La Bamba opened its doors for the first time on Rice Street in Lihue in 1996, offering mouth-watering Mexican dishes in generous portions. Five years later, the restaurant moved to Kukui Grove Center, where it continues to be one of
La Bamba opened its doors for the first time on Rice Street in Lihue in 1996, offering mouth-watering Mexican dishes in generous portions.
Five years later, the restaurant moved to Kukui Grove Center, where it continues to be one of Kauai’s favorite Mexican cuisine restaurants.
“I am so thankful to all of our employees, customers and community for giving us an opportunity to share this awesome experience with all of you,” owner Ana Munoz said.
Lihue resident Pearl Ajimine said she has been a customer since La Bamba used to operate out of Rice Street.
“As always, the food was exceptional,” Ajimine said Monday after lunch at La Bamba.
The restaurant’s vast menu has something for everyone.
The nachos have a nice portion of chips covered with melted cheese, beans, tomatoes, olives, sour cream and guacamole.
¡Ay caramba!
Want more? Ask for chicken, shredded beef or pork in your nachos for added flavor.
Munoz said the children love cheese quesadillas, which can also be served with chicken or shredded beef. Or, try the potato skins for an appetizer.
If salad is what you want, La Bamba serves four different kinds. You can have a simple green salad, a seafood salad or two types of taco salads.
It’s the main dishes, however, where La Bamba really shines.
Besides traditional burritos, enchiladas, chimichangas and tacos, they serve quite a few specialties.
La Bamba has a Burrito Verde filled with tender pork smothered with freshly made green sauce and with a kick of spice and cheese.
The Potato Burrito is something interestingly delicious.
If you want more than the whole enchilada, you have to have an Enchilada Suiza — stuffed with chicken, covered with a rich creamy sauce and topped with melted cheese.
The sizzling fajitas can leave anyone drooling — you have a choice of chicken, steak or seafood. But if you really want the best of three worlds, go for the combo, which includes everything.
The fajitas can be served for two people, but make sure you’re willing to wait 25 minutes for this dish. And yes, it’s worth the wait.
Some other specialties worth mentioning — and trying, of course — are the homemade tamales, carnitas, fish tacos and the chile relleno.
Still undecided? Ask for a combo plate, which includes two items.
If there is any room left — and hopefully there is — order their homemade flan.
La Bamba serves soft drinks, ice tea and beer. But, if you really want the real Mexican experience, have a margarita or a jarrito — a Mexican soda that comes in several flavors and in a really cool glass bottle.
“I’m praying that we can continue to do business with you for many more years, God willing,” Munoz said.
La Bamba is open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Call 245-5972 for more information.
