ABOUT US

Who We Are

Food. Art. Culture.

Minasa is more than just a plate—it's a remix of roots, a love letter to heritage, and a bold celebration of Filipino flavor reimagined for Hawaii. Born from humble pop-ups at farmers' markets across Oahu and built on soul, Minasa blends traditional Filipino dishes with modern island creativity, all served with fire, pride, and purpose.

From crispy lechon over garlic fried rice to ube-dusted churros that taste like home and invention all at once, every dish is a reflection of who we are: Filipino at heart, local by nature, and always evolving.

Minasa focuses on "mashups" of traditional flavors, tying back to the "mashing" or "mixing" meaning of the word. We mix flavor with memory - street food vibes with kitchen craft. We build every bowl like a canvas. Because to us, food is art. And culture lives in every bite.

Beyond its celebrated food, Minasa Hawaii serves as a cultural hub that often hosts various events including their annual Halo Halo Art Show that showcases Filipino inspired art and artists.

We are also proud to partner with Waipahu High School's culinary program, offering students their first professional internship experience. This partnership provides hands-on training in culinary skills, customer service, and business operations, helping to nurture the next generation of culinary leaders in Hawaii's vibrant food scene.

This is Minasa. Where flavor tells a story. Where roots rise and remix. Where we cook with heart—and plate with heat.

Meet the Chef

Introducing Chef Maleko, a culinary artist with deep roots in our local community. Born and raised on Oahu, Chef Maleko honed his skills working alongside renowned local chefs, shaping his culinary expertise. Devoting time to a non-profit, he contributed to training initiatives and led family meal programs, embodying a commitment to community.

Driven by a dream to fuse his heritage with familiar ingredients in a modern context, Chef Maleko crafts dishes that are both innovative and rooted in tradition. Always in the kitchen creating, he invites our patrons to embark on a culinary journey, savoring the rich flavors of his unique creations.