Palace Saimin is an absolute gem! Everything we ordered was fresh, hot, and incredibly delicious. The broth was served piping hot and packed with flavor, the wontons were perfectly cooked and so tasty, and the beef sticks were unbelievably tender and seasoned just right. What makes this place even more special is how nostalgic it feels--the saimin flavors have remained unchanged since forever, and that classic taste is exactly what keeps people coming back. On top of the amazing food, the service was outstanding. Everyone was friendly, welcoming, and made us feel right at home. I also couldn't believe how affordable everything was--you get incredible quality and generous portions for such great prices. If you're looking for delicious local comfort food, Palace Saimin is definitely worth a visit. This is the kind of place that you hope lasts another 80 years! We will definitely be back for more of the best saimin in Hawaii! read more

Palace Saimin - Outside waiting area - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Located on North King street they have a small parking lot in front of the restaurant and about 4 more in front of a building next to them. We lucked out and found parking in front on the side by the building facing the street. I ordered the large won ton min, good thing the extra large I don't think I would finish it the large was filling enough for me, the service is great and you feel like you visiting family. The broth is light but tasty and the Saimin noodle are cooked just right with the chewy texture. My wife had the large Saimin and she enjoyed the broth and the noodles. We both had the BBQ sticks which was good with that teriyaki flavor of the past, they have been serving and in business for 80 plus years carrying on the family's recipes and service. Restroom located in the kitchen, just let the staff know. If you want the Saimin from your younger years this place brings back a lot of the memories, read more

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If you are craving for saimin, the local comfort food; this is the place. It is a small restaurant in Kalihi, simple but clean place with six or seven tables. They have been around for 80 years. The menu is very straightforward - S/L/XL saimin and udon, with or without won ton. The prices are very reasonable and the portions are generous. The noodles are perfectly cooked with the right firmness, with a little bit of char siu and green onions as garnish. The broth is piping hot, clear and simple, but it goes perfectly with the noodles. Don't forget to order a few beef barbecue sticks, the beef is tender with a very delicious sauce. The air conditioners are not very strong, so it gets pretty warm, especially when you are eating hot noodles. The service is very friendly and super fast, the food comes out in less than 5 minutes. There is a small free parking lot in the front with about 10 stalls. I will be keep coming back, and wish they will be around for another 80 years. read more

Palace Saimin - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Always the comfort of feeling at home here at da Palace Saimin! Friendly service with iced water upon arrival and no need to look up at da Menu! Combo Noodle Bowl & 4 BBQ Meat Sticks is the perfect meal for me! Add a side of their nasal clearing mustard to dip my won tons in and The Palace Party is on! Love this place and those that keep serving up a simple but consistent menu! For me, It's da BEST NOODLES & BBQ Meat sticks on Oahu! The classic family photos and memorabilia on da walls, also bring a heart warming smile to my lips before slurping down my pipping hot Combo Noodle Bowl! Mahalo Palace Saimin! See you again, real soon! Sluuuuuuuuuuuurp! ‼ read more

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Finally got a chance to try this OG Saimen shop. Great local only feel and wonderful, simple and amazing food. The menu is simple, Small, med, and large and a wonton option as well. BBQ sticks and fountain soda. That's it. Order at the table, and you are served fast and efficiently. I feel like this place hasn't change in decades. The formula works. Huge portions for the cost, a great value but the Saimen is amazing. Parking is pretty tough. Only a few spots in front and there is almost no existing street parking so be forewarned. read more

