




Duk Kee Chinese Restaurant Inc
About
A Slice of Old-School Hong Kong in Kalihi
Stepping into Duk Kee Chinese Restaurant feels like a time capsule. Located in the heart of the Kalihi district, this local favorite avoids the polished sheen of modern dining rooms, opting instead for a bustling, no-frills environment where the focus remains entirely on the wok. The air is thick with the savory scent of ginger and scallion, and the clatter of porcelain against table tops provides a constant, rhythmic soundtrack to your meal.
The Art of the Cantonese Roast
This is where you come for the meat. Duk Kee has built its reputation on traditional Cantonese roasting techniques. Their roast duck is the undeniable star, featuring skin that crackles with a glassy snap, yielding to succulent, five-spice infused meat. It’s common to see patrons ordering full ducks to go, their golden-brown carcasses hanging prominently in the window. Beyond the roast meats, their noodle soups are a masterclass in simplicity, featuring house-made broths that carry a depth of flavor developed over hours of simmering.
Know Before You Go
The experience here is refreshingly utilitarian. The seating is tightly packed, and you might find yourself sharing a table or navigating a quick turnover during the lunch rush. It is the perfect spot for those who prioritize culinary authenticity over white-tablecloth service. Parking in this part of Honolulu can be a bit of a challenge, so give yourself a few extra minutes to navigate the surrounding streets. Whether you are a local resident looking for a reliable dinner staple or a visitor seeking a genuine taste of the island's diverse Chinese food scene, Duk Kee offers a consistent, savory experience that rewards the adventurous eater.
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Location
1146 12th Ave, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96816-3712
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Reviews
Showing 10 of 38 community reviewsAgnes LeeGoogle Maps
Recently
We used to go to Duk Kee frequently because we enjoyed the food especially the Char Sui Chow Fun but on our last visit the portions we received on our order of Chow Fun was about 3/4 of the normal portions for the same price. We were very disappointed and decided to find another restaurant. I understand that everything cost more but I would rather pay more than be deceived.
Vladimir CGoogle Maps
Recently
Went to Oahu for my nephew’s graduation ceremony at UH Manoa. He chose this restaurant to go eat at after all of the lei giving was done. I remember seeing this place when I went to Toyota’s grand opening and didn’t really think much about it. They do serve good family sized portions and food came out quick. The Honey Walnut Shrimp was absolutely perfect and I would go back there again just for that. The fried rice was good but nothing mind blowing. Their Peking Duck Bao Bun was very good; the bao was baked perfectly, soft and fluffy. Definitely a diamond in the rough but was nice to have some good Cantonese food.
JASMINE PRASADGoogle Maps
Recently
Our first time in Hawaii and my son wanted egg flower soup found this lively family friendly restaurant.
Alicia GonsowskiGoogle Maps
Recently
Bugs were found in my orange chicken and sweet n sour pork. This made me so sick to my stomach! Especially paying $83.72 and ordering multiple items. Otherwise I loved the cold ginger chicken. The vegetable spring rolls were sub par. I really wish there wasn’t any bugs! I literally lost my appetite.
Sang “JohnLee” MoonGoogle Maps
Recently
Today I got to try their dinner plate special for $13.95 and they gave a lot and very tasty. Also, the service was very helpful and friendly.
zxcGoogle Maps
Recently
The servers were very attentive and helpful. They were really nice and brought the food out very quickly. Me and my family had a great time together with all the delicious meals. The duck was fantastic full of flavor and their walnut shrimp, pepper beef and fish was good. The environment was nice and make sure we got what we needed. I appreciate their hospitality. We are definitely coming back. Overall experience was very excellent. I highly recommend this place for family and friend gatherings.
кalisher̃*•. 匚eron•* ́Google Maps
Recently
First return to this Kaimuki institution in roughly 20 years 📆 Food was tasty, not bland so I don't know why other reviews said so. My family arrived 7:30 on a Tues night and one of three dine-in tables. A steady stream of takeout orders and one Doordash pickup. Waitress says the kitchen closes at 8:30 and if there are no customers left, the dining room will also close 8:30 pm so get your order in before then.
MahsayGoogle Maps
Recently
Sorry i have to edit. Its only fair. Friendly and kind staff but hard to compare. Used to love this place, food is junk now. I understand new owners but this was a past time, flavors aren't what the taste buds remember. Beef broccoli too funky, gaugee are large with almost no filling. Sauces are too heavy. Cake noodle sauce is hard to swallow, need to thin out too goopy and not apetizing. Hoping it will improved but we've moved onto chinese in Manoa instead. Previous owner:: Our absolute local favorite and the food is so Ono! DINNER PLATE. My Go to favorite. Friendly staff of the same familiar faces. Parking is a little rough as the curbside and metered share with other businesses. Parking across the street by koa pancake has tow signs but if you call an order to pick up and are quick shouldnt have any worries. $15min for Credit/Debit card transactions or just bring cash.
RoninGoogle Maps
Recently
I went to Duk Kee for lunch with a coworker on a busy Thursday. We didn't realize it when we decided to order in person. I had the sea bass with choy sum and a side of rice. My coworker ordered the lunch special. I liked my meal and was able to split it into two lunches. My coworker enjoyed his lunch special. All in all, I had no issues with my food, my order, or the service. The price was a little costly. The restaurant's interior looked like every other local Chinese restaurant, and nothing special stood out.
Paul LouieGoogle Maps
Recently
Wife and I are back in Honolulu visiting family and friends, after moving to Boston seven years ago. We moved to help our daughter babysit her two boys. We stopped by at Duk Hee Chinese Restaurant as I heard that the Golden Duck owner took over the restaurant. My parents were the King Fong Chop Suey (Duk Hee now) and Kinney Chop Suey (Kapahulu) owners in the 1950s - 1980s. When they retired in early 1980s, they sold our second restaurant to the old Duk Hee owners. I found the wor won ton and wor gau gee soup to be very good and tasty. Wife ate some of the beef broccoli on the plate lunch before I took the picture. The taste and portions were good also, price was fair and reasonable. One of my uncle’s owned the old Red Rooster Chop Suey and later started Golden Duck, and then retired and sold it. I ate there twice this week, and the current cooks are very good and the waitress staff are nice! Highly recommend!
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