Taste Test: Arby’s three King’s Hawaiian sandwiches

Who: Arby’s

What: Limited-time-only three King’s Hawaiian sandwiches: Big Kahuna, Smokehouse Brisket and Sweet & Spicy Luau Chicken

When: Drive-thru Friday, May 10, 2019

Where: 10407 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley

Hours + website: Go to www.arbys.com for hours and locations

Notes: Arby’s is offering three new King’s Hawaiian sandwiches for a limited time – the Big Kahuna, Smokehouse Brisket and Sweet & Spicy Luau Chicken, all with a King’s Hawaiian bun and each about $9-$10 sandwich only. King’s Hawaiian is the maker of those soft rolls available in grocery stores.

Here’s the breakdown:

King’s Hawaiian Big Kahuna Sandwich (860 calories)

Details: Crispy buttermilk chicken filet, sliced 13-hour brisket, pit-smoked ham, melted Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and sweet and spicy pineapple habanero mustard sauce on a King’s Hawaiian Bun.

Thoughts: This meat monster is one helluva meal. Chicken, brisket and ham, oh my! The Big Kahuna is definitely the most bang for your $10, and, in line with Arby’s sandwiches, it’s meat aplenty. In a tasting panel of four, this was the favorite of two people, although all three sandwiches were liked.

King’s Hawaiian Smokehouse Brisket Sandwich (680 calories)

Details: Thirteen-hour smoked beef brisket, melted smoked Gouda, crispy onions, smoky BBQ sauce and mayo on a King’s Hawaiian Bun.

Thoughts: The Smokehouse Brisket is the sweetest and tangiest of the three sandwiches and the most balanced in terms of meat to King’s Hawaiian bun ratio. This sandwich is the way to go if three meats in one sandwich is too much, and it has the least amount of calories of the three. In a tasting panel of four, this was the favorite of one person.

King’s Hawaiian Sweet & Spicy Luau Chicken Sandwich (710 calories)

Details: Crispy fried buttermilk chicken filet, smoked ham, melted Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and a sweet and spicy pineapple habanero mustard sauce on a King’s Hawaiian bun.

Thoughts: The non-beef option is still quite filling, and the spicy pineapple habanero mustard sauce is especially noticeable with the chicken and packs a punch. In a tasting panel of four, this was the favorite of one person.

Per an Arby’s employee, the three sandwiches are being offered through the end of the month. Thanks to the unofficial food panel of James Russell, Matthew Woolley and Nicole Lus for their input.