Sweet Bread French Toast. If we are ever in the area again, we have to come back to try it!
Afterward, we headed over to the bakery and bought some of the highly recommended CocoPuffs -- for an afternoon snack. We enjoyed them at the beach a few hours later. I think they would have tasted better fresh, but they were still light, soft, and very good.
We seemed to beat the crowd, because we got seats right away, but when we left, there was a line out the door.
Really a Must-Try!
Liliha Bakery, although recently sold, has retained it's local flavor and has been well known for their "Coco Puff" pastries. But, for me it's their neon pink jelly that does it! You're thinking "Huh?!" Well, my mouth waters at the thought of their jelly preserves on toast! The prices are reasonable for a coffee shop, but their bakery is really the star. Churning out all kinds of local treats. There is very limited seating and waiting for a seat is the norm. Parking is usually not a problem. If you are into old school coffee shops where you sit at a counter and a waitress hovers over you making sure everything is all good, well this is the place for you! Cash only.
I got so fat they had to roll me outta here. Oh it was sooo worth it.
Gotta change my name to Stacey "FATSO" K.
had the hamburger steak made me feel like a local so did the ambiance. The butter roll with guava jelly was a hot butter BOMB, holy moly I had to stuff my face with hamburger steak to avoid asking for another. SOOO GOOOD.
And the coco puffs... now I can't see my toes. worth it. :))))))))))) - my new chins
I went there for a coco puff. it was great the first day. Make sure when you eat it, you eat the side the hole they filled it with first.
They are not as good the 2nd day after you had it in the fridge.
coco puffs.
Coco puffs are always good, but the green tea puffs are awesome. Just had lunch there with my husband. I had the hamburger steak ( had better) and the hubby had the corned beef hash w/ eggs ( pretty good) but their butter rolls with jelly is soooo yummy!
Had breakfast at Liliha Bakery for the first time (that I can remember)....
As we waited in line, my husband got a glazed donut and coffee (he was starving!). At that point, I determined that most of the pastries are not that good. The outstanding items are their coco puffs and the coffee cake....I love the buttery glaze.
The breakfast food was good, but how can you mess up eggs over easy? They line was very long when we arrived...took about 1/2 hour to get a seat. I ordered corned beef hash and eggs and we split an order of pancakes. They were very nice and made my hash to order (crispy)...toast was good and the pancakes were nice...not too sweet, coffee too weak....but it was fun sitting with the rest of the locals eating at Liliha Bakery.....it was a nice sense of the "past"....one of the few places that are still around. I'd go again...next time I'll try the waffles! Just wish they had better coffee! Breakfast for 2 was about $25....of course we did order the pancakes to share....so 3 "meals"
I think I gained 5 pounds from the amount of coco puffs I consumed when I was on the island. This stuff is amazing!
The bakery is usually pretty packed any time of the day so for those of you new to Liliha, don't forget to grab a number.
They added 3 seats to the counter!!!!
Stay the F out military, your taking all the seats for the older local gen!!!!!
Green tea flavored coco puffs, mmmmmmmmmm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !! Read more »
I daydream about this bakery. Falling in slow motion like the Downey Snuggles bear but instead of plush towels it'll be a huge pile of coco puffs.
The coco puffs have everything I'd wish for in a pastry. It's the perfect size, the custard consistency, sweetness balance. It's a little deceiving since the coco puffs are so light and smooth, I can easily pop 4 without feeling like I did any damage. For added insurance and why-the-hell-not just try all of em'. Some prefer it without the Chantilly topping, others swear by the new green tea flavor or keep it plain and simple. It's all good!
Moving on to the non-refrigerated pastry case, my go to favorite is the Enseymada roll. Word of advice, I always order it separately and eat it on the spot because the integrity of the product changes during transport (and pleez, I can't wait that long!) Also true with the azuki malasadas.
