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    Saucy Mama's

    4.9 (116 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated 2 weeks ago

    Saucy Mama's Photos

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    SAUCY MAMA'S ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Saucy Mama's

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    Chicken bacon ranch fries

    Amazing food with the best people working there. Everything on the menu is beyond amazing especially the tacos and chai tea (both homemade).

    The reviewer with Rachel, the one and only "Saucy Mama"!
    Ed E.

    If you have ever heard the term "hidden gem", that perfectly describes Saucy Mama's food truck. The food truck is located about 17 miles south of Hilo airport in Mountain View on the Big Island in Hawaii. Use your GPS map and you will find the hidden gem. The truck is located off the street in a stationary position behind a chain-linked fence. "It doesn't move except during an earthquake", according to Rachel, the friendly, smiling, lovely woman who owns the business. Rachel makes all her food from scratch and her food menu changes each day, except for two main items that you can see in the images: Kalua Pork Taco Plate and African Peanut soup. My tacos were piled high with meat and the raspberry chipotle sauce on the Kalua Pork taco gave it a delicious tropical island twist. My plate consisted of one Kalua pork taco and one chicken taco that was covered in a pineapple chutney that I loved. The Hapa rice (a mixture of white and brown rice) was provided with Rachel's "Awesome Sauce". I mixed the Awesome Sauce into the rice and loved every bite. I also bought the African Peanut soup and let my brother-in-law taste it before me. He took his first spoonful, looked at me and said, "wow!". He took four more spoonfuls and followed each one with another "wow!". I brought a second portion home and everyone who tried it, including me, had the same "wow" reaction. Without hesitation, I suggest you try the taco plate and peanut soup (unless you have a peanut allergy). If you are not a fan of cilantro, let Rachel know since some items have cilantro on (or in) them. Since this is a food truck, and the 4 to 6 food item menu changes daily, you never know what items will be on the menu when you visit. I think you will find something delicious no matter when you visit. My brother-in-law had the spaghetti bowl and raved about how great the sauce tasted. It was a very large portion so his wife got to taste it at home and she also said it tasted great! I also bought 3 of the four 16 ounce soups being served that day: a Thai dish called Jok with shrimp, a meatless taco soup, and a creamy chicken and mushroom soup. All were yummy as stated by all the relatives with whom I shared the soups. Lastly, I bought two limeades, one of which included a blended cucumber, adding an extra layer of flavor to the already delicious, refreshing drink. There is so much to try at Saucy Mama's that I may need to return before I head back home to the mainland. The truck is open for business only Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM, so be sure to visit only on one of those three days. Did I mention that on the Yelp Top 100 Food Trucks list updated in July, 2025, Saucy Mama's was ranked 38. There are thousands of food trucks all over the United States so to be ranked 38 is quite a distinguished honor! Congratulations, Rachel!!

    This place was amazing. The owner was extremely sweet. There is a cute garden with chairs to eat in. We got the Kalua pork tacos and they were so good. We could've eaten here everyday. We also got the homemade limeade and it was phenomenal. A definite must try especially if visiting volcano national park they are right off old volcano road!

    African Peanut Soup - SO much flavor!
    Jenny W.

    SO glad that we found Saucy Mama's when visiting :) It's a cute food truck located about 20 minutes outside of Hilo with beautiful gardens and a cozy seating area. The owner and her sweet mom are SO friendly and accommodating. I could stay and chat with them for hours! There are several vegan items on the menu, and that's what we came for! The African Peanut Soup is out of this world. I head someone leaving say that they didn't realize it was vegan when they ordered it and it blew their mind! I've been vegan forever so can't say the same, but it was absolutely incredible. My vegetarian son had the nacho fries and they happily made them veggie for him. We were all smiles and would eat here again in a heartbeat!

    Tianna M.

    My sister and I discovered Saucy Mama's on Google Maps/Yelp based on the great reviews. We were impressed that the place had 5 Stars, but after our experience, we couldn't agree more! We got the Kalua Pork Tacos and the Shrimp Coconut Curry Special, along with a Chai Latte and Papaya Smoothie. Each item was mouth-watering. The best food truck I've ever been to. The owner truly made the experience even better. So friendly and welcoming, you can tell they take real pride in the food and making sure every customer leaves happy. If you haven't checked this place out yet, you're missing out. I'll definitely be back for more!

