From Maui to Leucadia: The Story Behind This Musubi Love

PART OF THE HIDDEN GEMS ARTICLE SERIES

There’s something special about finding a place that most people just drive right past — the kind of spot that’s not trying too hard, just quietly serving up something amazing. That’s what Hidden Gems is all about. In every issue, we’ll shine a light on those under-the-radar eateries that capture the real flavor of North County — from Oceanside taco stands to Leucadia backyard cafés. These are the places that remind us why we love living here: good food, good energy, and that easygoing coastal vibe that ties our community together.

Our first Hidden Gem takes us to Leucadia, where one small home kitchen is serving up island flavor with a whole lot of heart.

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As told by Erin Brennan

There’s a little spot in quiet Leucadia, tucked inside a small apartment complex off Highway 101, that’s easy to miss—but once you take a bite, you’ll keep coming back. Ordering is online only, and your food is delivered right to your car by Roger, the owner. He was easy to talk to and radiated such good energy. It’s spots like this that make me love this community so much.

I had the chance to chat with Roger and hear how This Musubi Love got started. The idea came to him about ten years ago while living on Maui. Living off spam musubi at the time, he realized that if he ever moved back to the mainland, he’d want to open a musubi cart—something that doesn’t really exist around here. After working a draining 9-to-5 job, Roger decided to take a leap and start a home kitchen last December. Since then, it’s taken off thanks to social media and word of mouth. He’s hoping to buy a cart soon so he can sell at farmers markets and host pop-ups. Stories like his are what make Encinitas so special.

I ordered the Bachan’s Chicken, featuring crispy fried chicken tenders tossed in Bachan’s Japanese BBQ sauce, furikake, and spicy mayo. It instantly gave me that nostalgic, homey feeling—made even better knowing it’s cooked straight from their home kitchen. Each musubi is made to order with sticky rice and wrapped in nori seaweed. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out. One bite, and I was transported back to Hawaii.

My only regret? Not ordering the whole menu. They offer a wide variety of musubi, from classic spam and cheese to tempura shrimp, and even a vegan option with a plant-based patty. No musubi experience is complete without Hawaiian mac salad, miso soup, or edamame on the side. Prices range from $6.50 for the classic spam to $9.75 for the Dawn Patrol, which features spam, egg, bacon, cheddar, spicy mayo, teriyaki, and furikake. I can’t wait to go back for more. Next time you’re hungry after a long surf session, check them out—support local, and your taste buds will thank you!

To contact This Musubi Love: Click Here