Thomas Obungen

Honolulu

Associate Editor at Frolic Hawaii

Associate Editor at Honolulu Magazine

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Articles

Bocconcino’s New Weekend Pizza and Vino Nights Feature a Champion Neapolitan Pizzaiolo

3 weeks ago | honolulumagazine.com | Thomas Obungen

With Italian wine from the shop, it’s a perfect way to spend a summer evening. “Back again?!” Donato Loperfido says from behind the counter at Bocconcino. “What?” I reply.
Chillest Shave Ice Opens in a Permanent New Home in Kaimukī

4 weeks ago | honolulumagazine.com | Thomas Obungen

There is an endless wave of adjectives that describe the pastel globes of ice that Aaron Wong crafts at Chillest Shave Ice. Fluffy. Cloud-like. Japanesey. The thing was, for the last three years, you could only get his shave ice creations when Wong popped up at Island Boy in Kaimukī, Fishcake in Kaka‘ako or a catered event. That all changed 12 days ago with the opening of Chillest’s permanent new spot in Kaimukī. The shop is next to The Curb at the corner of Wai‘alae and 8th avenues.
An Oishii New Bento Shop Just Opened Downtown

2 months ago | honolulumagazine.com | Thomas Obungen

I’m craving rice the minute I land in Honolulu after 10 days in Europe. You can take the boy out of Hawai‘i, but you can’t take the local out of the boy. On my first lunch break back in the office, I round up my coworkers to check out Oide Kitchen, a new bento shop that just opened in the Arcade Building facing Merchant Street.
Baton a Manger Brings Chic Parisian Sandwiches to Kaka‘ako

Mar 25, 2025 | honolulumagazine.com | Thomas Obungen

Don’t be fooled by these petite-but-rich stick-shaped sandwiches made with buttery choux pastry and French-inspired toppings. Tomorrow I’ll be strolling the cobblestone streets of a medieval French village in search of a crusty baguette, some ham and a block of salty butter to make myself a jambon beurre.
8 Places to Get Really Good Jook

Mar 24, 2025 | honolulumagazine.com | Diane Seo |Melissa Chang |Andrea Lee |Thomas Obungen

Your don’t need to be under the weather—or chilled by the weather—to savor a good bowl of jook, especially with the countless options in Honolulu. From simmering Chinese congee with pork and century-old egg, to a Vietnamese version brimming with beef, herbs and a fried egg, rice porridge sheds its bland reputation with bold options. Here are eight of our faves. Aloha Manapua This is our hidden gem of jook.
Wait, There’s Legit Neapolitan Pizza and Other Food Trucks at a YMCA?

Mar 12, 2025 | honolulumagazine.com | Thomas Obungen

Although I’ve never stayed, I recently found out it’s fun to eat at the YMCA. A pod of food trucks and trailers hawking tacos, Neapolitan pizza, açaí bowls and cannolis now call the driveway at Central YMCA home. On a recent weekend, the wood-burning brick oven at Zucchi Pizza lured me to this four-month old hub. Every evening except Fridays, chef-owner Rodrigo Zucchi opens the sides of his trailer at 5 p.m. to reveal a Stefano Ferrara wood-burning brick oven from Naples.
Reader Poll: Who Makes the Best Garlic Shrimp Plate on O‘ahu?

Feb 25, 2025 | honolulumagazine.com | Thomas Obungen

Spring is knocking on our door. Soon, we’ll be heading out to soak up the rays, surf and alfresco grub of the North Shore. Ubiquitous as feral chickens, garlic shrimp shacks dot the sides of Kamehameha Highway for miles. Frolic intern Katelyn Pabila recently ranked three of them—now, we’re throwing it open to you.
Where Time Stands Still: Bravo Italian Restaurant

Feb 20, 2025 | honolulumagazine.com | Thomas Obungen

Iconic for garlic knots since the ’80s, Bravo’s red sauce aesthetic remains unchanged. Everyone talks about Anna Miller’s and her overflowing hotcakes, fresh strawberry pies and babydoll uniforms. While time certainly stands still there, I’m here to root for her neighbor on the ground floor, Bravo Italian Restaurant, a place I’ve dined at my entire life.
Foodflash: Mille Fête Is Finally Opening Next Week in Chinatown

Feb 10, 2025 | honolulumagazine.com | Thomas Obungen

Hey Chinatown, y’all ready for this? Mille Fête, a collaboration between James Beard Award-winning chef Robynne Maii, her husband Chuck Bussler and New York gourmet dessert caterer Katherine Yang is finally set to open next Thursday, Feb. 20. The star power doesn’t end there: The upscale bakery-café is backed by Gail Simmons of Top Chef fame.
Restaurants We Love

Feb 1, 2025 | honolulumagazine.com | Mari Taketa |Thomas Obungen |Melissa Chang

The restaurants with a place in our hearts: The Pig & The Lady, Helena’s Hawaiian Food, Lam’s Kitchen, Morning Glass Coffee, Le’s Banh Mi, Pizza Mamo, Southern Love, MW Restaurant, Hawai‘i Dim Sum & Seafood and Kapa Hale. The best restaurants in Honolulu? These places are exceptional in their categories because of consistent flavor and execution, of course. They’re also eateries we think are worth our hard-earned dollars, whether it’s $20 or $200.