    African peanut stew
    Melanie R.

    This was my 3rd time at Saucy Mama's and I've enjoyed it each time! Rachel and her mom Lucy are so welcoming and friendly! They are happy to give pointers and suggestions to visitors or talk story with locals. The garden seating area is so special and unique to the Big Island experience! And let's talk about the food! Rachel's craft is creating dishes with a signature Saucy Mama flavor! She's an artist in the kitchen! I had the African Peanut Stew, it was delicious and a large portion!!! Each time I have friends visiting, I try to make my way up to Volcano Village for a visit there!

    The food is amazing! Our hosts were absolutely delightful beyond measure. And the garden spot where several tables were placed looked like a tropical paradise! Definitely worth the stop!!

    Chana Masala Taco
    Vincent V.

    If you are lucky enough to be on this side of the island when this truck is open, just go. The flavors I experienced were on a new level and the bar for my expectations has been officially raised. The owner and her mother were so friendly, we felt right at home. The lot the truck sits in was curated with a beautiful garden and it gives the feeling of being in your best friend's back yard. I had the signature Kalua Pork Tacos and my mind was short circuited. The combination of the juicy pork with the raspberry sauce and queso fresco was something I never knew I needed. I will literally dream of these tacos until I have them again. There was so much pork and not a bit of fat. My wife got the Chana Masala Tacos and they were delectable. Home made ingredients warmed our souls. I got to sample some of the fried banana with jerk sauce which the owner, Rachel, said she typically would put on a brisket taco we're on par with the Kalua tacos. Flavor combinations I have never experienced anywhere. If you need to go out of your way to get your taste buds on this food, do it. Edit: came back to say we had the Black Forest Cheesecake with chocolate teddy graham crust in the mini fridge for a day but dam* that was just as good as the rest. HUGE fans over here. Best food of our 7 day trip and we ATE.

    Jamaican jerk shrimp tacos

    It was my first time here on this aloha Friday (first Friday of 2025 haha) I pass this business frequently and today I decided to give it try while waiting for my spouse to get off of work near by I immediately noticed this right when I walked into the area where you order and where her food truck is Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. I thought okay sis! Love it already! Saucy mama Rachael made ordering a breeze with her suggestion of the Jamaican jerk shrimp tacos! Loved it! Definitely Deliciously Different- whew say that 3 times fast folks I wasn't picky and I also love shrimp tacos so I went with it! Also got an iced chai latte & limeade both were bomb sis Oh and how could I forget the pasta salad! That was also so yummy that I wish it was in a bigger serving or that I had brought MORE! Everything was hands down 10 out of 10 RECOMMEND!!! Food was made with fresh ingredients & love!! Wasn't greasy or harsh on the stomach and it's all vegan friendly! Saucy mama will definitely make your food how you want it! TRUST honey! Now go check em go check em go check em out! GO! (P.S this is not the actual photo of MY plate because we ate that up so fast but this is definitely how it looked when I received it )

    Taco plate

    Super friendly and absolutely delicious pork tacos! A must try if in the Hilo area, about 25 minutes from the National Volcano Park.

    Kalua Pork Taco Plate
    Mark S.

    The Kalua pork taco plate ($18) was excellent!! Tacos were stuffed and so fresh and yummy! Gluten free too! (with many GF options). The owner was super friendly and gave us some recommendations around the island. Super cute garden area to dine at as well. Would definitely recommend :)

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    30 days ago

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    Rachel M.

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    7 days ago

    The food was amazing!!! We enjoyed our meal outside at one of their tables. It was very nice!

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    6 days ago

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    11 days ago

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    9 months ago

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    1 month ago

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    6 months ago

    Very good food! The flavor was great of both food items. Also the atmosphere was lovely. With nice green trees and bushes.

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    3 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    9 months ago

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    6 months ago

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    4 months ago

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    8 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    10 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    11 months ago

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    3 years ago

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    7 months ago

    It's so f***ing good. We got the african peanut soup and the shrimp taco meal, both had complex flavor profiles that were tuned perfectly.