It's a blessing in disguise that there are usually people waiting behind since I'll be crackish while auntie is ringing up my items and last minute I say, "OH sorry-sorry!! hold on I almost forgot" and make a mad dash for taro rolls, sweet bread and a dozen frozen coco puffs for the roadi.
Heading toward the diner counter... Can I just say that there isn't much I wouldn't eat that was cooked with butter, has butter on the side, and large buckets of whipped butter by the grill just in case. And WHY do the butter rolls need to be grilled with melted butter!? Mmmm....It's so damn evil delicious with that jelly. I also appreciate that they have honey next to the maple syrup! Yaay! Nothing like melting warm butter and honey spreading like lava over my french toast (really underrated). If your plate doesn't come with some mac salad, order it on the side. That is good stuff.
What else is great? The Filipina aunties that work behind the counter are sweethearts. I am safe to eat like a heffer without any judgment being cast.
Yes, and don't DARE pack the coco puffs in your luggage back to the mainland. Doesn't matter if it was frozen or wrapped around a goose down comforter. Get a cheap reusable shopping tote bag like Trader Joe's sells and carry it on the plane. There's really no other way, and it's absolutely worth the extra effort.
I came here one morning to pick up some Coco puffs to bring back to the mainland. My two revelations from this trip are a) if you plan to bring some back to the mainland, buy the frozen ones and carry them on the plane and b) gee... I wonder if this is where Beard Papa's learned their recipe. I brought two dozen frozen ones back, but made the mistake of packing in my luggage. I felt like a pastry chef in putting them back together when I got home... it's not worth the trouble.
A few days earlier, a local friend bought me one of their apple turnovers which was VERY good with more filling than I've ever had.
If you are in town from the mainland with a sweet tooth, this is one of those must-try places along with Leonard's. Trust me.
First of all, I thought Leonard's malasadas were the standard for local made baked pastry... After I… Read more »
Coco puffs... I have to say I hate coconut but these were amazing! I don't know what is in the brown topping, it tastes like buttery heaven!! Don't get the ones in the fridge if you can avoid it, they're so much better fresh from the kitchen. Light tender puff oozing creamy chantilly and topped with that incredible buttery, gently salty coconut glaze.
Good thing I only bought one, gotta stay in bikini shape!
I love cream puffs!
My husband and I were so amazed at how busy this place was. We got the green tea puff and chocolate puff. The green tea was so so so so good. I could have done though without the green topping. All I needed was the creamy goodness inside.
I must've come on an off day.
My girlfriend and I heard so much about how awesome these coco puffs are. We bought two of them, and also a green tea puff, a chocolate covered puff, and a sugar dusted puff. And this was just between my gf and me. Yeah I'm a fat ass, so what?
Maybe they just weren't fresh out of the oven. We arrived at Liliha Bakery after sunset and ordered our puffs to go. The custard was cool, sweet, and flavorful--no complaints there. But the texture of the pastry itself was like sinking your teeth into a wet sponge.
Over-rated and moisture saturated. I hate to say it, but I think I could live the rest of my life without ever eating another Liliha coco puff.
We don't come for the food. Heck, we don't even come for 98% of their bakery list. So why do we haul our cookies to Liliha Bakery EVERY time we go to O'ahu. It's simple really....the Coco Puffs.
Like what other reviewers have reported.....Coco Puffs are one of Liliha's pride and joy. They sound simple enough-- chocolate-filled puffed pastries topped off with a dollop of Hawaiian Chantilly cream. But like with all delish delicacies, the simple recipes are the most divine and impossible to copy. The chocolate filling is a light custard base that is neither too sweet nor too rich. The pastry is flakey and surprisingly able to hold up the dense filling. Now as for the Chantilly cream, this is what makes my bf's heart swoon. It's not the traditional "Chantilly cream" that many would think of (heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, etc.) but a more dense and textured affair. Liliha's Chantilly recipe is a close guarded secret but if I had to guess....they probably use a mixture of either Evaporated Milk or Condensed Milk with egg yolks, vanilla, and a TON of sugar. Maybe cane sugar?