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Sure, you can get saimin at a number of eateries throughout Oahu from local chains (including Zippy's, of course) to vintage spots like this one. Operating since 1946, Palace has a unique local vibe that felt spartan yet casually friendly. Jamie W and I took the local bus, the 42, and then walked through a heavily industrial area to get here. We expected a wait on a Saturday morning, but no, there was a table free just for us. It honestly looked like an employee lunch room, but we really didn't come for ambiance. The backlit menu on the wall was similarly sparse as it focused on the essentials - saimin, won ton, udon, and meat sticks with various combinations offered. And that was it (Photo 3). Pretty easy. We both ordered large bowls of the $10.25 Won Ton Min since we got five won tons to go with the saimin noodles, pork chashu, and chopped green onion (Photo 9). It was genuinely top of the class with the curly noodles swimming in the savory broth which was made with boiled pork and beef bones. The richness made a huge difference over the standard dashi broth. Because I knew how popular they were from YouTube vloggers, we both ordered the $4 BBQ Sticks, chunks of tasty teriyaki beef on bamboo skewers (Photo 8). It was totally worth the long bus ride. I was motivated to buy the 80th anniversary T-shirt (Photo 6). FOOD - 5 stars...as good as saimin gets thanks to the rich broth and al dente noodles AMBIANCE - 4 stars...it's really a lunch room but a serviceable one SERVICE - 5 stars...the female owner was really friendly TOTAL - 5 stars...definitely coming back on our next Honolulu adventure RELATED - Exploring Hawaii? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/uYcafC7R5e read more

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Food was tasty. I decided to order the combo (saimin, udon & won ton). WE ordered a BBQ stick and my husband had saimin. Service was quick, food was great --- cooking noodles el dente was great. What I didn't care for is the broth. I'm not what the distinct flavor was --- maybe MSG. Clean restaurant and friendly staff. read more

Nice old school saimin that has a nostalgic taste. Saimin was brought out super quick and piping hot. We also ordered beef sticks and those were the best I ever had especially when eated right away. Enjoyed this place a lot, service was good too as our water was filled w/o having to ask and food was brought promptly. Parking is in front but there is only like 6 stalls. Definitely worth a visit. read more

Palace Saimin - Large won ton min , large saimin - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Update 3-4-26. After picking up papers in town coming back towards home my husband said let's see if get parking at Palace Saimin and if get we go eat. Well had 1 stall we was lucky So went in and we ordered small won tun mein and BBQ stick. This time the won ton was good wasnt gummy and broth came out hot. The BBQ stick was lightly marinated and even though the meat was alittle sliced on the thick side it was ok. All in all it was better than the last time we went they improved alot more on the won tun wrappers. read more

Palace Saimin - Menu - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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An OG classic off king st, this place keeps it hella simple and serves just a few things: saimin, udon, wontons, and meat sticks. Tbh brah if I come here, Im coming here for some saimin so I can't speak on the other things but yeah. Saimin here is gas. Not much seating + the parking kinda lame so just be aware depending on when you stopping by. read more

Palace Saimin - Saimin CHEEE - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This was my first meal in Hawaii and I thought the restaurant was very cute and cozy. The staff were also very welcoming. They specialize in saimin, so there are only a few options on the menu (which I think is great because it makes choosing something a lot easier). I got the saimin with wontons and it was such a comforting and filling meal. The mustard that is served with the noodles is quite strong so I didn't eat it, but the BBQ skewers were done very nicely! I think this isn't something I would get often, but I definitely enjoyed my first experience. read more

Palace Saimin - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This was the best meal I had in Honolulu during my trip. It's a little hole-in-the-wall restaurant with a straightforward menu. We had a lot of luggage with us, and they were so welcoming and accommodating and let us keep the luggage in the restaurant while we dined in. We tried the bbq sticks, and I got the wonton min (saimin with wontons) and my boyfriend got the saimin. The bbq sticks were so good and flavorful, and I loved how simple and deciduous the saimin and wontons were. The prices were also incredible, especially for Honolulu. I'd definitely come here on a regular occasion if I lived closer and would highly recommend for a good bowl of delicious saimin. read more

Palace Saimin - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Best saimin BECAUSE of the beef sticks. Small quaint venue literal hole in the wall but we've been coming here since I was small. The beef sticks are the best accompaniment to the saimin and you have to get extra sauce and mix it with your hot mustard. Bring cash and don't forget to tip your small local businesses. read more

Palace Saimin - Large saimin - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

