A bit more off the beaten path in the depths of Chinatown, Royal Kitchen looks like the most unpromising little hole in the wall for finding anything remotely vegan. Suspend disbelief long enough to poke inside, and you just may be pleasantly surprised. Standard American-Chinese takeout fare share space in the steam table with more authentic dim sum, available for takeout only. Look further and scope out the trays of baked manapua, soft and fluffy buns stuffed with a wide array of vegetables, and traditionally, meats. Vegans, fear not; the Veggie Manapua happens to be free of all animal products, featuring a blend of cabbage, onions, carrots, and mushrooms instead. Incredibly, each sizable bun is only $2.50 each, no tax, so you should have plenty of spare change to indulge in dessert while you're there, too. Choose from the Coconut, Sweet Potato, or Black Sugar Manapua for a sweet treat, easy to eat on the go. My favorite of the three was the Black Sugar variety, which turned out to be a sweetened bean paste filling not unlike adzuki paste. read more

Located on Beretania Street same parking as Safeway market Small pick up restaurant. Not dining in. There's usually a line. They are quick. I've not waited longer than 15 minutes. Food is fresh- made to order. Casual area. read more

Recently stopped by Royal Kitchen and had a great experience. We took the Waikiki Trolley and walked about half a mile to get there. The area felt a bit sketchy at times, but staying aware and knowing where you're going helps. We ordered a mix of baked manapua and dim sum items, which made for a fun spread to try. Cha Siu Manapua (5/5): Super soft and slightly sweet bun with flavorful BBQ pork inside. The filling isn't overloaded, but every bite still delivers. Kalua Pork Manapua (5/5): Smoky and savory, with a nice contrast to the sweet bun. Another standout. Chicken Curry Manapua (5/5): Warm, savory curry filling that pairs really well with the fluffy exterior. Pork Hash (4/5): Juicy and pork-forward, though I expected a bit more crunch from water chestnuts. Still solid. Half Moon (4/5): First time trying this and it didn't disappoint. Chewy exterior with a flavorful pork and shrimp filling. There was also a brown sauce that had a horseradish-like kick. Not really sure what it was meant for, but it added a unique flavor when paired with some of the items. Overall, a unique dim sum experience, but the manapua are definitely the highlight and live up to the hype. Great grab-and-go spot, and I'd come back to try more of their BBQ and plate lunch options. read more

Royal Kitchen - Baked Manapua, Pork Hash, Half Moon - Dim Sum Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Royal Kitchen has been in business for a half-century making bao buns, and eventually innovating their menu with different flavors. They open their doors at 5:30am on the weekdays and 6:30am on the weekends, so you better hurry and get your fresh manapua (baked or steamed) gau gee, pork hash, roast duck, and roast pork. They open until 2pm or while supplies last. Their service is good in person, and it can sometimes be challenging to get in contact by phone. Phone orders may take long to pickup due to the high volume of customers waiting in line. NOTE: Going to Royal Kitchen alone can be questionable with the surrounding people in and around the lot. Please pay attention to your surroundings. Parking is available and its free for the first 30 minutes. You must enter on North Kukui St. There is a signage that says royal kitchen parking read more

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Where to begin? The baked manapua are clear 5-star winners; but the Aloha customer service is 10. Ordered 40 baked ones for a church event and the nice auntie gave us extras for free in a separate bag, "...these just for you and your wife...shhh...", she says.... ...Living in the post modern world, means after a while you get used to mediocrity. But if you ever want to see the perfection of kindness or how customers used to be treated in ages past, please patronise this establishment! This type of customer service is the real deal, and harkens back to a time long ago when men wore hats, and women exuded charm just by smiling. The baked manapua are exquisite and bursting with flavors while containing much more filling than the steamed ones from other places. The fillings are not just meat but meat sautéed with vegetables and spices to create a savoury surprise for the palate. The outside is brown and crispy with a soft "melt-in-your-mouth" texture that is reminiscent of fine pastry. We can attest to the chicken, and the Chinese sausage as being excellent, and the entire batch of 40 was deliciously and completely consumed by the small crowd of say 20? (no, there were no leftovers...) Highly recommended. Must try this iconic bakery before it's gone. Not only are you supporting local business, but you are also supporting local culture. And that by itself is very good stewardship. Mahalo for reading my review. read more

