With a hungry belly and in search of my new go-to Manupua we ventured out here finally! Honolulu Kitchen is a local spot that has a variety of bentos, musubis, and mini manupuas (steamed or fried). Beware that Steamed takes longer than fried. We waited about 15 minutes total for our 6 mini Manupuas. They ran out of sweet ones when we arrived so we got a variety of savory ones such as Crab Cream Cheese, Char Sui, Kalbi, and Pastele Stew. Our favorites were Crab Cream Cheese, Char Sui! Can't wait to come back to try the sweet ones. We also got the Egg Spam Musubi and it was delish too! They were also having BOGO Bentos when we got there, but didn't try any. Parking available outside. read more

Honolulu Kitchen - Chinese Near Me - Waipahu, Hawaii

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Not needing to be in the area whatsoever I dropped of a friend because I can't have him catch the bus so I gave him a ride and since my afternoon got freed I was excited to make this convenient detour to Honolulu Kitchen. Simple name, simple store front...complex food choices as you enter so I'm warning you. As you walk in you see the display case to your left filled with Manapuas and Rice cakes, almond and tea Cookes that is if the counter filled with grab and go bentos didn't already dragged you there all filled with the local faves I love the varieties and if that didn't capture you, make it all your own plate (mini is starch with 1 entree, regular is starch with 2 entrees) or the classic side orders and there is plenty to choose from. Having just the munchies like me my go to is always their musubis (omg!) currently 2/22 they're offering a bogo deal and they always seem to have something different going on and saw a couple...cheeseburger and steak! The steak yummy but you know what happens it all came in one bite and was left with rice lol! it was still yummy and I loved it and the cheeseburger was a super fun play absolutely great fun simple bit but got me thinking if they figure out some gravy instead...hmmmm!! Don't forget they also have Mini Manapua though they are made to order (fried or steamed) as I already had plans I didn't have time to wait but will definitely be back or call it in ahead of time to avoid the wait but the choices sounds so amazing between the savory and sweet choices. Something for everyone and more! Thank you!! read more

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A whole in the wall known for their manapua and plate lunches located in waipahu. Easier access to waipahu with rail. Good service from employees. A little smaller menu than before when they had baby manapua. read more

Honolulu Kitchen - Large bento - Chinese Near Me - Waipahu, Hawaii

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And here I thought this was a sit down restaurant. My mistake. I have to look and read the Yelp site much more thoroughly next time. My mom and I were looking for a lunch place after the local Costco disappointed and the Yelp site for this place was full of raves. But it's at the end of a pretty nondescript strip mall with the tramway looming over the street. Ordering at the counter felt a little like ordering at a Panda Express, except there's no description of the entrees at the counter. My mom thought the roast pork looked good. I wanted the sweet and sour pork, but my mom nixed that. I got what I thought was a vegetable stir fry, but when we opened it at home, it was chicken with vegetables. I should've gotten the beef with broccoli instead. And while the roast pork was good, it wasn't really what I was expecting. The chicken was kind of chewy too. Hawaii's cuisine is way too meat-based. They need to incorporate more vegetables into their menus. read more

Whenever I'm in the area and want to pick up a quick lunch, this place is always at the top of my list. Easy to find, plenty of parking and a local favorite. They have a wide variety of ready made bentos. Fast and convenient. Made to order Chinese food plate lunches. And of course the famous manapuas. So many different flavors to try. Both sweet or savory. The variety is amazing. Truly a gem in Waipahu. read more

So sad Honolulu Kitchen has gone down hill by hiring rude young workers. I ended up walking out after trying to place a good size order because of the young woman working. She was extremely rude and seemed happy I left. Bummer. Go next door, the new Filipino place to the left. The food was amazing!!! read more

Steamed Char sui Manapua had no taste Pork Hash was okay Gau Gee was okay Chow funn was slightly spiced Rice cake was fine Bento cold to eat thought was in a warmer but wasn't I wouldn't patronize there again read more