If it ain't broke, don't fix it! . Old school saimin places are just so hard to find and Palace Saimin hits in all the right places. The menu is short selling only saimin, udon, wontons, and beef sticks. Telling by how packed this place is - they're doing something right! The menu and it's reasonable prices are obviously working so if you're in the area on a cold, rainy day I'd encourage you stop on by! My favorite menu item is definitely the 4.00 USD beef sticks. Pair it with your complimentary side of hot mustard and your favorite bowl of soup - YUM! . Parking and indoor seating space is limited. Service is quick. Staff are friendly. Card and cash accepted. read more

Gotta support these OG places! Saimin is firm, broth is shrimps/ aroma is in the air. Prices still reasonable and service is fast and friendly. Take credit card and debit card, no % charge..There's about 5-6 parking stalls, otherwise find street or a post office parking lot at night/ Sundays. Even large bowl saimin is hefty. Good side beef chunks for the BBQ stick. i'm gonna try the combo next time (mix of saimin/ udon/ won ton)? read more

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Palace Saimin is a place for local comfort food in an unassuming place in Kalihi. Many old timers in the area are fond of their famous saimin and BBQ sticks from their younger days and have yearnings to re-visit from time to time.....like my older family members. It's a small, casual, no frills type of food joint. Service was friendly and attentive. Parking is limited in the shared lot and can be challenging especially during peak hours. read more

Palace Saimin - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

My mom said, it was the best saimin she's ever had in her entire life! Service was amazing, they were so nice and food came out fast and piping hot. Broth was flavorful and simple. Noodles were chewy and fresh and, I loved the flavor of the beef was soft and juicy. Cute place so homey. Mahalo for the 'ono food! read more

Palace Saimin - Wonton Min & Bbq Stick - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This was my first stop for food. It's definitely a comfort food. I'd gladly come back!! Not only for the food, but for the wonderful customer service. I felt welcomed and cared for and I truly appreciate that. I see why they've been open for almost 80 years!!! I'm excited to come back for that bbq stick. So delicious! The menu isn't terribly extensive, but it's perfect. The whole process is quick and easy. read more

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This is a mom and pop Saimin shop. It's so cozy and cute. The Saimin is so delicious and don't miss out on ordering the teriyaki beef read more

Palace Saimin - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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This place is the spot for saimin, hands down, no contest. Every time I'm on the mainland hunting for good ramen, this is what I'm craving but can never find. Too bad they don't have a location up there they'd absolutely kill it in the winter. This is one of the last true old school saimin spots standing and has been a cornerstone of the Kalihi food scene for generations. There aren't many places I actually remember eating at as a little kid, but this is one of them. And honestly it hasn't changed in decades, and that's a good thing. Still the same layout, same menu on the wall, still only about eight tables and five parking spots, and the aunties working here? Still rocking those warm smiles while making sure tables turn over fast. The saimin? Still legendary. The noodles have that perfect chewiness, the broth and diced char siu are magic, and the beef sticks? They got better over time and thicker....just tender, flavorful beef with zero fat nonsense. But this is one of those places where the saimin is best eaten fresh at the table. Something about the steam, freshness of the noodles, and the broth just hits different when you're sitting there. Pro tip - go past lunch (2-3 pm) or early because parking is a battle (with only five spots) and seating is super limited. But it's worth the effort. My husband declared his won ton min the best ever, and honestly, I can't argue with him. And let's talk price, $8 for a large saimin? In this economy with this inflation? Seems like a steal. I'm just grateful this place has survived until now, serving up the same Saimin I grew up on. read more

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Palace Saimin...old school local family restaurant didn't disappoint. Ordered the combination, which was the udon/saimin/and won ton min. Noodles were perfect and chewy, and dashi was oishi and came out piping hot. Saidon (saimin/udon) was equally oishi. BBQ sticks were good. Wish they were a little more marinated with a stronger teriyaki taste, but enjoyed it. Server...I think owners daughter, was so friendly and nice. Highly recommend, and definitely love supporting local. *Small parking lot, but perfect timing, and found a space. read more

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I loved the saimin here! The soup came piping hot and the noodles had a good chewiness. It's a simple dish done well. I liked adding the chili powder and mustard in the soup. The bowl is affordable and I could see myself coming here often if I were in the area. The teri sticks were a bit tough and bland, so I probably wouldn't get them again unless I wanted some meat on the side. Very small parking lot and is a bit of a hole in the wall. Service was efficient and friendly. read more

