Austin vs. Maui - Food

Almost every time we met somebody in Maui and they asked where we were from, they'd say something like "Wow, Austin's such a great town!" or "I hear that's the best town in Texas" or just get all dreamy and say "Austin..."

Inspired by those comments, and with much love for my adopted home town, I offer this un-inclusive comparison between Austin & Maui, specifically the food options in each area.

Austin vs. Maui: Fancy Restaurants

Yeah, it's not a surprise that Austin wins this hands down. It is probably a matter of population size, but Austin offers so many good choices for fancier dining. Maui puts up a good fight (with some celebrity chefs in resort areas), and admittedly we've only tried two "fancy" restaurants (at the Hotel Hana Maui, and also Mala, which is at least locally-based rather than a concept by an outside chef) but I'd say Austin wins. Austin has a remarkably good scene for foodies, featuring excellent fine-dining restaurants of both of the home-grown and imported varieties.

Austin vs. Maui: Local-Cuisines

Austin wins this hands down as well. There's just no doubt that the local cuisines of Austin (BBQ & Tex Mex) are better than those of Maui (Spam & Loco Moco). I think that the fact that we've had some competent Mexican (not quite Tex-Mex) in Maui (Cilantro in Lahaina was pretty good and Maui Tacos is affordable and can be quite nice when the staff is following the recipes) and have seen several supposedly Texas-style BBQ places proves in Maui this fact. Plus, I can't think of anyplace in Austin that features Spam Mosubi.

This entree alone puts Austin in the lead: (Chicka-Chicka-Boom-Boom enchiladas from Chuy's). That's better than poi any day!

From Home from Hawaiian Vacation

Austin vs. Maui: Pizza

Sorry friends, this one goes to Maui. While Austin puts up a good fight with the likes of Saccones (my favorite local place - New Jersey style), Maui beats Austin with the Flatbread Company (located in Pa'ia). Tasty pizzas with fresh ingredients cooked in a super hot oven.

My brother Steve took a picture of the Flatbread Company's pizza with kalua pig, goat cheese, and other yummy ingredients.

Austin vs. Maui: Fresh Fish

Obviously Maui. It's an island. Enough said. :)

Austin vs. Maui: Fresh Pineapple

Edge to Maui but Austin isn't that bad. I think a whole fresh ripe pineapple in Austin (keep in mind - whole pineapple, not those that are pre-cored at HEB) compares quite favorably to those found in grocery stores in Maui. Ok, I haven't gone to the pineapple plantation to pick my own or anything, but overall, the pineapples we get here are actually quite like those on Maui. I think that it might just be the general tropical vibe that makes them taste better on Maui. (And, I fully understand that my husband & friends probably disagree with me here.)

Austin vs. Maui: Prices in Grocery Stores

Obviously Austin. It's probably not fair to compare an island to a city in the heart of Texas in this way, but I have photographic proof, so I had to include this category.

Comparison of what Stubb's BBQ marinades cost in Maui vs Austin.


$6.75 on sale in Maui.














$2.55 on sale in Austin.


Yes, Stubb's is local to Austin, so this isn't quite a fair comparison. But, again, I had pictures so I had to post them. :) It was mostly just fun to be in Maui and notice that they sold a product from home!








Austin vs. Maui: Shave Ice

Maui knows how to make it. There's a reason it's often called Hawaiian shave ice. Hawaiians know how to make it properly: Start with good quality ice. Then shave it (don't crush it or grind it). Then, use fresh flavorings that have been kept COLD. That last point is really the key. Even if you have bad ice that's not too finely shaved, if the flavor is cold, you'll be far better off. When you put the flavor on at room-temperature, it melts the ice a bit, creating nasty chunks. Hawaiian Shave Ice places know how to avoid that. And, using flavorings that are fresh (or at least hand-made) seems to improve the flavor - somehow more pure fruit flavors without having to resort to just sugary sweetness. They also know how to put in things like ice cream to enhance the experience (which most places in the mainland wouldn't even try, let alone get right). Too bad Austin doesn't get this, since good Shave Ice would be mighty nice come August! (There are a few competent local places, notably Sno Beach, but it's just not the same.)

Here's one example of good shave ice on Maui. This was from a road-side stand in the middle of nowhere, and they still get it better than anyplace in Austin! I think this was cherry-pineapple. Notice the huge serving, straw & spoon.

From Sunday in Maui: Road to Hana