Sheldon Simeon did Hawaii proud on Top Chef Seattle and I’ve been a fan ever since. All of his restaurants–Star Noodle, Migrant, and his newest eatery Tin Roof Maui–pay homage to local flavors. From spam musubi to misnomered poke bowls our food is making an appearance on dining tables around the world. Next generation restaurants like Tin Roof are both defining and expanding on what that means.
Tin Roof Maui (808) 868-0753 – Mon-Sat 10a-2p 360 Papa Pl. Kahului, Maui
Unlike Chef Sheldon’s prior ventures Tin Roof is quick and dirty, in the best way possible. It’s not in any hotel or out of the way location. It’s in an unassuming shopping center five min from Kahului airport. The food is fast, cheap, and convenient. He’s not cooking for tourists. He’s cookin’ for the people.
The menu is reminiscent of the endangered Hawaii diner. At first glance you expect to see small saimin with side order bbq stick and fruit punch. Instead you get dry mein, side ulu mac salad with strawberry ice cake. Kind of like but different, with prices that make you feel like honest food still exists.
Open just a few weeks, the tiny shop was packed. By 11am the roof is on fire! All hands on deck with the captain and crew working hard to keep the blaze under control.
Twenty bucks got us two giant spicy chicken sandwiches, a tender green kale bowl, six min egg and a dime bag with drinks. These dishes were the least local in spirit but still ono.
The sandwich is a whole piece of boneless fried chicken you can really sink your teeth into for $5. The chicken is moist inside, crunchy outside with a toasted bun. A light pickle of sesame cabbage balances the warm heat and chili oil. Be sure to ask for extra. It’s key.
If you have room for one more bite, get a crunchy soft boiled egg for $1.50. Six minute egg sprinkled with dime bag furikake, including crushed ramen and flaming hot Cheetos. A nod to Hawaii in more ways than one.
Round it out with a fresh kale bowl. Sweet cranberries, salty potato chips and an awkward photo $6. Told him to smile an-den. What a goof.
Tin Roof Maui is brand new. Open less than a month but they’re in the groove. The sandwich coulda used more cabbage that day but everything else was delicious, tasty, and affordable. You could eat very well here and often. If you’re living, visiting, or even have a layover in Maui be sure to stop by. You won’t be disappointed and at the very least, you’ll be entertained!
Tell us about your favorite item on the saimin board:
| Kau Kau Items: | Other Grinds: | Extras: |
| Mochiko Chicken $7 Pork Belly $9 Chop Steak $8 Garlic Scrimp $9 Poke Bowl $12 |
Dry Mein $7 Spicy Chicken Sand $5 Kale Salad $6 Beet Box $5 |
Banchan $1 Ulu Mac Salad $1 6 Min Egg $1 Dime Bag $.50 Cup Broth $1 |
| Mum Mums: | Coming Soon: | Pau Hana Fund: |
| Ice Cup $2 Pono Pies $5 |
Fish OTD Saimin Bowl Bibingka |
Fill in the blank $_.__ |
Hitting this Tin Roof next time I’m in Maui for sure! Thanks for the review I was curious about the dime bag, hahaha furikake!
That’s a must. Sprinkle it on everything!