Sam Choy's Kai Lanai

Attached photo of gluten free menu. Extremely limited, no dedicated GF fryer, sauces contain soy sauce. Ordered Hawaiian style Ahi Poke bowl (no marinade and no macaroni) and plain edamame, both tasted good. Did not get sick. The drinks were stiff and the hilltop view is nice. Just be warned that at least one of our servers didn’t even know what gluten is.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Separate gluten-free menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Good

Other Characteristics

• Good for kids
• Offers outdoor seating

You order at a cashier and then seat yourself. The menu is pretty limited. The two meals I wanted (grilled fish tacos or BBQ ribs) were the only things on the menu they told me were not GF, even thought they had deep fried fish and chips and teriyaki beef and chicken. I ordered the chili shrimp. I was not sure it was GF, I took a few bites and it tasted like the sauce was from a jar. Yuck! To be safe, I ordered ahi caprese and edamame, which were both good. The pina colada was awful, so I sent it back. The second one wasn’t much better. I noticed not many people were finishing their drinks, either. I got out of there without getting sick, but I would recommend this place to anyone, celiac or not!

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Not at all

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— No gluten-free information on the menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Not Much

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Poor

The gf items aren’t listed but if you ask they know which things are gf. Very friendly and helpful. I have Celiac and didn’t get sick. I would go again.

How confident are you that this establishment takes safety precautions against cross-contact?

— Somewhat

Is there a gluten-free menu?

— Gluten-free items are marked on the main menu

How much of the menu is available gluten-free?

— Some

How would you rate the taste and quality of the gluten-free food you tried?

— Excellent

My mom eats gluten free and we choose this place for to gluten free options. When we got there we were told several of the files free items on the menu were no longer available it no longer made gotten free... We asked why the menu hasn't been updated and or water said sir to the cost of printing... Ok... You could still update your website?! Not recommended if you are gluten free.

There were a bunch of things marked as gf on their menu that when I asked about them, were no longer considered gluten free and were marked in error. Umm... I was disappointed by the remaining selection

Even though the menu has several supposedly gluten free entrees, it doesn’t explain that all of the sauces have gluten and you will receive a flavorless meal. Avoid if you’re gluten free. All salad dressings also contain gluten.

Celiac friendly?

No

The waiter was able to tell me what on the menu was gluten-free, including a flourless chocolate cake for dessert! I had the fish trio with a raspberry marmalade and garlic roasted mashed potatoes, and a lava flow (strawberry pina colada). It was fabulous!

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Awful. In addition to have very few GF options, the several times that I have been there despite being told that I had a severe allergy to even trace amounts of gluten, I was given salads with croutons in it, and on another occasion gave me breaded my chicken, and when I asked them to remake it, put it on the same plate, despite being told that I could not eat even trace amounts.

Celiac friendly?

No

I agree with the other reviewer. Art was a fantastic server and he knew what was safe. They don't have a TON of GF options but they have enough to go out with family and enjoy dinner.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

Arthur is the best! Ask to be seated at his table. He was very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu but more importantly, about food allergies. I felt very safe eating there and his recommendations were great. We originally came for happy hour but stayed for dinner. We watched a beautiful sunset and had some flourless chocolate cake for dessert. It just doesn't get any better than that. I wish there were more people like Arthur in the food industry...or really more people like him in this world. Will definitely come back when visiting the island.

***update*** I thought I made it pretty clear. You need to ask for Arthur. This is in response to the other review.

Celiac friendly?

Yes

I read the other review on this page but I have to say Sam Choy gets a big thumbs down for gluten-free people! There's not much on the menu to choose from and the server I had, was really ignorant of gluten-free and what it meant. Sorry Sam Choy

Celiac friendly?

No