Alyssandra’s Lumpia Express Opens at Waikele Premium Outlets, Bringing Filipino Flavors to the West Side
The aroma of freshly fried lumpia now greets shoppers at Waikele Premium Outlets, where Alyssandra’s Lumpia Express officially opened its doors April 24. The Filipino comfort food specialist marked its grand opening by gifting the first 50 customers with gift cards, creating excitement among West Side residents who have been eagerly awaiting more diverse dining options in their backyard.
For owner Alyssandra Santos, landing a spot at one of Oahu’s premier shopping destinations represents more than just business expansion — it’s validation of Filipino cuisine’s growing mainstream appeal. “We’ve been serving the community through pop-ups and farmers markets for years, but having a permanent location at Waikele feels like we’ve really made it,” Santos said. “It shows that Filipino food isn’t just ethnic cuisine anymore — it’s part of Hawaii’s culinary landscape.”
The restaurant specializes in lumpia, the beloved Filipino spring roll that has become a staple at local plate lunch spots and family gatherings across the islands. Alyssandra’s puts its own spin on the classic, offering both traditional pork and vegetable varieties alongside creative fusion options that incorporate local ingredients.
The Waikele location represents a significant milestone for the West Side’s evolving food scene. While Honolulu’s urban core and East Side neighborhoods have long dominated the island’s culinary conversation, the Ewa Plain has been quietly developing its own identity as a dining destination.
West Side’s Culinary Renaissance
The opening comes at a time when Filipino cuisine is experiencing unprecedented visibility in Hawaii’s food landscape. From high-end interpretations in Kakaako to family-run establishments in Kalihi, Filipino flavors are finding new audiences and appreciation.
Waikele Premium Outlets has been strategically courting local food vendors alongside national chains, recognizing that visitors want authentic Hawaii experiences. The addition of Alyssandra’s joins other locally-owned concepts that have opened at the center in recent months, creating a more diverse dining mix that reflects the island’s multicultural community.
For Santos, the transition from mobile vendor to brick-and-mortar tenant required significant investment and planning. The restaurant industry’s challenges during the pandemic actually helped refine her business model, as takeout and quick-service concepts proved more resilient than traditional sit-down establishments.
“The pandemic taught us that people want familiar comfort food they can grab and go,” Santos explained. “Lumpia is perfect for that — it’s handheld, satisfying, and reminds people of home.”
More Than Just Food
The restaurant’s success reflects broader demographic shifts on the West Side, where growing residential developments have created demand for convenient dining options. Young families moving to newer communities in Kapolei, Ewa Beach, and surrounding areas represent a customer base that values both convenience and cultural authenticity.
Alyssandra’s menu extends beyond lumpia to include other Filipino favorites like chicken adobo bowls and pancit noodles, positioned as quick-casual options for busy shoppers and outlet employees. The restaurant also plans to introduce limited-time specials featuring seasonal ingredients and holiday favorites.
The location’s success could pave the way for other Filipino food entrepreneurs looking to establish permanent locations. Small-scale food businesses often struggle to secure prime retail space due to high rents and lengthy lease requirements, making Alyssandra’s achievement particularly significant for the local food community.
Santos plans to maintain connections with local suppliers, sourcing vegetables from West Side farms when possible and supporting other Filipino-owned businesses through cross-promotion and collaborative events.
The restaurant operates daily during mall hours, with extended weekend service to accommodate the outlet center’s busy shopping periods. Future plans include catering services for local businesses and participation in West Side community events.
For West Side residents who previously had to venture into town for authentic Filipino cuisine, Alyssandra’s represents convenience and cultural connection in their own neighborhood. As Oahu’s population continues shifting westward, establishments like this help create the community infrastructure that makes suburban areas feel like home rather than just bedroom communities.
The restaurant’s presence at Waikele also signals to other specialty food operators that there’s room for local concepts alongside national chains, potentially encouraging more entrepreneurs to pursue retail opportunities in Hawaii’s growing suburban markets.