I've order small trays of food for parties and thus far have been happy with many positive comments about the food. It's reasonably priced and they have a variety of items available. Although they close earlier than most food establishments, they accommodate and allow you to pick up the food even after closing time as long as you pay a head of time over the phone. This establishment also is very giving and after hours feeds the homeless instead of throwing away their food. What a great way of giving back to the community and people in need. read more

We were introduced to Honolulu Kitchen through a school fundraiser. Although I usually go to another shop in Aiea, our family will stop by every time we're in Waipahu...I'm thinking of starting to go to Waipahu DonQ just to stop by more! I've never had a fried manapua before and wasn't sure what to expect. Ended up with a crab and cream cheese, kalbi chicken, pizza, and custard one along with some pork hash. Think of a fresh, crispy andagi with manapua stuffing inside - delicious! I don't know how long they've been open but it's a fresh (for me) take on manapuas. Love how many different flavors there are and look forward to trying some bentos. The staff are nice (above and beyond to my daughters) and to top things off...I learned they provided free meals for homeless during the pandemic. I love supporting local businesses like these and look forward to telling others about them. read more

Honolulu Kitchen - Chinese Near Me - Waipahu, Hawaii

What's your favorite to go beach snack? Mine would have to be manapua and what better place to get some than @honolulukitchen . Located off of Farrington highway in Waipahu this place is serving up a huge variety of different flavors when it comes to this delicious treat. They're best known for their fried manapuas that are fried fresh to order , but today I got to try their steamed flavors that were just as good. This place has a huge variety to choose from when it comes to both sweet and savory, guaranteed to have something for everyone. Go check these guys out if you haven't already ! read more

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Was so excited to come back for manapua and this time they were not soft or fluffy or nearly as good as on my first visit. They were even a different size. What happened? They got my phone order wrong, mixed up the steamed and baked, and miscounted on the availability of some of the (granted, more unusual) fillings I'd ordered. Sadly, this second time had similar service issues as my first visit. Disorganized, unclear mobs greet everyone who come in the door, friendly but totally overwhelmed and undersupported counter staff, and a phone that rings off the hook non-stop. Staff are totally distracted by the disorganization and need to talk to each other while they are helping customers to troubleshoot. Anyone who's ever worked in a service job could see that the issues here are likely not pandemic-related. Easy ideas: Hire more counter help Post signage to direct customers Buy stanchions Lay tape/stickers on the floor Develop a system to handle pre-orders Support the staff! :( read more

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I told my wife I want to go back to the place with the deep fried marsupials. She gave me a weird look. She said, deep fried marsupials? You mean Malasadas? I'm like, no not malasadas, you know that place we stop in Waipahu when we drive up to Ka'eana Point! Oh, you mean manapuas? Yeah, yeah, manapuas! She says, that's Honolulu Kitchen! I say, let's go!! On my first visit to Honolulu Kitchen a few years ago it was a case of love at first bite. I fell hard. Before COVID they usually had free, full-sized, samples of their wonderful deep fried manapuas to try. Such a great business practice because there are some manapua fillings that you might not otherwise try. My first visit I got a free Crab and Cream Cheese version that I wouldn't have been adventurous enough to try if I had to pay. Turns out it's one of my favorites, so to this day I'm appreciative of that free sample back on my first visit. There weren't any free samples out this visit and I forgot to ask if they even still did the free samples anymore. It didn't really matter to me because although I like some more than others, I like all the marsupials here. Dammit, I mean, manapuas. This visit, in addition to the Crab Cream Cheese, we tried the Cheeseburger manapua as well as the Pastele version. It blew my mind how much the Cheeseburger manapua tasted like it's namesake. Mmmm....cheeseburger! (Homer Simpson voice). Another great thing about my first visit years ago was the recommendation I got from one of the workers to go next door and get a Blueberry Pineapple smoothie at Honolulu Kitchen's sister store. Not a flavor combo I'd ever expect to be as delicious as it actually is. But man that's a great smoothie and a great way to wash down the manapuas. I know a lot of people love the plate lunches here, but I'm not a fan. It is true they give you an enormous plate of food, even by Hawaiian plate lunch standards. You might need help carrying it to the car, they give you so much food! But I just didn't dig the food that much. Clearly I'm probably the only person on the island that doesn't like the plate lunches here because there is almost always a line of people buying them. Mikey C says: no marsupials were harmed in the writing of this review. read more

