Tasty and Meatless | Restaurant Features

A Zagat Survey rated California Wok as one of California’s “Best To-Go” restaurants, and indeed, take-out is its specialty. Located on the oceanside edge of Ala Moana Center, at street level next to Macy’s, lends itself to a (relatively) quick pick-up and go. There are a precious few tables for dining in, but with determination and luck, you can grab one instead of eating in your car or toting your Styrofoam boxes to an available mall bench.

California Wok’s slogan on the menu is “Healthy Cuisine,” and that would be a valid identification, but we just call it “Fast, Fresh, and Filling.” There are about a dozen meatless items on the menu, and because everything is prepared fresh upon order, most items can be modified. For example, the Vegetable Fried Rice, which serves two to four people, can be prepared with brown or steamed rice and without eggs if desired. The steamed Mixed Vegetables may be ordered with any of six different sauces, ranging from mild to spicy, incorporated or served on the side.

Emphasizing its health-consciousness, California Wok has annotated its menu to designate low-fat items and the number of suggested servings for each. In addition, the calorie and fat counts are provided for most items. The Bean Curd with Mushrooms contains large blocks of soft, locally made tofu, fresh mushrooms and snow peas sautéed in a special brown sauce. It is large enough to serve two people and costs your meal plan 195 calories and 1 gram of saturated fat per serving. A small salad may be substituted for the accompanying steamed rice, which consists of a mix of iceberg and romain lettuce with a side of tasty and very sweet dressing. The sautéed fresh vegetables is a good mix of broccoli, snow peas, mushrooms, baby corn, carrots, and bok choy. It comes on a huge plate but eating an entire order will cost you only 200 calories and 1 gram of saturated fat. Paired with an additional side of brown rice, this dish would make a fine healthy lunch.

If, amidst all of this healthiness, you crave something fried, order the egg rolls. They are meatless and very crispy, if a bit bland, but provide the perfect vehicle for satisfying your need for sweet-n-sour and hot mustard fix.

For those who want a quick meal while shopping, and still want to eat healthy, California Wok is a nice alternative to the Ala Moana Center Food Court. Even better, pick it up as you leave for home, where you can spice it up and personalize it with your own favorite condiments.