Another day another burger review, so say Aloha to Kua ‘Ania! Kua ‘Aina (pronounced“Koo-a eye-na”) is a Hawaiian (yes I did double check that spelling) Burger and Sandwich bar in Victoria Square that uses All fresh ingredients and cook over a hot lava grill. This is the their first European restaurant outside of London and is apparently a favourite of Barack obama
A favourite of President Barack Obama when he’s back home, Terry Thompson’s lava-rock chargrilled burger and sandwich creations with homemade seasonings have become famous since he opened the original Kua ‘Aina on Hawaii’s famous North Shore in 1975. Forty years on, his legendary burgers and succulent sandwiches are still wowing locals, surfers and visitors alike.
The décor inside and out can be summed up in two words “Beach Shack” and it has been done with stunning care and attention. Surfboards, sea weathered wood and little huts along the wall make for a really immersive experience. This coupled with the staff being adorned in Hawaiian shirts transport you nicely to a tropical paradise, the only thing breaking the day dream is the Belfast accents. I went with some friends and I have to say that our server was brilliant, he really made us feel welcome and talked us through the menu and drinks, cracking jokes and generally setting a great tone for the evening. Being a Burger bar and being Hawaiian, I had a the pineapple burger. They cook it how you like it so I choose medium, and waited whilst I sipped on my Big Wave Golden Ale.
The burger was very good indeed, cooked just right, tender and juicy with a nice crust and a real BBQ flavor, the fresh pineapple ring was cooked too and made an excellent complement. The bun didn’t fall apart and had a slight tang, looking a little yellowy in the light. The salad was fresh tasting and the sweet potato fries were a good side and a decent sized portion, but alas I was stuffed from the burger so didn’t get to eat too many of them. The presentation wasn’t fancy but fitted the occasion, the wooden plates pretty unique and making for something different.
I really enjoyed my meal at Kua’ Ania and think it sits nicely with the other premium burger offerings in the surrounding area, being a bit different and working their theme so well. They also tout a great experience for families too which I don’t doubt having seen the servers deal with a few families and young children on our visit. I shall be making the excuse to return with my kids and see how they rate the tropical burger experience!
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