An unassuming mini mart in one of the oldest neighborhoods on Oahu is a time capsule of sorts-an assemblage of Hawaii’s revered flavors steeped in history.
Opened in 1937 as a general store, Ruger Market served the Kaimuki community for decades, retaining its historical charm while maintaining its place as a classic local plate lunch and okazuya-style delicatessen featuring a variety of original poke creations along with authentic Hawaiian and Filipino dishes.
Fort Ruger Market is eponymous with Thomas H. Ruger, a Civil War general whose name was borrowed to brand Oahu’s first military reservation built in and around Diamond Head Crater when Hawaii was a United States territory. Today, the market is better known among locals for its Hawaiian plates of pork lau lau, kalua pig, lomi salmon, and chicken long rice, as well traditional Filipino flavors, such as lechon kawali, pork adobo, guisantes, sari sari, pinakbet, and dinuguan.
Visitors are drawn to its poke bowls of the highest quality, featuring classics such as spicy shoyu ahi, spicy salmon, and ginger Hamachi. Tempting signatures to consider are the Rugerlicious poke with oyster sauce and chopped taegu (dried codfish) and the Ruger Special poke with ogo (seaweed), inamona (kukui nut relish), and soy.
Those seeking other local flavors will be pleased to discover SPAM® musubi, pickled mango and papaya, kulolo, and boiled peanuts scented with star anise.
Promising to continue the legacy, owner Daniel Young shares, “We want to be a cornerstone in the area— a place for people to come and enjoy Hawaii’s history.”
Two blocks from Kapiolani Community College, Ruger Market is open Monday through Saturday from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and on Sunday from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