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Been here a few times before to try their fried manapua but didn't care for them so this time I tried their baked and steamed char siu pork manapua. The baked manapua bun was chewy and the outside was sticky. The pork tasted like it needed more seasoning. The buns of the mini steamed char siu had uncooked dough on the bottom half. Never coming back. read more

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Take-out only! Came in at about 3pm to get a late Saturday lunch. They had a lot of options to choose from for proteins. I got 6 fried manapuas (adobo, kalua and charsiu). I also got a kalbi manapua on the house to try out which was really nice of them. The wait wasn't too long either, less than 5 minutes. I love how they used symbols to coordinate which manapua had which filling. I also got 4 spam musubis, gotta take advantage of that BOGO right? Overall, great experience would definitely come back for the manapuas! read more

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It's not as good as how I remember. Idk what happened but some are wrinkly, some are burnt, and most of them are just unevenly cooked as you can see in the picture. I also don't know which one is which since all they wrote down in the box was the quantity of each flavor, like, really? Also, I learned that when you order, don't just say "a dozen of deep-fried manapua" otherwise, they'll just go ahead and cook charsiu for you, they won't ask what flavors you'd like to order. read more

Honolulu Kitchen - Flavors - Chinese Near Me - Waipahu, Hawaii

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Food and service is always great here. I ordered an assortment of steamed and baked mini-manapua to take to a pot luck luncheon. Needless to say, they were a hit! I will return again to get manapua for myself! read more

I have an elementary school fundraiser ticket to thank for helping me find this place. My school was selling 1/2 dozen manapua tickets for $10 each to come grab some interestingly filled manapuas from Honolulu kitchen. I guess the only catch was rather than it being in Honolulu area...you have to drive to Waipahu, LOL! It took me a while to find the courage to make my way to waipahu to finally redeem the ticket, but let me tell you, when I finally did I knew it was worth the wait. Not only do they have a cute menu full of sweet and savory fillings for their manapuas, but they ask you whether you want the manapuas you choose to be steamed (which takes longer to cook) or fried (which takes 7 mins). I asked the worker what he preferred and he said fried manapuas are the winning choice. I trusted his word for it. And boy, was he right. THESE MINI FRIED MANAPUAS ARE YOUR CARNIVAL DEEP FRIED OREO FANTASY BUT ON STERIODS. Something about the manapua bun being deep fried just added more to the sweet or savory filling equally proportioned on the inside. 1/2 a dozen was enough to fill me. After telling my other coworkers about this delicacy, we ended up redeeming the rest of our fundraiser tickets and trying ALL THE FLAVORS. Sweet flavors to try: ube, Oreo, Lilikoi, strawberry Savory flavors to try: cheeseburger, garlic chicken Please. Make the drive and spread the word of their goodness. Maybe then, they'll open a Waipahu Kitchen in Honolulu area. read more

Honolulu Kitchen - Aesthetic manapua menu - Chinese Near Me - Waipahu, Hawaii

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Wow, I had the most fantastic experience at Honolulu Kitchen! First off, the hospitality here is out of this world. We were waiting, and they surprised us with free samples- talk about kindness! It was so yummy! I wish I can order more but the kitchen is close at this time so that they can feed the homeless Now, let's talk about the delicious manapua. We tried Custard, Chicken Gyoza, Chocolate, Lilikoi, and Taro, and every single one was a flavor explosion. He gave us more free samples in our box too! For the Manapua our top picks were Custard, Lilikoi, Strawberry, and Taro, but honestly, you can't go wrong with any of them. If you're in the mood for some mouthwatering manapua and a warm welcome, Honolulu Kitchen is the place to be. Can't recommend it enough! Definitely coming back. read more

