A Dim Sum Sunday Brunch
Honolulu Seafood Restaurant is what locals call an “official” hidden gem—which is basically code for we don’t want tourists to find out, but we also can’t stop talking about it. According to several lion dancing teams (yes, the amazing athletes who literally jump around in dragon suits), this place serves the best Dim Sum on the island. And honestly, if you can trust anyone with good taste, it’s the people who risk their necks for tradition and flavor.
As a longtime fan of meals that arrive in tiny steamer baskets and encourage sharing and hoarding at the same time, I was thrilled when my family suggested a Dim Sum brunch.
Just before we walked in, one family member—who grew up in mainland China—paused in front of the sign, squinted, and translated the Honolulu Seafood Restaurant sign for us:
“Get drunk, get happy at this seafood and wine place.”
Say less, Honolulu Seafood Restaurant.
The Best Bite
Whenever I mention dim sum to my friends, the common response is, “Viv, I’d love to try it, but I don’t know what to order.” If you're in Honolulu, Honolulu Seafood Restaurant is the perfect place to dive in. You’ll be served a pot of jasmine tea while you review the menu and mark your choices on the paper menu. Their menu features helpful pictures and English names, making it easy to select from the vast array of dim sum offerings.
🍽️ A Feast for the Senses
Each dish arrived at our table perfectly cooked—crispy where it should be, tender where it needed to be. Most items are served in three-piece portions, ideal for sharing. To maximize our tasting experience without overindulging, we halved many servings, allowing us to sample 6 servings per dish. Naturally, if you find a dish you love, it would be perfectly reasonable to order a plate just for yourself!
🌟 The Showstopper: Steamed Salted Egg Custard Bun
The highlight of our meal for me was the Steamed Salted Egg Custard Bun—a weekend and holiday special. On the menu, it looks almost like three black eggs nestled in a basket. In reality, it’s a trio of puffy black buns adorned with a delicate gold stripe. Upon breaking one open, a warm, molten salted caramel custard oozes out, enveloping your taste buds in a rich, sweet-salty embrace. It was a moment of pure bliss.
As I write this, my mouth waters at the thought of returning for another round. If you're in Honolulu, don't miss this delectable treat—it’s a culinary experience that lingers long after the last bite.
The Momente
I despise polyester. Under normal circumstances, I simply will not purchase anything that says 100% polyester on the tag. Mainly because it forms a hothouse environment in the humidity of Hawaii, and I do not enjoy sweating like a swamp monster. But secondly, because of the terrible environmental impacts of polyester production—derived from fossil fuels, shedding microplastics, and refusing to decompose for centuries. So please explain to me why this 1930s-inspired pantsuit actually breathes beautifully??
It defies everything I thought I knew. The fabric moves like a whisper, the lining doesn’t cling, and—dare I say it?—I wore it all day, including to a park in 80-degree heat— without once fantasizing about ripping it off in a fit of sweat-drenched rage. Could it be some miracle blend? A freak of fiber science? Or has someone finally figured out how to engineer polyester that behaves less like a plastic bag and more like a breeze?
Here’s the kicker: it was on sale for $30. From Retro Stage. New, not thrifted. Which raises a valid question—how can I square this with my eco-conscious conscience?
The answer lies somewhere between fashion pragmatism and personal policy. While I try to avoid polyester in general, I'm not above making an occasional exception—especially when the piece is as timeless as this. Retro Stage nailed the 1930s aesthetic: wide-leg trousers, dramatic shoulders, and that tailored, old-Hollywood elegance that’s so hard to find in modern silhouettes. This isn’t just a trend piece—it’s a wardrobe investment that I plan to wear again and again.
And that’s the key. If we must make concessions—and let’s be honest, most of us do—they should be for pieces that earn their place. Not for one-wear wonders, but for garments that deliver style, versatility, and longevity. I may have broken my no-polyester rule, but I’m wearing it with intention. And with wedge sandals for a little extra statuesque drama.