11 Times This Maui Food Truck Went Above & Beyond

Tabay and Sahel inside their food truck in Kahului.

Some businesses feed you. Others feed your soul.
And then there’s Tabay’s Mindful Kitchen, the Maui-based mother-and-son team known for doing both every single day.

For them, food is so much more than what’s on the plate. It’s about connection, compassion, and showing up (sometimes way beyond what’s expected!).

Here are 11 ways they’ve gone above and beyond to nourish Maui (and, occasionally, far beyond it).

1. A Chili Craving in L.A.? No Problem.

When a loyal customer on the mainland said they missed their chili, Tabay’s didn’t just send love, they sent lunch. They delivered a batch of chili all the way to Los Angeles.

2. Opening the Truck at 5 AM… Multiple Times

For travelers catching an early flight or locals heading out on an all-day adventure, Tabay’s has opened their food truck before sunrise to make sure no one starts their journey hungry.

3. “You’re Craving What?”

People have come to the window with a craving (even if it’s not on the menu) and they’ve found a way to make it happen. That kind of flexibility is rare in hospitality, but it’s just who they are.

4. Persian Food on Haleakalā

Because why not deliver dinner on a volcano? When someone requested Persian food at the summit of Haleakalā, they made it happen.

5. The Smart Burger Hack

Tabay’s builds burgers based on how far you’re going. Heading to the beach? They’ll package sauces and buns separately so nothing gets soggy by the time you dig in. Genius. Care.

6. Cooking for a Cause

When a local battling cancer needed nourishment, they didn’t just send a get-well note, they meal-prepped and delivered wholesome food to their door.

7. The Kindness Guarantee

“If you don’t like it, we’ll make it right.” No ego, no attitude, just genuine care for every person who eats their food.

8. Feeding Maui’s Unhoused Community

At the end of every night, whatever food is left over goes straight to anyone in need. No waste and no judgment.

9. “Pay What You Can” Thanksgiving

During a Thanksgiving, they opened their hearts and their tables, offering “pay what you can” platters and inviting anyone to join them for a warm holiday meal.

10. Delivering Joy — No Questions Asked

They didn’t stop there. They also donated trays of food to families in need without asking for anything in return.

11. They Never Turn Anyone Away

Whether you’re a regular, a visitor, or simply passing by, you’ll always be welcomed at Tabay’s. That’s the kind of hospitality Maui is built on, and the kind we’ll always celebrate.

🌺 Final Thought

In a world where convenience often overshadows connection, Tabay’s Mindful Kitchen is a reminder that good food is about so much more than taste. It’s about intention, generosity, and the human spirit behind every plate.

They don’t just serve meals. They serve mindfulness, community, and heart.

👉 Visit them online at tabaysmindfulkitchen.com or find their truck around Maui to experience what true aloha tastes like.