In 2023, Yelp honored Broken Mouth in Los Angeles as the No. 1 restaurant in the U.S., propelling its owner, University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa alumnus Tim Lee, into the national spotlight.
Broken Mouth is a play on the Hawaiian pidgin phrase “broke da mout,” used to describe exceptionally delicious food. Lee’s menu features dishes such as Spam musubi with purple rice, garlic butter shrimp, and meat jun.
“Ultimately, I think what sets us apart is the Aloha and hospitality from the islands that we brought to show people out here what Hawaiʻi is all about,” Lee said. “It’s a combination of both hospitality and service and great food.”
Oʻahu roots
Lee grew up on Oʻahu, where his uncle owned a Korean restaurant. He initially pursued business administration, but soon switched to hospitality, a field that felt more connected to his upbringing. After graduating from UH Mānoa’s Travel Industry Management School in 2007, Lee moved to Los Angeles.
“I originally didn’t know that I wanted to be in restaurants, but eventually I realized it was my calling,” Lee said. “In 2017, I decided to leave the corporate world and open up my own little shop.”
That “little shop” became a nationwide sensation. Broken Mouth quickly earned a devoted following, culminating in its No. 1 ranking.
Lessons from Mānoa
For Lee, the lessons and relationships built at UH Mānoa continue to inspire his journey.
“The greatest thing that I got out of the University of Hawaiʻi were the friendships, bonds, and memories that I created with friends that I am still close with today. There’s just great all-around people from UH.”
His story is a testament to how UH alumni carry the spirit of Hawaiʻi with them, making an impact wherever they go.