Royal Kitchen remains my go-to for my favorite chicken salad and pigs feet. I know it's weird because they are known for manapua, but I actually go there for chicken salad, pigs feet, and cake noodles. I call in my order though, because it takes about 20 minutes to make. They recently raised their prices, as the friendly long time worker let me know. But Ill continue to buy my simple salad here. Chinese chicken salad is pricey for $15. You can easily make it at home. It's a simple lettuce, chicken, canned mandarin oranges, and carrots mix topped with won ton strips and peanuts. But it has a yummy creamy thousand island-like dressing that's a perfect match. I order 2 of these just so my family gets one and I get my own. The sweet sour pigs feet is always tender ($16 small ala carte). The nice worker taught me something new--she said that to keep it tender, dont heat on the stove top! Instead, microwave or steam. The minute chicken cake noodles ($16) were different this time -- seems like a smaller portion than before. Flavors were the same: small pieces of chicken thighs seasoned with garlic and green onions. It's on the sweeter side vs the usual saltier, bone-in minute chicken that others make. As usual, the fresh manapuas are yummy too. read more

Royal Kitchen - Chinese chicken salad $15 - Dim Sum Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Always loved never been... Yes don't judge me but I've been blessed with the endless boxes of their lucious manapua and the box that it comes in lists the type you're getting with the different symbols stamped on each one...what you don't know...shame on you! All manapuas are baked fresh...yes their baked but all you need to do is make up your mind, when you arrive you need to enter on the left side door as that's where the line starts and where you're able to see the various each type it's stuffed with from the classic cha siu pork, chicken, curry chicken, portguese sausage, yup Chong, hotdog, vegetarian, black sugar coconut and sweet potato. If that's not enough to choose from you're also able to take home a plate and with the various comfort dishes they have as well had me at yum though it was already late in the day just moments to closing they didn't have much choices but did noticed that they had some half moon as well and since it was mom's favorite decided to take a couple as well. The staff there are just a delight who treat you like their own as she cautioned me of the fresh manapua can get crushed which it kinda did but still enjoyed it as it was just done perfectly. This tiny spot does give the comfort vibe and is the best spot to get your cravings checked with care. Thank you! read more

