When people think of Zippy's, the first thing that often comes to mind is its famous chili. But if you ask any longtime customer what keeps them coming back, and you'll discover another reason Zippy's has remained a Hawai‘i institution for nearly 60 years: its incredible selection of plate lunches and local favorites! Founded in Honolulu in 1966, Zippy's built its reputation by serving hearty meals that reflect Hawai‘i’s mixed plate of cultures and flavors.
Whether you're visiting a Zippy's location in Hawaii or Las Vegas, the menu offers a delicious introduction to the island-style comfort foods that generations of families have enjoyed.
What Makes a Hawaiian Plate Lunch Special?
The Hawaiian plate lunch is a cultural icon. Traditionally, it consists of a protein served alongside two scoops of rice and one scoop of macaroni salad. The combination reflects Hawai‘i’s multicultural influences, including Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Portuguese, and American culinary traditions.
At Zippy's, plate lunches aren't just meals. They're comfort food, family tradition, and local culture served on a single plate.
The Iconic Zip Pac®
No discussion of Zippy's plate lunches would be complete without the award-winning Zip Pac®. Often noted as our signature menu item, the Zip Pac® combines several island favorites on one plate: Fried Chicken, Hoki (breaded white fish), SPAM®, Teriyaki Beef, and a piece of Takuan (Japanese pickled radish), all served over a bed of rice topped with Furikake (seaweed seasoning).
First-time visitors wondering what to order at Zippy's, the Zip Pac® is often the top recommendation because it has a little bit of everything.
A Customer Favorite: Korean Fried Chicken
One of the most loved menu items at Zippy's is the Korean Fried Chicken Plate. Crispy chicken chunks drizzled with housemade sweet, salty, garlicky Korean style sauce. Served with two scoops of rice and one scoop of macaroni salad — this dish has developed a loyal following among locals and visitors.
Teriyaki Beef and Local-Style Plates
Teriyaki beef remains one of the most tried and true favorites on the menu. The tender beef and savory-sweet marinade make it a classic choice for anyone craving a traditional plate lunch.
Other popular local-style plates include the Loco Moco, Fried Chicken Plate, Hamburger Steak, and Chili & Chicken Mixed Plate. These offerings help make Zippy's a destination for both nostalgic locals and newcomers exploring Hawai‘i’s cuisine for the first time.
Zippy’s Famous Original Chili
Zippy’s chili has earned legendary status in Hawaii and beyond! Served at every Zippy’s location and available frozen at select retailers — People enjoy Zippy’s chili it on its own, over rice, with hot dogs, paired with fries, or with a slice of grilled cornbread.
SPAM® Musubi
SPAM® musubi is a Hawai‘i staple that combines grilled SPAM® and rice wrapped with nori seaweed. Zippy's version remains one of the most popular grab-and-go items on the menu.
Saimin
Not ramen, saimin! Saimin is Hawai‘i’s most popular noodle soup, featuring flavorful broth and soft noodles. This island-style comfort food has long been a menu staple at Zippy's and continues to be a customer favorite.
Why Locals Love Zippy's
What sets Zippy’s apart is its ability to bring together Hawai‘i’s diverse culinary influences in a way that feels familiar and welcoming. From the Zip Pac® to SPAM® Musubi and Korean Fried Chicken Plate, the menu reflects the flavors that have shaped island life for decades, providing comfort food across generations.
For many Hawai‘i residents who have relocated to Las Vegas, Zippy's offers a comforting reminder of home. For everyone else, it's an opportunity to experience authentic island-style comfort food without flying on a plane across the Pacific.
What Should You Order First?
If you're visiting Zippy's for the first time, start with these must-try favorites:
· Zip Pac®
· Korean Fried Chicken
· Chili
· Saimin
· Teriyaki Beef Plate
Together, these dishes represent the heart of the Zippy's menu and showcase why the restaurant has become one of Hawai‘i’s most beloved dining destinations.
Zippy's plate lunches and local favorites tell the story of Hawaii's rich food culture. Whether you're enjoying a Zip Pac®, savoring a bowl of saimin, or digging into a plate of Korean Fried Chicken, every meal reflects the comfort, tradition, and aloha spirit that have made Zippy's a household name since 1966. As the brand continues to grow in Las Vegas and beyond, these beloved dishes remain at the center of what makes Zippy's a true Hawaii icon.
