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    A-Ma’s Gua-Bao

    4.8 (19 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated 2 months ago

    A-Ma’s Gua-Bao Photos

    A-MA’S GUA-BAO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Nadine C.

    Breakfast at the Kaka'ako Farmer's Market in Honolulu, Hawaii... Every Saturday between 8am and noon, A-Ma's Gua Bao sets up a tent on the Makai (towards the ocean) side of Ala Moana Boulevard. I was really impressed with the teamwork of the four people under the tent. The polite elder male was taking orders and distributing packages of Gua Bao (pork belly Bao), while holding down the tent with one hand when a major gust of wind passed by. When he went to place more bao in the steamer, the pleasant young male staff called out the numbers of the finished orders. The two quiet, hard-working women also moved gracefully between the different tasks of assembling the gua Bao. I had read Andy's review for the pork belly Bao... I wished I had gotten that. However, the tofu version was tasty, but probably not as decadent as pork belly. I did like the crunchy bits of peanut and tasty hoisin sauce. It was a nice snack that I wouldn't mind getting again! Maybe I'll get the beef shin version - not the minced pork because I don't like spicy food. Even though this is outdoor/stand up dining (especially in the February wind), it wasn't too cold nor too humid. The sun was shining pleasantly - as expected in the Aloha State! Note: go early because the free parking on nearby streets fill up quickly!

    Pork Belly Gua Bao
    Andy F.

    When I see a Gua Bao, it reminds me of Rou Jia Mo. They're not the same, but the idea is the same. Meat in bread. I always see A-Ma's Gua Bao at the Kaka'ako Farmers Market, but never tried until now. It's always nice to see more Taiwanese foods offered in Hawaii as there aren't many. This place only offers Gua Bao with 4 choices (pork belly, minced pork, beef shin, and tofu). All $6 each. Gua Bao uses the lotus leaf buns (he ye bao). You actually see this type of bun used at more and more restaurants. Decades ago it was just for Peking Roast Duck or Roast Pork. Now you can put anything in it. On this occasion, I just tried the original, Pork Belly. This was surpassingly very good. Soft bun with tender and tasty pork belly, and a nice sour note from the pickled mustard greens to cut into the rich pork belly. The thing I didn't like was the crushed peanuts. It was very sweet and didn't match with everything. Eating the peanuts alone was delicious, and had that honeyed walnut taste that you find in the Honey Walnut Shrimp. But together? I didn't agree with it. The taste clashed. Overall, the gua bao was good sans peanuts. I'll come back to try the other baos. Hope they expand to more things!

    Gavin N.

    A-Ma's Gua Bao is at the Kakaako farmers market every Saturday! I always love their Gua bao as they are always packed with flavor! Their service is pretty fast! Staff are very friendly! The baos do have peanuts, but you have the option of omitting peanuts if you have a food allergy :) 10/10 recommend!

    Gua Bao with minced pork (spicy!)
    Samuel P.

    I've been to Taiwan and have had Gua Bao there, this is hands down the best on island, comparable to getting it from the motherland. I love that they have a few varieties and I get at least two each week at the Kakaako Farmers market. I've had Gua Bao at several places in Hawaii and non are able to even come close to perfecting the bun, and including the correct ingredients. Some places put a mystery sweet sauce on it and omit the peanuts, I just don't get it. This is a MUST try each and every time you go to the farmers market. P.S. to the person who left a 3-star review because they didn't put nuts on the side for your wife and child who are allergic, are you kidding me? If they were actually allergic to peanuts, you would not get them anything from a business who has peanuts as a main ingredient. It feels more like you requested peanuts on the side for other reasons and were upset they messed up your order. They now are very explicit about asking, and now I know why.

    Gua Bao menu
    Jen C.

    I went to the Kakaako Farmers market and got the Minced pork bao. The employee taking orders was so friendly and warned me that it would be spicy hot and if that was okay and that it contained nuts and if I had any allergies. I said sure I love spicy. They make the bao fresh so it's about a five minute wait. Omg it was so good! Yes it was spicy but offset w the sweet dust of nuts on the top. It also had lettuce, tomato, minced pork, basil, garlic and lemon. Yum! Please visit them and support local business!

    Pork belly
    Brennan T.

    I was walking around the Kakaako Farmers Market on Saturday morning and looking for a delicious and affordable bite to eat. There are not a lot of affordable options anymore, sadly, so I'm so glad we stopped at A-Ma's Gua-Bao. For $6 we got to try a pork belly gua bao, which was amazing. There were tender pieces of pork belly with cilantro, shredded carrots, and crushed peanuts in a soft "manapua bun." So good! After we ordered we waited a few minutes at a nearby table in the shade, and when I went back, my food was ready. Service was nice and quick. And I'm glad I spent $6 to try something new and yummy. Worth every cent! I recommend A-Ma's Gua Bao! Looking forward to trying other flavors next time.