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Royal Kitchen was opened in 1974 by Roger Lau and family in the Chinatown Cultural Plaza next to Nuuanu Stream when they tested the waters for a first-time baked manapua instead of the traditional steamed manapua. Manapua is a Hawaiian phrase "mea ono pua'a" which means "pork cake." "Mea 'ono" is any food item that is a dessert, cake, pastry or cookie; and "pua'a" is "pork" or "pig." It is HI's take on the traditional char siu bao. Now under the helm of his sister, Liana Lau Benn, Royal Kitchen continues to thrive today, with its best seller of baked baos of various fillings: char siu, chicken, curry chicken, Portuguese sausage, lup chong, hot dog, kalua pig, vegetarian, coconut, black sugar, and Okinawan sweet potato. Manapua is a local comfort food, a favorite at potlucks, and a popular omiyage (gift) for family, friends, and business associates. Royal Kitchen also offers pork hash, roast pork, char siu, roast chicken and hot entrees (pig's feet, stuffed bittermelon, kau yuk, sweet sour spare ribs, noodles, etc.) for plate lunches. They also offer party-sized trays for dinner parties, office luncheons, memorial services, athletic events, picnic, showers, etc. Some of the favorite platters include: Chinese chicken salad, minute chicken cake noodles, stuffed duck, pupu platter, beef veggies, and steamed filet of fish over tofu. Royal Kitchen has proven itself over time. It was just as popular as Char Hung Sut, as Royal Kitchen was one of the few places offering baked manapua, and Char Hung Sut offered only steamed. Then Char Hung Sut closed during Covid, and Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery rose to popularity by offering its housemade steamed and baked char siu bao; however, Royal Kitchen continued to offer its baked manapua, while loyal customers continued supporting them. Royal Kitchen was always an option for good baked manapua. My personal preference? When Royal Kitchen first come out with baked manapua, it was a novelty, and the bao being light and fluffy. But over the years, it has gotten smaller with a hollow middle and less filling, with the char siu filling overly sweet for me. However, what I do enjoy, is the hot entrée of chicken with bean curd and black mushroom, a dish that taste exactly the same with what I grew up with. In addition, they make a delicious fresh roast turkey sandwich every Thursday, with the buns made in-house. This is take-out only, and no dining facilities are available, other than concrete tables alongside the stream where the elderly men are playing mah jongg, card games, or checkers. If you use these tables, beware of your safety with the homeless and questionable people around. Staff is quick, efficient, and friendly in taking your order and are aware that many customers are in a rush to get their orders, as they are on the way to the airport to catch their flights to the Neighbor Islands. They quickly fill your box orders of manapua from the warmers on the right side where the manapua is kept once they are out of the oven. Hours of operation are Mon to Fri 5:30a to 2:00p, Sat/Sun 6:30a to 2:00p. Great for early morning flights to the Neighbor Islands! Free 30-minute parking available in the Open Market parking lot, with entrance on No. Kukui St. Owner Liana admits that her kids have no desire to take over the restaurant, as they have their own successful careers and are aware of the long hours needed to run a restaurant. When that time comes, she hopes there are interested parties that could continue Royal Kitchen's legacy to many more years. In the meantime, Royal Kitchen is a perfect place to get your roasted meats, dim sum, and party platters for your immediate cravings, omiyage, or party gatherings! Support local! read more

If you're in Honolulu and you haven't been to Royal Kitchen for manapua, we need to talk. This is my dad's longtime spot and now mine -- a family run business where the people are genuinely nice and the baked manapua is the reason you came. Baked only, not steamed, so adjust your expectations accordingly. My usual order is char siu and Okinawan sweet potato, but the vegetarian, hot dog, and chicken have all earned repeat visits too. My dad is a crispy gau gee, ma tai su, and pork hash loyalist and he has never once been disappointed. Prices are reasonable, parking is available which is its own miracle in this city, and preordering is strongly encouraged. I preordered on my last visit and sailed right through while the person in front of me stood at the counter still deciding what she wanted. Don't be that person. Know your order. Respect the manapua. read more

The staff is usually friendly. I preordered a small gau for Chinese New Year. It is over a pound. They charge $8.50 a pound. Texture and taste is closer to the old fashion gau. The ma tai soo is so flakey and tasty. I order this when they still have some available. The baked baos are all good. We have catered for lunch and everyone liked the food. The roast pork with crunchy skin was gone very fast. The fly fans that were suggested we purchase prior to the event kept out the flys. I have been coming here for years. read more

Royal Kitchen - Gau for Chinese New Year - $8.50 a lb - this is a small - over 1 lb - Dim Sum Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Service sucked! They were rude not friendly at all. I walked out after they put my order on someone else's bill after they thought I was with them in which I didn't finish ordering. read more

Food: 2.5 Service: 10! I've been a loyal customer to Royal Kitchen for as long time, but I recently noticed the flavor has changed and it's not as tasty. The char siu is directly not as red or glazed as I remember, and it was very dry and not as flavorful. The same for the manapua, the flavor was just not there. I also grabbed some chow mein and it was dry. I usually grab noodles from Kent's next door but they were closed. On the good side, the ladies and customer service was on point! They were so nice and super helpful and accepting of my requests. I would rate them 10 stars on customer service alone. read more

