I thought I would include a Cheap and Good Eats Hawaiian Edition, seeing that I was just in Hawaii recently. I have been craving this particular meal for two years (since I last ate it) and relished the moment when I got to link that garlic off my fingers… talk about finger lickin’ good!
If you drive along the North Shore of Oahu, you will encounter three shrimp trucks, one of which is called Giovanni’s shrimp truck. It is identifiable by a large white RV type truck with words graffiti’d all over it. Another thing that identifies that you’ve landed in shrimp truck territory is the hoards of people lining up for some shrimp. People visit Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck and write their initials and what year they came and draw a heart around their beloved. BF and I went there and wrote on it in 2008 but were unsuccessful in locating our initials two years later. Perhaps they repaint the truck yearly due to its popularity.
From what I noticed, there were a total of three shrimp trucks and Giovanni’s is the first one you would encounter should you be driving from East to West on the island.
The shrimp scampi (which is their most popular dish) includes thirteen beautifully delicious shrimps smothered in garlic and some delicious buttery garlic sauce that I fail to replicate at home. There are two scoops of white rice and a slice of lemon. It’s not particularly cheap, but it’s very delicious and well worth the $13, in my opinion. I think they might have raised the price too (I suppose the secret is out) as I don’t remember paying that two years ago.
I haven’t been to the other two shrimp trucks, but I noticed there was a long line up for them too.
Yelp readers rate Giovanni’s a 4 star for yumminess too.
Readers, have you been to the other two shrimp trucks and what did you think? More importantly, have you been to Giovanni’s shrimp truck?
I haven’t eaten at a shrimp truck and lived on Oahu for 3 plus years (granted I was only a kid). Looks delicious!
We’re going to Hawaii in 2012 so maybe we’ll make it to one then.
@Kay Lynn- Yeah! I think it would be a great day trip from Waikiki if you’re staying on the strip. Jealous that you got to live in Oahu for 3+ years- what a wonderful place to live!
I’ve been there when I was in Hawii earlier this year, and the food is amazing. I didn’t get a chance to write my name in the truck. It’s in the matter of nowhere though and was pretty hard to spot.
@Henway- yeah and it will likely get painted over too!
Love Giovanni’s!
@Financial Samurai- Have you checked out the other shrimp trucks down the road?
Thanks again for your suggestion of Ono’s it was delicious. I didn’t make it to the other place you suggested though! 
This is amazing. I am used to sausage stands and chip wagons, but a shrimp truck sounds so much more mouth-watering – not to mention more nutritious.
@Credit Cards Canada- Yeah though shrimp and rice and lemon and butter isn’t the pinnacle of nutrition, but it’s a start I suppose!
$13 is a bit costly for me. But of course, you’re not paying to the amount of serving that they will give. Rather, you need to pay of the quality of their food. Looks like it’s a heavy meal though since the whole meal comes with 2 rice.
@Lynn Waits- I know $13 is too much for me too… More like: Good eats, not Cheap and Good Eats! I had to include it though because I like eating it so much!
The shrimp truck has two locations.
The first is 56-505 kamehameha highway kahuku, HI 96731 and the other at 66-472 Kamehameha highway halaiwa, HI 96712. The phone number for directions is 808-293-1839
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