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First time trying this place out and was a bit nervous! The place was not hard to find just followed our GPS all the way and it was on the corner of the lot. When we entered it smelled so good! So that started getting my hopes us alone. Lol. We ordered a few different kinds of the manapuas. The chicken and haupia were my favorite! We tried some steamed and some fried. I think i prefer the steamed kind. It was softer! If you are like me and love the taste of bread out the oven go for the steam!! Heaven in your mouth! They had so many options of food like bentos and mistsubis to take. It all looked so good! The staff was friendly and patient with us as we decided! We will be back to try more flavors and have more of what we did try!! Yum!!! Fellow yelpers this should be on your list!!!! read more

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Great place! Amazing service! Huge portions! Those things alone should get you here! One plate should feed at least two people! On this visit I had the mushroom chicken, chow mein, and roasted chicken thighs! My plate weighed what felt like 10lbs! Th chicken thighs were seasoned well and not overdone, the mushroom chicken had huge chunks of zucchini and mushrooms along with juicy chicken and the chowmein was the perfect side. I didn't finish even half the plate. Lol! Always a great time if you're hungry and want awesome food and lots of it! read more

Honolulu Kitchen - Chinese Near Me - Waipahu, Hawaii

A very happy place. Delicious Manapu. So many flavours. Interesting fried buns. Really fun to eat these. Great to share. Nice to support local spots. read more

Stumbled upon Honolulu Kitchen looking for a new place to try! Came in late afternoon. Unfortunately, none of the screens were on, nothing really to pick out what we wanted. When it was our turn to order, we opted for a regular bento. Which included either rice/noodles and two entrees. I opted for half noodles and half fried rice (I believe it was with corn hash). For the entrees, I saw the garlic chicken looked pretty good. I asked the staff what other items are popular. She looked around and said not much. It seemed we were a bit late and they probably sold out, but was pretty funny she didn't recommend anything else. We opted for a pork item. The noodles were ok. Wasn't a huge fan of the fried rice with corned hash. Garlic chicken was good and the pork was ok. The portions are obviously what stood out. It was probably double the size of panda express order. They really load it on. We also got the BBQ buns. They were ok. It was pretty sweet. We ordered two, but probably only needed one. For two people, getting a regular bento and sharing a bun is easily enough. There wasn't really a sign of what we could order for buns. They said it was made to order, but no flavors or menu in sight... I would definitely come again to try out their more popular items. So come early! Lots of parking, although if not right outside, may need to walk a little bit. They share the plaza with Taniokas. read more

Don't sleep on this little spot, especially if you like maunapuas! That's all we tried this visit but after having the various kinds we tried, we will surely be back to try more of their food. Our favorite was the kalbi. It was hella good! Or least favorite was the adobo. Was mushy inside and the flavor was just okay. The custard one was hella good too. That's what we wrapped lunch up with as our dessert. We also got one honey chicken and one teri chicken which were both good as well. One thing that's neat is how they mark them for you to be able to differentiate between them since, when in the box, they will all look the same. Literally in the same parking lot as Toniokas. Inside feels like you stepped into another country. Service here was awesome! So friendly, kind and outgoing. We loved the uncle that was running the counter. He was so sweet and happy. Prices are really good, especially once you taste the food. read more

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Not sure if they changed owners but there was homeless people just hanging outside of the door. Quite a few flies flying around inside. Their phone is not responsive. As I am writing my review I see a few homeless walk in and started walking into the back counter.. I am a little hesitant to consume my food now. I see a guy in the kitchen walk out with no shirt just an apron. read more

Stopped here, on the way to the airport (based on yelp reviews near where we had stopped) . Admittedly, the area is a bit sketchy (there were half a dozen homeless hanging out on the side ). We walked in, ordered several pork buns. The woman inside was very friendly (great service) and let us sample a couple more items. We would totally go back (in the daytime). read more

Honolulu Kitchen - Exterior - Chinese Near Me - Waipahu, Hawaii

I like it for the selection of flavors! We usually get the savory fillings as fried manapua and the sweet fillings as steamed manapua. Definitely best eaten fresh! Kalua pork was my favorite. Be aware it's not really a sit-down place (although there is some seating). Not a problem though because manapua isn't a sit down meal. read more

Honolulu Kitchen - friend manapua - Chinese Near Me - Waipahu, Hawaii

Love coming here! I always come here to pick up food before flying out. This place has great prices, great staff, and the foos is just too good not to take with you on the plane! They'll have some specials where I do appreciate the staff always reminding me because I'll forget. But must get the fried manapua! read more

Honolulu Kitchen - Spam Musubi, shu mai, hot dog bento - Chinese Near Me - Waipahu, Hawaii

Husband and I went for takeout, about 1105am Friday. We got there just in time as the lunch rush came in about 10 min later! First time here as we were visiting the area for a few days...we came here on a recommendation from a co- worker. So glad we did! First time trying manapua.. Nice guy at the counter recommended a few choices and created a selection of sweet and savory for us. He was so nice, and he even marked the top of the container for us with x to denote the flavor of the manapua bun..eg o for oreo flavor, xx for garlic chicken flavor, etc. That was very thoughtful of him! I ordered the 1 item plate garlic chicken (recommended by the and same, nice guy who selected the manapua flavors for us) and chow mein for mine. This plate was only like $10.49 or so and seriously lasted me like 2 meals! There was so much food on this plate! Husband got the 2 item plate and his food choices lasted him at least 2 meals.. and he was stuffed full after each "meal". He's a big eater.. so the fact that he was full after eating half this plate... then full again after eating the 2nd half for dinner-- well that tells you the portions were plentiful. I think his plate was like $13.89 or something close to that. Not only were the portions plentiful but also so delicious. The chow mein was flavored well.. had small bits celery and cabbages also... this wasn't just plain noodles.. flavor was subtle and delicious. Garlic chicken was still crunchy and so flavorful! Husbands char siu was thickly sliced, moist and flavorful. Fantastic experience. Fantastic customer service, friendly and helpful Delicious food This is mostly a select and leave place. Support your local businesses and try this place They also serve freshly made fruit smoothies...I didn't try these but they looked refreshing ! read more

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Three words: deep fried Manapua!! Honestly, they're so delicious!! So many choices!! I make sure I fast before knowing I'm going to INDULGE!! One is not enough!! Favorite are the Pastele and garlic curry but they're all good. I haven't tried the sweet ones. I'm a savory type of person!! Order a minimum of a dozen and try them all! You will NOT be disappointed!! read more

I've never had fried mini manapuas, but after having them here... I want more! The flavors change every day based on what they have and haven't sold out of. Try to beat the lunch rush if you can because there is usually a line out the door due to social distancing and parking is a bit difficult in this busy lot! Ordered a dozen mini manapuas as well as a LOADED plate lunch. The portions here are huge! Good value for what you're getting and tastes great. read more

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This is an experience! What an incredible place with an incredible owner. If you come here and meet him, ask for the story of Honolulu Kitchen and listen with an open heart. HK gives back to the community, and as a bonus they have the best manapua on the island. Try the fried Lilikoi manapua and also the chow fun. Everything is made and served with love here. read more

Honolulu Kitchen - Steamed manapua- sweet potato, custard, haupia - Chinese Near Me - Waipahu, Hawaii

This was my least favorite food when I was in Honolulu. I came on the latter part of their business hours and they have turo turo. I had some pork and beef with rice and noodles. They're known for their manapaus and luckily they had very few left. I tried Thai curry and adobo. My favorite of the two was the adobo. The curry was okay. The food I got was very salty!! I had to hydrate myself so much to compensate for the sodium intake. Next time if I come here i'll just get their manapaus not their food. read more

This place is a must-try! Mom and pop owned small local business and the service is top tier. We visit it every time we are on this side of the island and the owners remember us every single time! The food has never disappointed. At 3pm they feed the homeless population around this area- we have to support businesses that support our community! Mahalo and much love (try the sweet and savory manapua buns-holy smokes). read more

