Straits Ahead
In the past few months, Ward Village’s vision to be a prime dining destination has become more real than ever before. And with the addition of Straits restaurant, the not-so-little Village gives diners and foodies yet one more reason to make their way to Kaka‘ako for dinner and a great night out.
It’s like stepping into the set of a certain Crazy Rich rom-com, where you can actually taste the food. A dining destination inspired by the diverse flavors of Singapore has taken root here and captures the essence of Southeast Asian cuisine with its blend of Malaysian, Indonesian, Chinese, Indian, and Nyonya (Peranakan) offerings. In short, it takes diners on a food trip along the Straits of Malacca and Singapore as the restaurant’s name suggests.
The brainchild of founder and chef Chris Yeo, Straits is dedicated to creating delectable dishes that invite sharing. This culinary concept brings a sophisticated continental Asian fusion experience, uniting the essence of Singapore, a place where Yeo himself discovered his lifelong love for food. Here in Honolulu, local boy and head chef Reid Matsumura takes the culinary reigns and shares the Straits experience with diners, adding his own personal touch to each dish. The Honolulu restaurant also showcases Hawai‘i-specific menu items crafted by Matsumura. Offerings like the Curry Hamachi Crudo and Sambal Hamachi Kama, marry the freshness of Hawaiian ingredients with the fiery kick of Southeast Asian spices.
Like its Bay Area sister establishments, Straits offers a wide selection of piquant small plates, salads and entrées in addition to a raw bar and caviar service (subject to availability). As mentioned earlier, sharing is key at Straits, so family-style dining is the best way to enjoy your meal. The menu really is an enticing cross-section of Singaporean cuisine, which itself is a fusion of many Southeast Asian cuisines with a strong Chinese influence. Julian Yeo, President of Chris Yeo Group, shares the essence of their culinary philosophy, “Some of our signature dishes are the Black Pepper Mussels, inspired by the famous Singaporean Black Pepper Crab, and our Ahi Tuna Tartare, a contemporary take on the Yu Sheng Salad, which is also featured on our menu.”
Straits immerses guests in the opulent and sultry essence of Singapore. The restaurant’s décor, adorned with verdant tropical wallpaper and gold fixtures, is a visual feast that evokes the spirit of the vibrant city. The aim was — according to Lillian Nguyen Yeo who designed the space — “to create a fun and trendy atmosphere ... for all guests to enjoy.”
The lounge area is a testament to this vision, with tan and emerald-green supple leather seating interspersed with tropical flora, paying homage to the original Straits that opened in 1987. The vibe continues to the main dining room which is equally lively. With its opulent ambiance, inspired décor, and a menu that celebrates the rich tapestry of Singapore, it’s well worth paying it a visit. Straits is open for dinner from 4 to 10 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, and extend into nightlife from 9 p.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturdays.
Straits Restaurant and Lounge, 1060 Auahi St., Ste. 4, (808) 888-0683, straitshawaii.com