Lahaina, Maui
So I may have done something very very wrong. It could change my perception of Maui moving forward.
I ate at Star Noodle.
Now that seems innocent doesn’t it? It’s just a noodle joint, right?
Wrong.
I ended up eating at what could be my favourite restaurant in Maui. Chef Sheldon Simeon is amazing.
He created a menu of sharing plates that use the best of local ingredients along with noodle dishes and everything looked good on the menu.
Everything.
Fortunately I was with a group so we pretty much ordered half the menu:
Filipino pork with a cracked egg, kampachi, namul, malasadas, roasted mushrooms, pohole salad, namul, steamed pork buns, vietnamese crepes and this was only half the food!
Chef Simeon changes the menu every three months to keep things fresh and encourages the bar staff to create new cocktails like the cucumber asian pear martini I had despite the jet lag.
I may have developed a new chef crush but this time as brave enough to ask for a photo.
The only downside to this place is that you may not want to eat anywhere else.
In fact that is exactly what I am worried about.
Looks divine! The last time I was there was over a decade ago. Might be time for another visit, especially just to try out this place. — Michelle
I am filled with so much regret… spent four days in Lahaina in February and I had no idea this place existed!! Looks amazing.
I am sure it will be around for a while for the next time you visit.
It looks amazing! I hope you loved Maui.
OMG I have so much to tell you about Maui! ( I worked on a cruise ship around the islands for about a year and have discovered many little secrets 😉 ) If you have the opportunity, go to the other side of the island where the cruise ship port is, visit the Kukui Mall and go to Thailand Cuisine II. When you get there, order the Tom Kha Gai (Chicken) Soup with a side of sticky rice and a glass of white wine. Make sure the soup has NO spice as it can be a very spicy dish. I’m telling your right now, to this day I’ve never had such an amazing and fresh soup!
Sounds like a memorable meal and despite high prices there are way too few of those in my experience. I think with Ron’s suggestion you might just be able to tear yourself away for at least one meal.
This all looks super yum! Especially curious about the Vietnamese crepes. What are they filled with?
Looks delicious!I love menus that change their offerings – always gives a good reason to go back. Except of course, when you find a dish you really like and then it disappears.
Pork buns are my favorite — these look amazing. I love, love Maui. I really need to see other parts of hawaii, but it hasn’t happened yet!
omg- stop it. seriously drooling. Can’t wait to try this place when we come to Maui in December!
You know, I always feel hungry after reading your posts!!
I thought that cocktails were good for jet lag?? Anyway, the food does look amazing and I love the pic of you with the chef.
I want to eat here! I want NOODLES! And all those other awesome dishes in the photos. Mmmmmm.
So cool that he changes the menu every 3 months!
Star Noodle is my favorite place too…
Looks good to me! I’m very envious that you’re in Maui now…I haven’t been there in about 10 years but am dying to go back.
I can see how you would want to come back, already I think one month isn’t nearly enough time for me.
Mmm, sharing plates are the best. I fully support anything that lets me try more variety.
Two things I want in a restaurant: 1) sharing plates 2) for the chef to choose what those plates should be.
It looks like my kind of place to eat. The name kinda throws you off at first, but looking at the other dishes…
There are a lot of noodle dishes but the name of the restaurant really limits its potential. But this place is always packed, on a Thursday night we had to wait a while for a table.
Omg, this place sounds like FOOD HEAVEN. Everything looks & sounds delicious. Like Abby I am also a huge fan of pork buns.
It seems like they are all the rage right now, and for good reason.
What a find! Yes, you may be in trouble. 🙂 have some saimin somewhere! An spam musubi. And plate lunch. And papaya with lime.
We really want to visit Maui and this looks like just one more reason!
Oh man, I haven’t found a place like that in years. <3 Divine!
Love that place! So so good!
I know I could go back every night!
Teleport me to Maui please and thank you