China Boat Closing

Question

Apparently the China Boat restaurant’s owners are retiring and the establishment is closing at the end of September. Relations of China Boat own the China Bowl restaurant but for me their cuisine pales in comparison.

The extensive menu at China Bowl was always a takeout favorite. We enjoyed their cuisine, convenience and supporting a local business. They will be missed. I have advised my DW we will need to sharpen our Asian cuisine cooking skills. She is noodling on the idea.

Answer

It’s always sad to hear when a beloved local restaurant closes, especially one with such a long history like China Boat. It seems like many people have fond memories of the extensive menu and delicious takeout options, so it's understandable why the closure might be a bit of a blow. But it’s good that you’re thinking about learning how to make some of those dishes at home—Asian cuisine can be a lot of fun to cook, and it sounds like a perfect opportunity to get creative in the kitchen!

As for alternatives, since you mentioned China Bowl, it seems like you still have some local options to explore, but I get that it might not quite measure up to what you enjoyed at China Boat. If you're looking for other places in Maui for Asian cuisine, here are a few spots you might want to check out to help fill the gap while you're perfecting your cooking skills:

Gogi Korean BBQ – A great spot for Korean BBQ with an all-you-can-eat option, so you can grill your own meat and veggies at the table.
Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar – A bit on the upscale side, but they offer fantastic sushi and fresh seafood, along with great creative dishes.
Jini’s Thai – A local favorite for authentic Thai food, with everything from pad Thai to curries. They’re known for their flavor and portion sizes.
Makino Chaya – If you’re in the mood for a sushi buffet, this place offers a great variety of sushi and other Japanese dishes, though it’s a bit more of a casual dining experience.
Thai Mee Up – A food truck in Lahaina that has great Thai food, especially for a quick and delicious meal.

If none of these options quite satisfy your cravings, you could always consider taking a cooking class! Maui has a variety of culinary schools and local chefs who offer cooking classes, including ones focused on Asian cuisine. Here are some cooking schools you might explore:

Maui Culinary Academy – They offer a variety of classes, and they may have classes focused on different aspects of Asian cuisine.
The Chef's Table Maui – An intimate cooking experience where you can learn to make everything from sushi to stir-fries.
Alii Kula Lavender Farm – While they specialize in lavender, they do offer culinary classes and might have an occasional Asian cuisine class.

As you continue to hone your cooking skills, experimenting with Asian dishes at home can definitely become a fun and rewarding activity. And who knows, you might end up recreating your favorite dishes from China Boat and China Bowl right in your own kitchen!