Palace Saimin - Large saimin with teri sticks - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

The only OG saimin spot in Honolulu! I loved the food, especially the BBQ beef skewers -- so flavorful and tender. The saimin tasted comforting and authentic, and the old-school atmosphere made the experience even better. Definitely a local gem! read more

Palace Saimin - Saimin* - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

All the comfort of a steaming bowl of saimin without the bougie frills. It's saimin done quick and done right. How do they pack so much umami into every spoonful of this delicious broth?! And the noodles are cooked perfectly. Neither mushy nor underdone. What a little gem. Popular among locals. Mmmmm! read more

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Old school saimin at local no frills joint. We are the only non-locals in the place and of the few who are not seniors. All to say, that this is a local lovers spot that has a loyal following. We had the classic saimin and the saimin with won tons. The noodles had just the right chew and the broth was comforting and flavorful. The portion size was decent and prices were fair. Ambiance is minimal, clean and all that you need it to be. Service is friendly and a bit abrupt as the few working had full tables, plus a short wait and to go orders as well. I was really looking for a memory of my childhood and I found it here. read more

Palace Saimin - saimin - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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My friends know that Saimin simply does not impress me. I grew up eating S&S saimin in the freezer, sometimes get da styrofoam bowl from McDs. It's a cheap and easy meal, and all the famous places I've tried so far have been letdowns. Until now. I'm told Palace has been around for decades, feeding generations of customers. It's a landmark hole-in-the-wall that Joe Moore himself visits. However, the hours have been shortened down to 8pm, close Sun-Mon. I ordered the small won ton min ($9.25) and two BBQ sticks ($4ea). Next time I'll have to try the udon, or the combination, which has won ton, saimin, and udon. The broth has an inexplicable depth of flavor, beyond the simple saltiness of S&S. There's a unique, savory shift that I did not experience at other renowned saimineries while sipping. The noodles had a perfect bounce - springy yet toothy, with a mild eggy flavor that complements the broth. The wontons are hand-made and full of flavor. A nice little meat treat of freshness, garnished with green onion and kamaboko slices. It only gets better with the BBQ sticks - super tender, juicy skewers of beef. The sauce is light, more a whisper than a statement, allowing the natural flavor and quality of the beef to speak for itself. You'll also find subtle notes of the smoky, charcoal-grilled technique that keeps the meat moist. It may seem a bit daunting at $4 a skewer, but trust me, you won't want to miss out. The aunties working the counter were super nice and had great rapport with the public. It's good food, good people, and honestly, I can't wait to go again. read more

Palace Saimin - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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8/6/25 My favorite "Old School Style Saimin" restaurant Been coming here since the '70s I always have the Small Wun Tun Min w added chili pepper powder Pieces of Charsiu n green onions made for a simple but tasty dish Don't forget to order a side of Teri BBQ Sticks... So Ono! Yes it was a Hot Sticky "Kona Winds" day but always worth it! read more

Palace Saimin - 8/6/25 Small Wun Tun Min - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Finally got a chance to go check them out again after 50 years, Just love the old fashion pure saimin stand and real bar b que sticks, not just a side order of Teri beef, an actual stick. This used to be the must do stop after a late night when I was in my twenties. The menu is simple but that is why it is still so good, they keep doing it right. read more

First time visiting here. Won't be my last. First of all the prices can't be beat, secondly the saimin is simply delicious. The service is friendly and feels like eating at my families house. Much aloha! No glitz and glamour just a hole in the wall joint that I would take over a fancy pricey restaurant any day. 80 years in business, you know they're doing something right. read more

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This place is a pillar in the Kalihi community. It's family owned and has been around for nearly 75 years. They hand make their own dumplings (I've seen them making them by hand in the back). I love that this bowl of Saimin is so tasty, a lot of food and still very cheap despite it being more expensive over the years. The small won ton min is still under $10! Service is always great because this local family appreciates the support. It's a tiny hole in the wall spot with no AC, so don't expect something fancy. Amazing business, menu, food and workers. It's my go-to Saimin spot! read more