Zippy's Las Vegas: Bringing Hawaiʻi Comfort Food to the Ninth Island
For generations, Zippy’s Restaurants has been more than just a place to eat in Hawaiʻi — it has been a beloved local institution. Known for its famous Chili, Zip Pac®, plate lunches like the Loco Moco and Hamburger Steak, and its menu full of island-style comfort food, Zippy’s has served Hawaiʻi since 1966. Now, the iconic restaurant chain is making its mark in Las Vegas, bringing a taste of home to the city often referred to as the “Ninth Island.” The connection between Hawaiʻi and Las Vegas is a strong one. Thousands of Hawai‘i residents have relocated to Southern Nevada, creating a vibrant island community that continues to celebrate Hawaiian culture, food, and traditions. Recognizing that demand, Zippy’s selected Las Vegas as its first mainland expansion market, opening its first Nevada restaurant at Arroyo Crossing in October 2023. What began as a single location has quickly evolved into a growing network of restaurants across the Las Vegas Valley. Following the successful debut of the Arroyo Crossing restaurant, Zippy’s expanded with additional locations in Summerlin, Henderson, and North Las Vegas. As of July 2026, Las Vegas is home to multiple Zippy’s locations, including: Arroyo Crossing 7095 Badura Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89113 South Eastern (Henderson) 9570 S. Eastern Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89123 Summerlin 10810 W Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas, NV 89135 Camino Al Norte (North Las Vegas) 5485 Camino Al Norte North Las Vegas, NV 89031 For many customers, Zippy’s represents more than food. It offers familiar flavors and memories that connect people to Hawaiʻi. Favorite menu items such as the iconic Zip Pac®, Korean Fried Chicken, Chili with Rice, Saimin, and SPAM® Musubi have become staples for Las Vegas locals seeking authentic island comfort food. Zippy’s has emphasized that each Las Vegas location is intended to share the spirit of aloha from the Hawaiian Islands through their hospitality and menu offerings of beloved comfort foods. For Las Vegas residents and those passing through the Las Vegas Valley, that means even greater access to one of Hawaiʻi’s most iconic restaurant brands. For former Hawai‘i residents, it means being able to enjoy the flavors they grew up with — without booking a flight across the Pacific. Zippy’s expansion into Las Vegas is a story of community, culture, and connection. By bringing their signature menu and aloha spirit to Southern Nevada, the company has created a gathering place for Hawaii transplants and curious newcomers alike. As new locations continue to open across the valley, Zippy’s is proving that great comfort food—and a little bit of Hawai‘i — can feel right at home in the desert.
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Sweet Traditions
When most people think of Zippy's, they picture hearty plate lunches, famous chili, and island-style comfort food. But longtime customers know there's another reason to stop by: the bakery! For decades, Zippy's Bakery has been creating island-inspired desserts, pastries, and sweet treats that have become a cherished part of Hawai‘i’s food culture. Alongside its restaurant menu, the bakery offers a delicious selection of cakes, donuts, pastries, and seasonal specialties that keep customers coming back for more. A Sweet Part of the Zippy's Experience Zippy's has built its reputation on serving food that brings people together, and its bakery is no exception. From birthday celebrations and family gatherings to everyday indulgences, bakery items have become an important part of the Zippy's tradition. Cakes for Every Celebration One of the bakery's biggest draws is its selection of cakes. No matter the celebration, customers often turn to Zippy's for fresh cakes that balance flavor, quality, and value. Popular cake offerings often feature: · Chantilly · Dobash · Haupia (Coconut) Malasadas: A Hawai‘i Favorite made Hot ‘N Fresh Malasadas are Portuguese fried donuts that have become a beloved part of Hawai‘i's food culture. Soft, fluffy, and coated in sugar, malasadas are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack. Donuts, Pastries, and Everyday Treats Customers can visit any Zippy’s location find a variety of donuts, pies, and other sweet treats: · Long John · Flaky Donut · Custard Pie · Banana Cream Pie · Apple Napple® (Turnover) · Chantilly Cream Puff Seasonal and Holiday Favorites One thing customers love about Zippy's Bakery is its seasonal offerings. Throughout the year, specialty desserts and holiday-themed treats make appearances on bakery shelves. Limited-time items often become highly anticipated traditions, encouraging customers when the item makes its way back onto the menu. Must-Try Zippy's Bakery Items If you're visiting Zippy's and want to explore the bakery, start with these favorites: · Malasadas (Made Hot ‘N Fresh!) · Long John · Apple Napple® · Glazed Mochizada · Chantilly Cream Puff These items showcase the bakery's range and highlight why it has become a compliment to the Zippy's menu. While Zippy's may be best known for chili, plate lunches, and island-style comfort food, its bakery is a hidden gem that deserves equal attention. From cakes and malasadas to pastries and seasonal desserts, Zippy's Bakery delivers the sweetness that has helped make the brand a Hawai‘i favorite for generations.
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Island-Style Comfort Food at Zippy’s
Few restaurants capture the spirit of Hawai‘i quite like Zippy's. Since opening its first location in Honolulu in 1966, Zippy's has grown from a neighborhood eatery into one of Hawai‘i's most beloved restaurant chains, serving generations of families with hearty meals, local flavors, and warm hospitality. Today, with locations throughout Hawai‘i and Las Vegas, Zippy's continues to be the go-to destination for authentic island-style comfort food. What Is Island-Style Comfort Food? Island-style comfort food is more than just a meal. It reflects Hawai‘i's unique cultural heritage, blending influences from Japanese, Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, and American cuisines into dishes that are flavorful, filling, and familiar. At Zippy's, comfort food means familiar flavors and recipes that remind people of family gatherings, beach outings, and everyday life in the islands. Whether you're a lifelong local or experiencing Hawai‘i cuisine for the first time, the menu offers something that feels both satisfying and welcoming. More Than Food: A Sense of Home What truly makes Zippy's special isn't just the menu, it's the connection customers feel when they walk through the doors. For Hawai‘i residents, Zippy's is tied to tradition, familiarity, and community. For former island residents living in Las Vegas, it offers a comforting taste of home. This emotional connection has helped fuel the restaurant's successful expansion into Las Vegas, the city some may call the Ninth Island. For nearly 60 years, Zippy's has succeeded by staying true to what matters most: serving delicious, affordable comfort food that reflects Hawai‘i’s mixed plate of cultures and aloha spirit. In the constantly changing restaurant industry, Zippy's remains a beloved institution because it offers something timeless: food that brings people together. Whether you're dining in Honolulu, Hilo, Kahului, or Las Vegas, every meal delivers the same sense of comfort, tradition, and aloha that has defined the brand since 1966.
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