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Went here after Felix and Amanda raved about it. Got three Manapua(Baked only, no steamed available here)-Kalua Pig, Lup Cheong, and Char Siu. We also got some fried noodles and Pork Hash. Service was quick and efficient. Most important thing? TASTE. NOODLES-3/5 RICE CAKE-5/5 PORK HASH-4/5 good, but TINY LUP CHEONG-3/5 KALUA PIG-3/5 CHAR SIU-4/5 Best of the three, and glad the Char siu isn't loaded with red food dye Overall, so-so with a little buyer's remorse knowing that SING CHEONG YUAN is our usual go-to when we come home, and is a couple blocks away. Goes to show that it's cool that local foodies and content creators like to support local, BUT their bottom line is to increase their followers/YouTube subscribers. Sometimes, its even a paid promotion/collaboration. Everything is ono to them which is a red flag. Take their recommendations with a grain of salt and make your own judgment according to YOUR tastebuds. read more

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I had heard I needed to try Royal Kitchen's baked manapua for years. Today was the day. Absolutely regret waiting so long!! Super delicious. Interesting that the sweetness of the manapua was more in the excellent shredded filling rather than the bun. And plenty of that filling while the bun was so soft and thin. I already want another. read more

Royal Kitchen - Pork hash , rice cake, and char su mansapua - Dim Sum Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Still my favorite baked manapua and pork hash shop. Pork hash is pretty huge and flavorful. Something about the baked char siu manapua is better than the steamed manapuas. They have several other choices as well, but these are the only 2 things that I always buy. Staff is friendly and fast. All business at this place so no be talking stories and holding up the line lol. Parking is either in the paid parking garage located on Maunakea Street or you can park on the nearby meter street parking. Be mindful of the area and your surroundings because there are some crazies or homeless people around. read more

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Royal Kitchen is a staple for anyone who loves manapua and pork hash. Since my last review, I have been here about forty separate occasions...and it was definitely time for an update. Royal Kitchen has become my go to for manapua and pork hash. The variety of manapua allows for flavor variations, but the regular pork is my favorite....followed by the lup chong and the Portuguese sausage. It is important to note that the manapua here are baked, which I know is an important to note. This might be my first choice for plane food... Manapua is easy to pack, easy to eat, and delicious! So recently I have deviated from my normal order...to try different items. And I have finally found 'my signature' go to order here. Char siu plate. Now, you can order char siu to go by the pound, as well as roast pork and other items. But for me the char siu plate is a win...and like two meals! It has a bed of rice and a large serving of char siu on top. Simple and delicious! I dont know why it has taken me so long to order this, but now that I have...there is no going back. I am getting this every time! read more

Royal Kitchen has been around for a very long time. The food here is as good and authentic as it comes. High quality ingredients. The workers worked hard to put out products that they are so proud of all made out of love. read more

Royal Kitchen - Baked Manapua - Dim Sum Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

You can easily phone in and place an order. When entering there is a line to place your order, and you wait outside. They'll call you back in when they packaged your food and for you to pay. There is no seating area. It's in and out. They're busy and efficient. They have many baked manapuas with different fillings. The classic is cha siu. They also have chicken, chicken curry, Kalua pork, vegetarian, black sugar, and sweet potato. The buns include lop shong (Chinese sausage), Portuguese sausage, hot dog. I like the classic pork/cha siu the best. They also have pork hash, half moons, and some Chinese side dishes for plate lunch. Happy eating and yelping! read more

I always order minute chicken cake noodle from Royal Kitchen. The last 2 times have not been good. They normally add choy sum. The last two times, they put iceberg lettuce and won bok. Not the same! The sauce was super salty, could not eat it! Come on Royal! Think I need to take a break! read more

I was introduced to this fabulous food experience on a food tour. I can't wait to go back. Get one of each. read more

Royal Kitchen - Outside restaurant - Dim Sum Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I haven't been here in awhile, but the food is still on point. I love their plate lunches. That's what I mostly come here for. I know everyone else loves their manapua and pork hash. They have a good variety of manapua to choose from. I prefer the standard char siu manapua. I was lucky that someone showed up at my job with a box of manapua and pork hash for us. It was the baked original char siu one and it was yummy. The breading wasn't too thick and it was stuffed with a lot of meat. I love pork hash and it went well with the hot mustard shoyu mix that they had. If you get a chance to try this place out. Make sure to try a plate lunch, manapua and a pork hash. read more

Royal Kitchen - different varieties of manapua - Dim Sum Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I love going to places with lines and this one had quite a long one. The manapua buns at this location have been on my list to try for a long time now. We were full from our food tour but we grabbed a BBQ pork and a Kalua pork bun to try along with a sweet rice cake. All tasted amazing. We reheated the buns so they were crispy. There is so much filling! It was absolutely delectable. Well worth the wait to try these buns. Parking is from various paid lots around Chinatown. No seating. Casual. I will have to try the dim sum next time. The shrimp dumplings in particular look massive. Please come and create your own experience. read more

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Traveling to Maui for business and always the customers request to bring manapua from Royal Kitchen which has always been a favorite. If you tell them you're taking it outer islands, they will pack it appropriately. You can buy a tote bag for $5.50 that can hold 2 large manapua boxes & 1 additional box. Their known for their baked bao and had many different varieties of meat, even has a vegetarian one too. If you want other items besides manapua, they have noodles, stuffed bittermelon, chicken w/mushrooms, sweet sour pig feet, roast duck, charsiu and other Chinese dishes. On Thanksgiving, they also can cook your turkey!!! They only do takeout. Plenty parking , free for 1st half hour or they also validate. read more

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Great local hidden gem with a variety of dim sum choices. Parking is free for 30 minutes so look at the menu and know what you want before it's your turn, that way it gets the line moving for your fellow Yelpers!!! The ladies at the counter have been there for years and can take and fill your order with ease. Very authentic dim sum choices. The selection of baked Manapua is extraordinary!!! Buns are sweet and soft and the fillings are flavorful. The coconut is my wife's favorite. Easy to find. Just follow your nose!!! read more

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About a 1-1.5: The Royal Kitchen has been around since the early '70s, and they're considered one of the first shops in the Honolulu area to offer baked 'bao' buns (aka, manapuas), rather than the usual steamed ones). Aside from the baked manapuas, their menu also includes dim sum, Chinese-style roasted meats, rice and noodle dishes, noodle soups, salads, plate lunches, and even a catering option. Located in the heart of Chinatown, we came here right when they had opened, and there was already a patron in line. It took the staff a couple more minutes to officially open the place. We ordered: +a Cha Siu Bun +a Chicken Curry Bun +and, a Coconut Bun The exterior was a little dried out, and didn't seem as if they were baked that morning; they could have been more warm. The fillings were medicore - the chicken curry seemed to contain shredded chicken with some spice, but it was a bit on the bland side. The coconut version seemed mostly filled with coconut cream with some coconut shavings; definitely more on the sweeter end. Staff were efficient; the place is more of a counter style, as you just order, pay, and go. There are some public outdoor seating in front of the eatery. Limited street parking can be found in the area. +dried out exteriors +efficient service +public outdoor seating available +limited street parking read more

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Fast service. My favorite place to pick up takeout char siu bao and siu mai for work meetings!

Simple fast ordering food spot Limited menu Prices are ok Service was terrible Half moons was ok but way too doughy Pork hash was just ok but huge Way better places to get dim sum read more

This well known Honolulu manapu place was a disappointment. I ordered a noodle $7 something and was so dry and tasteless. Most likely left over from yesterday. What a shame of this kind of quality! I will never go back again. Wasted my money I ended up tossed it and get something from McDonald. Worst food I ever tasted in my life. read more

I was riding my electric scooter and ended up at this place and ordered 2 entrees plate for $12. It included a choice of fried noodles or fried rice and 2 other entrees. So I got the pig feet and sweet & sour spareribs, which tasted very similar. It was okay as it tasted good. I came at 10 am so I did not have to wait long, but as I was eating I did notice that their line was getting longer and longer. This seemed to be hot spot as their food is good and they give a lot and charge very cheap. read more

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A nice take out dim sum option in the Chinatown area. Like a certain ice cream shop, they have a wide selection of Manapua/bun selections to select from. The usual dim sum type suspects are available like the half moon, pork hash, chow fun, etc. Kind of reminiscent of Kwon On in Kaimuki back in the day (boy do I miss Kwon On.). On the fringe of Chinatown in the Chinese Cultural Plaza complex. Validated parking is available in the main parking structure and the smaller parking area right behind Royal Kitchen. This is a definite option when buying take out Manapua goodies when you have the craving. read more

This is a place that's just always there for you. When I feel like baked Manapua, this is definitely my go to place. Go in, squeeze past everyone else and grab your number. Go back outside and stand in line. As your number gets closer, you'll get a chance to move your way back in and see what's in the warmers and decide what you're taking home. For me it's usually char siu baked Manapua, 2 pork hash per Manapua, a pint of stuffed bitter melon and roast pork. read more

Living here in chinatown we're so close to restaurants near our apt. Since I was home for the most part of the day I told my husband let's eat noodles. So I said hey royal kitchen has a combo plate with roast pork char siu and your choice of starch. I said we go with chow mein noodles. I placed the order by phone and my husband went down to pick it up via he's mobility scooter. In no time he was home. The plate lunch combo is $18.00 plus tax was worth it. The char siu had a good taste the meat was tender the roast pork was good too just a little crunch on their skin I like the chow mein but my husband said he tasted better. I said next time will go with the chow fun. Will be back again read more

Royal Kitchen - Our lunch - Dim Sum Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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The best baked manapua anywhere, even after all these years. Sketchy area of Chinatown, but worth the danger. LOL

When on Oahu we always purchase Manapua's to take home.This is the 1st time we bought from here.We called in our order because it was going to be a big one and also there was a chance they might sell out..So my order consisted of 3 different kind of baked manapua's.The was the Curry chicken,pulled pork n the Charsu.All were pretty good.The Curry chicken wasn't so great but ok.Also I had the half moon dumpling's n the pork Shumai.Those were good!.When we arrived my order was ready n the service was good!.I was very satisfied. read more

Royal Kitchen - Half moon dumplings,Pork Shumai,Curry chicken,pulled pork n Charsu pork baked manapua's - Dim Sum Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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We come here occasionally to get manapua and pork hash. They offer steamed and baked buns with a variety of fillings. I preferably baked. It has a decent amount of filling and good flavor. The pork hash are on the smaller side compared to other places. Overall it's a good place to get manapua. Service is variable. Sometimes it is quick. Other times, it takes awhile. read more

Refreshing to be serviced by a person with full understanding and pleasant demeanor. Food is still the same... wonderful. But even more so now. read more

This place was our goto ever since char hung sut closed. We've been coming here for over 20yrs. Sad to say the quality and taste has gone down over the years. This last visit was prolly our last as the 1/2 moon was sour and the manapua and pork hash had no taste. Pork hash and some questionable pieces of hard stuff in it too. Sad read more

It has been a while since I had manapua from here. We ordered char sui manapua , pork hash and half moon. I was very excited till I started eating. The manapua looked larger then before which I originally was excited about , but that's where it ends. The manapua is more bread than anything and very little filling. The pork hash is so bland gotta drown it in mustard just to give it some help. The half moon was so so. It isn't anything to rave about. Quality has gone way down. Not to many good manapua places left . Will never return. read more

Absolutely recommend. This is out go to place when we take omiyage to the outer island. Food is delicious, service organized and it always smells wonderful!! read more

Tried and true. Royal Kitchen is the go to for Chinese food, delicious and traditional local dim sum and baked manapua. The workers are so hard working and thoughtful. Its consistent and still of great value. You can always count on Royal Kitchen to be thr hit of any potluck! read more