Palace Saimin - Small won ton min - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Had to bring my grandchildren to Palace Saimin. I want them to experience the old school Saimin stand and there's no place better than Palace. Love the good old Saimin with dashi and bbq stick. Got their cool t-shirt. Wish they had children sizes toon Everyone loved it. Thank you Palace Saimin for being here read more

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Have not gone here in awhile. Love the win ton Saimin and Teri sticks. The service was not bad could be a little more friendly and smile more. Was not bad lil quiet but no ac read more

Palace Saimin has now become our go to spot for Saimin. This was a small joint with a few tables that served just Saimin and skewers. I don't recommend sitting next to the ice machine as it was pumping out hot air on the nearest table. Simple decor but focused on delivering satisfying saimin. All staff were quite friendly and checked on all diners quite regularly. We ordered the standard wonton min and combo with udon. Portions were generous, both types of noodles had nice chewy texture, broth was delicious but it was the tasty wontons that sealed the five star rating. They were that good. read more

Palace Saimin - Combination - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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This is one of the hidden gem that I wasn't expected but was very pleasantly surprised. It's not an easy place to find because its store front is quite inconspicuous and there is not a lot of parking in front of it. The owner was extremely nice and the food was delicious! This is the first time we tried Saimin and we ordered Wonton min and Saidon (Saimin and Udon). The Saimin noodle was al dente and the taste of the broth was clean. Wonton is packed with meat and it goes well with the noodle. The best part of the whole meal was the barbecue stick! It was so delicious that we re-ordered again. All in all, this is one of the highlights of our Hawaii trip and I would definitely be back again for more. Highly recommended! read more

Palace Saimin - Barbecue sticks, Wonton Min, Saidon - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I meant to leave a review but let's just say this not as good as I remember. The beef stick was a bit chewy and should have been soaked longer prior to cooking. The noodles were good and the soup was okay. Service was good and lots of space when we went. The parking is terrible but it always was that way. If you don't mind all that then please go and enjoy. read more

This hole in the wall mama & pop kine of place is my 2nd favorite saimin place in Kalihi because I grew up eating across the street at Old Saimin House - IYKYK but anyways this place hits differently but is still so satisfying. The only reason why I'm giving this a 4 star is because of the parking. Other than that the staff are super friendly, their service is fast, and you just can't go wrong with a big bowl of warm saimin! The ultimate local staple. I usually always get either the Large Saimin ($8.00) or Large Wonton Min - $10.25 (depending how hungry I am) and 2 BBQ sticks ($4 each). Been coming here since I was little & continue to do so when I get that craving! A MUST HIT UP PLACE IF YOU'RE EVER IN THE AREA!! read more

AMBIANCE Quaint, small, mom and pop, local establishment. 10 tables, turns over fast. SERVICE Prompt and friendly. FOOD Hit my crave spot. I always order a small wonton mein to keep my carb intake to a minimum. I love the old fashion shrimp broth with extra green onion and char sui. OVERALL Please don't ever go out of business. Honolulu wouldn't be the same. read more

It's been a staple in my life growing up. It's a small mom and pop store with a simple menu, but it always hits the spot whenever I go there. The beef stick has changed over the years, but still definitely tasty. I am a bit sad their hours changed. I remember coming here late at night or during the weekends, but now I have a hard time making it over to them while they're open. read more

CODY arrived when they opened at 10am CODY timing was good cause small parking lot filled up, so did the diner CODY ordered large saimin with BBQ stick CODY food was tasty CODY servers were friendly and speedy CODY small dining area was clean, with bench seating, oldish fixtures CODY will return to order more food read more

Palace Saimin - Mr Ice Water awaits the food - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I am so happy their hours have changed to the weekends. Simplicity at its finest. Reminds me of my childhood, having Saimin with my Dad. Comfort food that will make you smile throughout your meal. Saimin, Udon, and BBQ sticks are on the menu. That's it, and I love it!! read more

Palace Saimin - SAIDON - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii