The Elephant Truck is a small food truck hidden behind a row of vendors along Kam Hwy at Shark’s Cove. Unlike other trucks, Elephant Truck feels more like an alfresco restaurant than meal on wheels.
Open till 9p, the wooden stairway is marked by rustic lanterns and mason jar candles. At night the surrounding trees glow with carefully placed up-lighting. Day or night, it’s worth a visit.
59-712 Kam Hwy Haleiwa 96712 Tue-Sun 12-9p
Fresh herbs grow around the truck and are used throughout the menu. Appetizers average $7 Main dishes $12 – $14.
The day we visited was especially hot. A small banyan and cobalt umbrellas provide ample shade along beach-front picnic seating.
Pad Thai $12. I’m not sure about the house special sauce, but the rice noodles were al dente. Shrimp were extra plump and perfectly cooked, caramelized with sauce. A solid dish.
Tofu and Local Herb Salad $11. Very refreshing vegetarian dish. Fried tofu, green papaya, cilantro and mint.
Yum Gai Yang $14. Favorite of the day. Grilled marinated chicken tossed in lime-cilantro jus, with cilantro, mint, green papaya, grape tomatoes, lemon grass, and shallot. Served with a chili-tamarind dipping sauce and jasmine rice. So tasty.
The staff was mum on the chicken marinade. They mentioned oyster sauce and it tasted a little like curry, satay. The skin was nicely charred. The lemon grass, mint, and shallots were extra aromatic. Very satisfying, but not heavy. Perfect for the beach.
Kapow, or Thai loco moco in my book, $12. Great for breakfast. Minced chicken cooked in a sweet soy and oyster sauce, Thai basil, long beans and wok fried egg over jasmine rice.
Total bill $50. Four dishes and three people. A little pricier than others, but a deal when you consider the quality and location. Tasty, healthy food, steps from all this.
What a blog!) Thank you for such a delicious north shore experience Kristi, I will definitely be revisiting this little oasis on the next drive up there!)
Thanks for taking us!