Authentic Hawaiian barbecue is now available on West Nine Mile Road

Hula Hawaiian Barbecue is now open, bringing a taste of the Hawaii to Pensacola’s 2170 W. Nine Mile Road. Owned and operated by Michael Huang, the restaurant serves all the Hawaiian comfort classics in a fast, street-food style.

Since Huang launched the restaurant this month, it has taken on the luau spirit he intended it to as place of fellowship and hospitality amongst family and friends. Some of his new regulars, like Alex Hernandez, have been craving the taste of a homestyle Hawaiian Loco Moco after living in Hawaii for over a decade as U.S. Navy corpsmen.

“This is on point,” Hernandez said after a gravy-filled bite. “Oh my God…it’s bringing back memories.”

If the dishes taste traditional, it’s for a reason, as Huang’s recipes are modeled after his uncle Tai’s Hawaiian cooking he grew up on.

Here are our top picks on what to try

Loco Moco ($13.45)

What’s inside:  Hamburger steak with eggs and gravy served with rice and mac salad.

Why you should try it: When talking about Hawaiian favorites, Loco Moco is a popular comfort food across the state. In Pensacola, it’s a little harder to find. Huang was determined to bring the satisfying meal to the Panhandle, with the crispy fried eggs on top and smothered with savory gravy, sure to bring you right back to Hawaii.

B.B.Q. Mixed Plate ($15.45)

What’s inside: Barbecue short ribs, barbecue chicken and barbecue beef served with rice and mac salad.

Why you should try it: This plate is one of the most popular picks at Hula Hawaiian Barbecue because it gives you a taste of all things Hawaiian barbecue. Huang’s signature meat marinade shines when his meat hits the grill, and pairs perfectly with his homemade creamy macaroni salad.

Kalua Pork plate with cabbage ($10.95-$13.45)

What’s inside: Pork with rice, cabbage and mac salad.

Why you should try it: Kalua pork is a Hawaiian-style pulled pork dish traditionally prepared by placing a whole hog in an underground oven giving it its signature fall-apart tender quality. Huang captures all the traditional flavors and textures in his rendition served at Hula Hawaiian Barbecue.

Chicken Katsu plate ($10.95-$13.45)

What’s inside: Chicken served with rice, macaroni salad and dipping sauce.

Why you should try it: While chicken katsu is a Japanese dish, it has been adopted as one of Hawaii’s staple dishes. It is coated in breadcrumbs and deep fried for crunch and served with a special homemade sauce for dipping.

Spam Musubi ($2.30)

What’s inside: Grilled Spam sandwiched in between a block of rice, wrapped with Japanese nori.

Why you should try it: The combination of salty, pan-fried Spam paired with a light and fluffy white rice makes for an inexpensive and satisfying handheld snack. Pro-tip from Huang: Try substituting the Spam out with another meat on the menu to mix it up, such as the barbecue chicken to give the dish a different flavor.

Hungry for more? Stay up to date on the latest restaurant news by subscribing to our free Pensacola Eats newsletter, delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. Sign up for the newsletter at profile.pnj.com/newsletter

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Hula Hawaiian Barbecue is now open in Pensacola. Here's what to try