But who cares really--it's just darn tasty. The original Coco Puff comes at $1.20 a pop but as I said, we come here EVERY time we're on the island and head back with boxes for home. You too can bring a dozen of frozen Puffs home for under $14. http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Liliha Bakery is pretty much known for their coco puffs. Silky chocolate cream filling wrapped in a soft and rich crust and finally topped with a generous dollop of chantilly cream. At $1.20 each puff, it's pretty worth it for all that yummy goodness.
Actually, I wanted to review the actual diner. The place is open way late, so my coworkers and I usually end up grabbing a late night meal here. The best part I think about dining here is the real feel of a diner. You sit there and actually watch your meal being made. My loco moco ($6.99) was super! I requested my egg to be sunnyside up and they made it perfectly. The gravy is delicious too. I also ordered the Orange Freeze, which pretty much tastes like a creamsicle shake. They made it the old fashioned way, poured it into a cup and also gave whatever was left in the metal mixing cup to me. Now THATS the diner feel.
Ironic though that they are closed on Mondays. But I guess even they need a little break.
So I've always tried the cocoa puffs frozen. I thought to myself, okay I will make an effort to come here for breakfast and try the cocoa puffs when they're fresh. So, to dine at the counter, you just basically wait in line and hope the next person leaves soon. Luckily for us, the gentleman in front of us pointed to an empty two seater since he was there by himself.
Well, I came to the island to have loco moco (http://static.px.yelp....) and that was what I ordered. We also got the french toast. (http://static.px.yelp....)
Well, first of all, I've never got a half assed looking loco moco before. On top of that, I only had 1/2 of hamburger steak on their for some reason. The butter roll that came with it was delicious.
The french toast was ok, it was drenched in butter with more butter on the side. I don't recommend this dish if you want to live past 65.
Afterwards, we got the cocoa puffs but they were already pre-made! Well, they said it was fresh but it came out of the cooler. What? Damn you again Peter Kim! http://archives.starbu...
I feel like I'm eating at home when I'm here!
It may be because all the waiters and waitresses are (most of the time) cheery "aunties and uncles." Nevertheless, it an "OK" place to eat.
It offers the usual diner food, nothing completely spectacular. I only say this because you can easily make most of their dishes at home. I do enjoy their loco moco's over other places and I like their country omelet... tasty!
Hand down though, their coco puffs are to die for!
I'm not a very "sweet tooth" person, but these coco puffs beat anything Bearded Papa's could ever offer.
Liliha coco puffs with the chantilly frosting are the perfect size, not too big and delicious when served chilled. Oohh... I'm about ready to jump on the #13 just to grab a few.
This place has been around since the beginning of time. Every single time i've been here it's been packed, and i've honestly never eaten there outside of one thing...yes...the COCO PUFFS.
There probably isn't one single food i enjoy more in hawaii than these little morsels of heaven. If you don't like it, lets face it, you're not human. The key to the coco puff is the chantilly on top. The chocolate filling is also to die for, but you wouldn't believe me if i told you the chantilly AND the chocolate totally rock, so i'll focus on the chantilly. But yeah, the chocolate filling rocks too.
If you thought you couldn't eat just one Lay's potato chip, try this on for size and tell me you can stop at one.
Beard Papas generic recipe can't touch these...don't be fooled by the imitators!
Happy Eating!
This place is always busy! The bakery items are simply awesome and taste great! Cocoa Puffs with Chantilly topping will always be a crowd pleaser (although, little pricey). The chocolate dobash cake is a winner and so are a lot of their other items!
I personally find the custom made cakes a little on the sweeter side, but still very good!
The counter area is great for breakfast and I always have to have the pancakes when I go. The local boy in me definitely comes out and I order my eggs sunny side up and the portugese sausage and fried rice! SCREW THE DIET! For one morning, it is definitely well worth it! Prepare to wait for a spot as seats are limited. Just wait by the door and wait your turn!
