On our search to find shave ice shops, we have been to the popular spots — Matsumoto’s, Aoki’s, and Waiola – but we came across this hidden gem as we were driving along King Street. Nestled on the corner of an nondescript building that houses Hata Restaurant, we spotted a shave ice poster on the window and discovered Jung Shave Ice. — DF
A humble storefront
We didn’t know what to expect — it could have been Junk Shave Ice – despite the shop getting a little ink from one of the local dailies last month (For the record, we didn’t see the article until we saw clippings at the shop). The storefront and interior screamed After-School-Place-For-Kids, crammed with candy, snacks and foods of the 75 cent and dollar variety. A couple of folding chairs outside, and converted five-gallon buckets made into stools completed the look. Our thinly bearded proprietor – the target of insults by the backpack-toting munchkins from the school across the street – moved deliberately from rice cooker to microwave to shave ice machine: his effort bringing in quarters, dollars and, of course, a smile or two.
Jung’s shave ice menu isn’t extensive. Flavors are the usual here: strawberry to lilikoi, and all hand-made at the shop. His syrup was not too sweet, and covered a fluffy ice, packed well, that never became icy or watery. The first bite we had of lilikoi and banana (recommended by a regular) was unexpectedly – how to say this – nice. Like in NIIIIICCCE brah! The whole amazingly inexpensive treat ($2 for a large cup) finished well.
A standard flavor menu
Handmade syrups with the usual local flavors.
Getting your shave ice takes a little patience. After all, there is only one proprietor, and almost no room for anyone else behind the counter. He does move a little slowly, but he gits ‘er done. Your shave ice is lovingly made with care and attention to detail, and what you get is a terrific shave ice without the hoopla that we see at the well-known tourist haunts.
The slow and thorough pour makes a nice shave ice.
Rating: 3 cones
Jung Shave Ice 1738 S. King St. Honolulu, HI 96826
We know it and have shared some memorable tastes there with family members who are also nuts or shavers. How about that Shavers?
By: Barbara Fischlowitz-Leong on September 2, 2009
at 9:59 pm
yeah! this place is great! we went there during our vacation last month. it is really close to where my mother-in-law lives. i got the azuki beans with sno-cap. certainly can’t beat the prices. i was just in spokane, washington last weekend and they had “hawaiian shave ice” stands at their riverfront park. it was a joke. i wanted to tell them…hey, this is a snow cone!!! $3 for a small (they call regular) with bad syrup! anyway, this guy might be slow, but it’s worth it.
By: Joe Chen on September 4, 2009
at 10:24 am
Found a place on 10th ave. did’t try their shave ice but the food was pretty good and the shave ice is supposedly good. they were recently featured on Cheap Eats http://www.khnl.com/global/story.asp?s=10807794
By: Erik on September 4, 2009
at 11:23 am
We’ll try all your recommendations. Thanks!
By: shaveicesnobs on September 8, 2009
at 1:02 pm