I also ordered the eatery’s manju, which come in two flavors: lima bean and azuki.

I know what you’re thinking, Eww, lima beans. I agree. Vegetables don’t belong in desserts.

But oddly enough, after taking a bite of both, I enjoyed eating the lima-bean filled manju.

There’s nothing fancy about Sam Sato’s. It’s a diner—tables, a few booths and stools at the counter. But the atmosphere has a homey feeling, like I was eating at an aunty’s house. I even heard my waitress, Lani, ask one of the young ladies in the restaurant, “How’s your mom doing? I haven’t seen her in a long time.”

If I lived on Maui, I think Lani would know my family, too.

1750 Wili Pa Loop, Wailuku, Maui.
Meals: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Manju pick-up: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m
(808) 244-7124
 
Photos by Sherie Char



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