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    2 years ago

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    7 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    1 year ago

    The Aloha Dog was fantastic and filled with Aloha love! Rachel's sparkly hospitality and lovely garden made me feel right at home!

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    10 months ago

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    1 year ago

    Good food and the lizards in the front are really cool. Great service recommend us many good places to visit.

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    4 years ago

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Saucy Mama's

    Rico's Taco Shop - Rico's signage

    Rico's Taco Shop

    4.7(42 reviews)
    11.2 mi

    TLDR - the staff are very nice and this place is very convenient when visiting the area, but I know…read moreI'll never come back. The food was tasteless and I don't appreciate when places try to get a double tip. Food options around the area are very limited, but I encourage tourists to take a chance and explore further. This place is a great convenience for people visiting Hawaii's Volcano National Parks and are starving after a long day of sightseeing. Unfortunately, I was very let down considering the great reviews it has online. This is a food truck, so as expected, the parking is extremely limited and there are only two picnic tables available if you choose to sit down and eat. The area is nice if you don't mind eating outdoors. When I went, there were only 2 people working in the truck. They were extremely nice and did warn us about waiting times. There was a long line of people so we had to wait about 25mins for our food. Honestly, this is not inherently a problem, but be ready to wait if it's busy. Now for the food and the reason I'm giving this place a low rating. I was allowed to mix the carnitas tacos and the chicken taco plate given that they're all the same price. The chicken had a nice spice to it, but every item on the dish was very bland. The rice felt dry, the refried beans felt like they were straight out of a can, and it could have all used some salt. But the big nono was that it appears they included a tip in their total before handing the machine over to you to add a tip and pay. Unless you tell me Hawaii's tax is close to 20% (which I know it's not), I find it very disrespectful when businesses do this to their customers.

    Food takes a while, as they're just two people running the cart! I liked the birria tacos the most…read more The couple was so kind.

    Photos
    Rico's Taco Shop - Birria de Res taco plate.

    Birria de Res taco plate.

    Rico's Taco Shop - Carnitas taco trio

    Carnitas taco trio

    Rico's Taco Shop - Fresh produce. We try to use ingredients grown in Hawaii as much as possible.

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    Fresh produce. We try to use ingredients grown in Hawaii as much as possible.

    La Jefa Island Tacos

    La Jefa Island Tacos

    4.1(21 reviews)
    7.5 mi

    For a non brick and mortar store. I like them!!!! So looking over to the right next to the fruit…read morestand is La Jefa island tacos. Had to get the fish tacos, because you are in Hawaii, the super burrito birria because why not. Was not disappointed on the other hand I was very pleased with my choices . I had to ask for extra pickle pepper , just needed the extra acid and heat. I also had the freshly made churros with cinnamon sugar. Crispy crunchy soft in the middle. Luck I had some vanilla ice cream in the freezer. Perfect match. Service was on spot . Everyone wore masks , they had a dedicated person for taking orders, another cooking, and one doing the final finish work. . Will come back

    Ok, finally found this place setup after couple no-shows. Really wanted to like ( or love) the food…read moreafter much anticipation. Pros: friendly/fast service, composite earth friendly containers. Cons: very bland food. Thankfully brought home and doctored up with everything Mexican we had...( onions, salsa, sour cream, hot sauce, Avocado, cilantro, even cheese!)!! Had we bought to take to eat elsewhere, we wouldn't have eaten sadly. No slow cooked authentic taste at all. Hubby had Carne Asada burrito grande, after first bite he said meat was like ground beef. He couldn't see any sour cream, cheese either so he wasn't happy having to put our own toppings on to make it enjoyable. My lengua quesadilla grande was supposed to have extra toppings inside as well but just got meat/cheese. Both meats very diced , and rice/beans also NO flavor, 22 bucks, sadly won't be back.

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    La Jefa Island Tacos
    La Jefa Island Tacos - Churros with sugar and cinnamon

    Churros with sugar and cinnamon

    La Jefa Island Tacos - Carnitas tacos with onion and cilantro.

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    Carnitas tacos with onion and cilantro.

    Saucy Mama's - foodtrucks - Updated May 2026

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