Excellent customer service! I came here because I bought fundraiser tickets and wanted to try the different manapua flavors. We were immediately greeted when we walked through the door and the person helping us was super patient and nice as we made our decision. Since I had enough tickets for 2 dozen manapuas, I ended up getting 6 Kalbi, 6 char siu, 6 sweet potato, and 6 Oreo; I'm going to bring these to a birthday party later this afternoon. read more

Honolulu Kitchen - Chinese Near Me - Waipahu, Hawaii

I went early on a Sunday morning, because jet lag, anywho, their day was just getting started and I had a chance to check out some breakfast. Grabbed a few bentos, half moon, har gow & pork hash to go. I'll definitely be back! Even though Chun Wah Kam is closer to me, this place is so much better! read more

Food was good back in the day (pre covid). It dead most of the time now. Wish they kept it the same from before. read more

Their manapua's whether deep fried or steamed, never miss!!! Can't forget about their rice cakes, so good. Their deep fried manapua are made to order. Don't even get me started on their different fillings for the manapua. I just get the usual charsiu but they got Oreo, crab & cream cheese, ube, & lots more. Definitely a place to try out for a quick bite. read more

This is hands down the best pork hash and manapuas on the island. I was born and raised in Waipahu. Paying a visit back to my stomping grounds since being away for over 10 years (hubby is stationed in SD). So of course, I had to show the kids my childhood neighborhood, the beautiful island of Oahu and of course expose them to the amazing food. First stop of island food was Honolulu Kitchen. We ordered a dozen warm pork hash w/spicy mustard dipping sauce and manapuas. Talk about a "welcome back to the island" greeting. Each savory bite was flavorful and delicious. The food wasn't just amazing. The service is very Ohana. Uncle Steve, thank you so much for not only welcoming me home with good food but for reminding me of how amazing the HI communities are. Your staff welcomes everyone who walks through the door with open arms and you treated me and my kids like family. Thank you, uncle Steve! read more

This is a true definition of a hole in the wall. This place has great reviews; however, my experience wasn't great. The place is small and service area is understaffed. We saw several employees working in the back but only 1 older man who accepts the order and gets the food. He needs some help because the line was long and very slow. Also, there were dozens of flies inside the place on the food and flying around. That said, the food was pretty good. We ordered a regular entree which comes with 2 meats and a side. We got the Hawaiian fried rice, garlic chicken, and braised pork. We tried to order the ono pumpkin pie but they were out. Overall, decent place. read more

OMG. The fried manapuas are THE BEST. EVER. What the heck. They're not as small as I initially thought they would be ($1.40 each so I thought it would be pretty tiny) and they're pretty hefty. The outside is a beautiful golden brown while the inside is warm and soft, and it's just a little bit sweet like an andagi (maybe I'm the only one that thinks that LOL) and they pack the toppings in (for most of the flavors that we got, anyway), so there's you get a nice chunk of filling with each bite. We got the charsiu, pizza, spinach & mozzarella, crab cream cheese, and azuki. The charsiu was by far the BEST one. It was slightly sweet like local kine and so delicious. The Pizza one was the exception for the "they pack the toppings in" because there wasn't much filling in ours, sadly. The Spinach Mozzarella was our second favorite. I wasn't a big fan of the Crab Cream Cheese that used imitation crab and was overall pretty flavorless. The only reason I'm docking off a star is because the azuki fried manapua (the one I was most excited for) was sour when we ate it... We ended up spitting it out and throwing the whole golden ball away because we were scared it went bad. This makes me a little hesitant to try any of the other sweet flavors, but hopefully that one was just a bad apple in a batch of beautiful golden apples. For the month of July, Thursdays from 2-4pm they're giving out free 1/2 dozen charsiu manapua in support of Prosecutor Tae Kim - just mention his name or show him the Instagram post on their account. That's what enticed me to check this place out, and now I love it! They also have a $5 minimum on credit & debit card transactions! read more

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