University of Hawaiʻi Maui College’s Pāʻina Market is open to students and the community this semester with more tasty and affordable lunch options. Run by students in the college’s award-winning culinary arts program, the World Plate and Paniolo Grill kitchens are doubling the number of lunch options available for the spring semester.
“World Plate gives our students an opportunity to immerse themselves into a multitude of different ethnic cuisines and also to be exposed to exotic ingredients and regional flavor combinations,” said Chef Instructor Gary Johnson.
- Related UH News story: Gourmet meals for lunch! UH Maui College students create delights, September 26, 2022
Italian-inspired dishes were on the menu, and Japanese-inspired dishes are coming soon. In addition to diverse flavors, World Plate’s menu features locally sourced produce—most notably, herbs from an aeroponics tower located adjacent to the kitchen. The aeroponics stations are managed by UH Maui College students with mentorship from Javier Mollinedo Ticona, leader of the on-campus aquaponics facility.
“We’re off to a great start,” said Chef Instructor Noel Cleary. “My students are excited to be learning new cooking techniques and especially stoked to be running their own a la carte kitchen! Over the next few weeks our sandwiches and plate lunches will transition to a Japanese and Korean vibe.”
In addition to Paniolo Grill and World Plate, Pāʻina Market also offers burgers at the Campus Café and a fully-stocked salad, soup and hot foods bar. Pāʻina Market is open Monday–Thursday and hours vary for the different dining options:
- Paniolo Grill and World Plate: 11 a.m.–12:50 p.m.
- Campus Café: 11 a.m.–1:15 p.m.
- Salad/soup/hot bar: 11 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
- Coffee and other beverages: 8 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
Paniolo Grill and World Plate will be closed February 27–March 2, and reopen March 8–9 before closing for spring break. After spring break, they will reopen on March 20.
“It’s crazy what you get for the price here. I was expecting to pay like $24 dollars for the quality I got,” said Maui resident Billy McDermott, who recently dined at Pāʻina Market. “The students did an awesome job and I feel like I stumbled upon a gem.”
To stay up-to-date with Pāʻina Market’s menus and hours, sign up for the weekly menu email.