    Pork belly gua boa

    Authentic Taiwanese gua boa! Got the pork belly and the minced pork, both very good! The pork belly is a bit greasy (per my husband) but it's what is supposed to be from an authentic stand point. Highly recommended, flavor is on point!

    Pork belly and tofu bao

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    11 months ago

    Finally got to try this. Tasted straight out of Taiwan. No complaints! Watch out for all the sticky monkeypads on the ground!

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    4 months ago

    Best I've ever had, anywhere...fresh ingredients, all made to order. I will definitely go back.

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    4 years ago

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    Ricky L.

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    Ricky L.

    You mostly welcome,expecting to come back!

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    3 years ago

    Super delicious just like the Gua Bao from Taiwan. Meat is very juicy. Something different on the island. Highly recommend to try it.

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Pork belly melted in my mouth! It had a lot of depth and flavor! Really enjoyed the bun as well.

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    Ask the Community - A-Ma’s Gua-Bao

    Do you cater events?

    Hi Shari Yes ! We do ! Just Email us at least 3 weeks ahead than we can discuss all the details!

    Did they have vegetarian options?

    There's a braised tofu option that's vegetarian I think

    Did you move locations? Couldn't find you on 4/29 Kakaako in your usual spot?

    Dear Maile : Sorry for the inconvenience, we took two weeks off and we do have posted in instagram ,please follow us on instagram, we will be back on May 13 at Kakaako at the… Read more

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

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    We stumbled upon this restaurant a few visits ago and now we make a point to stop by every time we…read moreare in Waikiki. It is truly the freshest and most delicious shrimp dish we have had here and we honestly cannot believe this place is not packed all the time. The outdoor seating area is so cool with a pool, beautiful lighting and tons of plants that make it feel like a little oasis. It is a great spot for larger groups and very kid friendly. Definitely grab some wine or beer and enjoy dinner here because the prices are incredible for the quality. On top of all that the staff are so personable and welcoming. We just love this place and highly recommend it.

    Hawaiian garlic shrimp is a iconic local dish, not technically traditional Hawaiian food, featuring…read moreshell-on shrimp tossed in a pungent garlic-butter sauce, heavily popularized by North Shore, Oahu food trucks since the mid-1970s. With the recent flood happening at the end of March, and our trip being in early April, going to North Shore wasn't advised. While we have some great Hawaiian garlic shrimp spots in Arizona, we had to at least try to get some garlic shrimp while on Oahu. We gave this place a try just because we were already in the building. It wasn't a choice we made prior because honestly, I would have suggested trying a more well-known spot like two miles away, haha! We shared a $14 Shrimp with Original Garlic sauce on it and made it a combo with rice, a scoop of potato mac salad, and regular salad, $14 + $6. Sam's Kitchen was okay. I would have loved to have the shell-on but this place does not offer shell-on shrimp. Still, they make a decent garlic shrimp.

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    Sam's Kitchen - View of the pool from our table.

    View of the pool from our table.

    Sam's Kitchen - Orig garlic shrmp & tery-garlic steak

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    John's World Famous Hawaii

    John's World Famous Hawaii

    4.4(84 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $

    Great hotdogs, and it's a great place/views to have one by the lagoon. This is one of the…read morebetter/best food options unless you are willing to walk a long ways. The guy that runs this is very nice, and fun to talk to.

    I've lived here for seven years and walked past this hot dog stand countless times. Every time I…read morewalk by the owner Jon smile and say hello, every time. And on one of my last walk in Waikiki, I got on of his hotdogs. John and his staff were incredibly welcoming. He's originally from Philly, and as someone from the East Coast, I immediately felt that warm hospitality. John is so sweet, he even offered me the hot dog on the house... completely unexpected, but a true reflection of John's demeanor. I went with the chicken hot dog "John style" (well that is everything but the sauerkraut). I wasn't hesitate about the mustard because I'm usually not a fan but the staff insisted it was more like Dijon mustard anyways. The hotdog was loaded, flavorful, and way better than I expected for someone who usually keeps it simple with the toppings. The bun broke down a bit from all the toppings, but that was to be expected with all the toppings loaded on there. You can't beat the location, it's right outside the Ilikai by the lagoon though the service alone makes this an easy five stars. I'm really happy this ended up being one of my last food experiences living in Hawaii. I'd be eager to see John and his staff again if I return.

    Photos
    John's World Famous Hawaii - A hot dog is $13 now...

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    John's World Famous Hawaii - Jumbo beef dog with everything!

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    John's World Famous Hawaii

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    Hula Dog - Sweet bread polish dog

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    4.3(498 reviews)
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    The lemonade was a 12 out of 10 and the hotdog was an 11 out of 10 for two hotdog and a lemonade it…read morecame out to around $20, which is a really good deal. Consider considered me and my friends were very satisfied when we left. The lemonade is the most refreshing drink ever. It's not too sweet or bitter, but it's the perfect amount of lemon and sugar to not be too overbearing. The pineapple relish on the hotdog was the cherry on top and I'm so glad the owner suggested it. He was so kind and such a cool guy and my friends and I are already planning to come back before our trip is over.