I've eaten here many times before, most often late at night for some of their pancakes. There's nothing quite like diner pancakes at two o'clock in the morning.
Having been on a business trip for over a week recently, I made my first meal back here at Liliha Bakery. There's something charming about the retro diner experience of sitting at the counter and watching the waitresses and cook scurry around tending to your order. Everything about the menu (and the bakery itself) screams comfort food. Whether you go to Liliha for their signature cocoa puffs or the butter rolls or the pancakes or grilled potatoes, everything is just plain good.
The lines for the diner can get long but you usually don't have to wait for more than fifteen minutes for seats to clear out. On this most recent visit I had a loco moco for the first time in my life; having lived in Hawaii forever and a day it's odd that I never had one before, but I am very glad that my first was at Liliha. It was delicious, filling, just oh so good. The cinnamon toast was also to die for, grilled with just the right amount of butter.
While there I overheard the long-time cook Mel talking about retirement. Now that I think about it he's always been there cooking my meals, no matter what time of day I showed up. Some old time customers were trying to talk him out of it but he sounded pretty adamant. If he does, in fact, retire, I'm just glad I got to eat his food one last time.
2 words...
BUTTERED ROLLS
nothing but pure goodness!!
i love this diner/bakery!
seating was tight very limited
the waitresses were great, super friendly and the food was yummy!
i had the spam and eggs with coffee
but seriously kick me for not getting another order of those heavenly buttered rolls!!
I have been going to the bakery & diner my whole life and i have always LOVED it. coco puffs get the major rave here, but personally i love love the chantilly cake. its moist, sweet, and it melts in your mouth. The pastries are inexpensive and in my opinion, a good deal.
Expect a 15- 20 minute wait to get a seat at the diner on a weekend mornings. You will not regret it because the food here is awesome. i love the pancakes, hamburgers, and the country style omlette is DIVINE.
Liliha would make Paula Deen drool! The best pancakes and french toast with lots of butter! The butter rolls are awesome! The fluorescent pink jelly is the best. They even bottle it now. The ambiance is simple but authentic. The staff is friendly and quick. Don't forget to visit the bakery on your way out!
Came here for, of course, the coco puffs. Yes, they were delicious. We also tried the green tea puffs which were also really yummy. I thought there was too much filling, but that's just me (sorry!). Also tried the napoleon and the pineapple upside down cake and both were really good.
We came back on our last day on Oahu and I was so looking forward to taking a dozen puffs home to my family on the mainland, but the woman advised that they wouldn't survive the plane ride home (sad face). I opted for their chocolate drop cookies which were just OK and their coffee cake which is pure deliciousness! The coffee cake is topped with, I think, a macadamia nut sauce. Anyway, be sure to bring the coffee cake home to the mainland since it travels fairly well!
This place is so hot, everyone's going here. There always seems to be a line but it's totally worth it. I've only had a couple of items... the cream puffs and the red bean pastries but they were both killer. I'll be back soon.
Auf.
Coco Puffs and Apple Ruggles!
They're delish and always worth buying :]
Now I'm craving the pink jelly
The baked goods here are AWESOME. The puffs are delicious as well as the apricot pastry. WOW. I don't even like sweets but these were amazing. I made my girlfriend from a little grumpy and tired from our delayed flight into hawaii to extremely happy you will get some every day for the rest of the vacation mood. Thumbs up!
Honolulu, HI
Category: Breakfast & Brunch
Honolulu, HI
Category: Bakeries
Honolulu, HI
Category: Desserts
Honolulu, HI
Category: Diners
Honolulu, HI
Category: Caterers
Where I went on Oahu my last trip back to the…
If you are vacationing, you definitely don't want…
So much good food, so little money. See Just…
Plenty side trips for food, "... oh yes, we ate…
All the places I've ventured off to...and the…
To help you plan for Oahu...includes things to eat…
Not only do I like the weather and ambiance of…
A peek at a few places I visited on my recent and…
