Romy's Kahuku Prawns & Shrimp, Inc.
Years ago, there was only one shrimp truck on Oahu's North Shore that everyone knew about by name. A short time after this first shrimp truck became wildly successful, many others started popping up along Kamehameha Highway where a majority of Oahu's aquaculture farms were also thriving. Today, some say the standard is still set by Giovanni's, but how do places like Romy's compare?
On a recent outing, while driving down Kamehameha Highway towards the beach, I immediately got the craving for some shrimp. Not just any shrimp, mind you, but shrimp from one of the many trucks and stands that are in Kahuku. After passing a couple of flashy trucks, I almost stopped at Giovanni's, but then the crowds forced me to go farther along the road (who wants to wait for 45 minutes when you're starving). So I drove until I stopped here.
Romy's Kahuku Shrimp & Prawns, purveyors of fresh shrimp and prawns caught fresh daily ON SITE. What does this mean to you? You'll find out soon enough.
After placing my order, I made my way to tables off to the side to see everyone under the tent ravenously devouring their plates of shrimp. After a wait of about 15 minutes, my number was called and I made my way back to the "shack" to pick up my plate of shrimp.
First up, the butter & garlic shrimp (US$11.00).
Fragrant chunks of garlic were spooned carefully atop a pile of shrimp (about 10 shrimp). The shrimp were served with both the head and shell still intact, keeping them sweet and succulent. The shrimp were indeed fresh, but I found them lacking any real flavor. Something was definitely missing from the marinade.
Next, was a plate of sweet & spicy shrimp (US$11.00).
This time, the shrimp were slathered with a cloyingly sweet sauce with only the slightest hint of spiciness. In fact, the base for this sauce was probably a Thai-style sweet chilli sauce with some sriracha mixed in to give it a little kick. If it weren't for the freshness of the shrimp, this would have been pronounced a complete failure.
Being the only shrimp stand/truck on the North Shore that uses shrimp/prawns caught on site certainly gives Romy's the advantage in the taste department. Great service as well as great prices, give it a few more stars as well. The only thing lacking, in my opinion, was flavor.
Romy's Kahuku Prawns & Shrimp, Inc.
56-781 Kamehameha Highway
Telephone: 808.232.2202
Droolworth. So freakin' droolworthy.
Posted by: Chubbypanda | February 04, 2007 at 09:43 PM
Howzit Reid!!! Long time no see. So how was it compared to Giovanni's?
Posted by: lance | February 07, 2007 at 09:00 AM
Hi Chubby Panda,
The photos make the shrimp look good, don't they?
Hi Lance,
I'll let the cat out of the bag now. I still like Giovanni's better, but not by much. :)
Posted by: Reid | February 11, 2007 at 02:50 AM
The photos do look good, but it also looks like a smaller portion than Giovanni's. I always go to Giovanni's, because it's closer to the bus stop, but I thought I might be missing out by not trying Romy's. Now I won't worry about it so much.
I like that at Giovanni's they drizzle plenty of the garlic and butter directly on the rice, which I almost like as much as the shrimp!
Posted by: Debbie-chan | February 11, 2007 at 01:50 PM
Thanks for your comments Debbie. I haven't been to Giovanni's or Romy's. I'm a big guy so naturally, i like bigger portions LOL :o)
I'll definately take my wife up to the North Shore soon so we can go to Giovanni's.
Love your site Reid! Keep up the good work!!
Posted by: John | February 12, 2007 at 12:51 PM
I prefer Romys over Giovannis for two reasons. First, I'm addicted to their prawns. For about $14, you get a pound of steamed prawns with their heads still attached. Second, I have the recipe for Giovannis shrimp scampi. One of the workers gave it to me when I was eating there one day. I jokingly asked for the recipe and he actually gave it to me. I tried it at home and it's very close.
Posted by: Jenny | February 15, 2007 at 06:32 PM
I must agree with Jenny...the food and service at Romys are very good. I only get number 5, where you truly get the jumbo prawns along with with two sides of butter and garlic. It's awesome. I was able to try Giovanni's today and I don't think I have ever had something as salty as that in ages.
Posted by: Jen | February 24, 2007 at 04:33 PM
my bf has had the shrimp wrapped in wonton wrapper then deep fried. he loved it. what number is that? of course, it's been a couple of years...
Posted by: cindy | April 09, 2007 at 03:13 PM
I love Romy's shrimp, the shrimp are exquisite and I am addicted to the garlic and butter and house dipping sauce.
Posted by: gaijin | December 03, 2007 at 04:48 PM
Those shrimp are tasty, but scary looking. Look at the size of these ones:
http://www.govisithawaii.com/2008/04/02/fresh-shrimp-from-an-oahu-north-shore-shrimp-truck/
Posted by: Andy Beal | April 24, 2008 at 04:58 AM