    I always by passed this place on Kapiolani Blvd and decided to finally try it out…read more My boyfriend and I approached the stand and I was looking over the menu. We knew we were only going to get one hotdog just to try it out. When we were ready to put in our order, I placed it in with the male worker. As I was saying my order to the worker, my boyfriend had walked away to the side to wait for me. When I finished putting in my order, the worker had asked me if it would have been just one or two hotdogs. I answered him by saying yes just one. Which he then responded by saying, "what, would he rather have a pho?" Clearly seeing my boyfriend was Asian, that was his question for us just getting one hotdog. He said it as if it was funny. I left it alone and waited for the order. I just don't get the point of him having to say that. He didn't even pronounce "pho" right either, he pronounced it as "foe." As for the hotdog itself, it is good. It is on the pricier side of $11 for one but for the price you get with the bun, polish sausage and toppings, it made it for it. Lower stars because of the overall impression.

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    Hula Dog - Strawberry Lemonade and a Poi Dog!

    Strawberry Lemonade and a Poi Dog!

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    Signature Poi Dog

    Hula Dog - Picture of the parking and seating area

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    Dimsum Village - Sweet ip chai has coconut, sugar, and peanut filling

    Dimsum Village

    3.9(57 reviews)
    1.2 miChinatown

    The porridge was piping hot and the pork was very finely shredded, which I prefer over tough/chewy…read moreand sometimes fatty slices of meat, as is common at most places. The rice was smooth and thick. I wish there were more century egg bits. The broth flavor could have been a bit stronger, so I asked for shoyu. One order is good for two people. I also ordered shrimp dumplings. They were plump pieces of shrimp and a good size. The skin wasn't thick either. They weren't hot like the porridge was but it was fine coz then I could eat them right away. The hubs got some pork mochi. They were quite generously filled as well. The mochi was crispy and chewy. Everything was decently priced. It's a little stall in the Maunakea Marketplace food court, so mostly self-service over the counter. The uncle was kind and pleasant. Auntie was busy cooking/prepping in the back. We were there around lunchtime on a Sunday so they were probably getting ready to pack up as well. I'd try the fried donut and other dim sum items next time!

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    Dimsum Village - Savory ip chai filling includes chopped water chestnut and other vegetarian ingredients

    Savory ip chai filling includes chopped water chestnut and other vegetarian ingredients

    Dimsum Village - Pork Bao

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    Waikiki Garlic Shack - Coconut Shrimp plate

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    4.5(146 reviews)
    2.7 miWaikiki
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    I was looking for a quick hot lunch (3 days of eating poke will do that to ya) and this popped up…read moreon Yelp so I wandered over. It's in an area with a few other food stalls and I didn't know what to expect but I'm so glad I tried it. I ordered the angry shrimp plate and the 6pc coconut shrimp a la carte ($13.95). The coconut shrimp is outta this world. Coated with breading with flakes of coconut, the crispy, crunchy exterior is so satisfying to bite into and unveils the juicy shrimp underneath. I loved the sauces it came with too -- it paired so well with the shrimp. The angry shrimp plate comes with two scoops of furikake rice and a small side salad. Whatever is in the salad dressing is seriously addictive and the angry shrimp is wonderful when paired with the rice. The sauce made me want two more scoops of white rice. I preferred my beloved coconut shrimp more but all in all these were excellent dishes. I might need to get this again and that's high praise considering the abundance of good food in Oahu.

    AVOID AT ALL COSTS!! Disrespectful service & completely unacceptable behavior!!…read more My boyfriend and I placed two separate orders for a total of 4 platters and 2 drinks. During my boyfriend's transaction, he didn't realize it was cashless, and the employee, Mitchel T, repeatedly pressured him to put his cash in the tip jar - mentioning things like a ski trip and family to convince him to hand the cash over as tip. It quickly became uncomfortable. When picking up our first order (2 platters, 2 drinks), the same employee asked if I could carry everything. I said I'd try, but instead of giving me the drinks, he handed me only the 2 platters and angrily sighed before setting the drinks back down. As I went back for the drinks, he instead handed me the remaining two platters. I turn to set those down and while doing so I guess he thought now I would be able to handle carrying 2 platters and 2 drinks. Because I didn't grab the drinks this second go around, the worker called me a "F***ING IDIOT." When I said, "that's rude," he doubled down - telling another customer I was an idiot because he was "busy" (there was only one person in line). My boyfriend calmly tried to address it, but the employee refused, completely ignored him, and continued glaring at us as we left. Other customers also expressed how rudely treated they were at this location. We spent nearly $100 to be treated with hostility. Completely unacceptable.

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