




About
A in the Heart of Palama
Tucked away in the busy corridor of Honolulu, Palama Snack Corner functions as a time capsule for those who crave authentic local comfort food. It isn’t about white-tablecloth service; it’s about that specific, salty, and satisfying flavor profile that defines the island’s working-class lunch culture. When you step inside, the air is thick with the scent of frying oil and savory shoyu, a smell that hits you the moment you clear the doorway.
Menu Staples That Define Local Flavor
This spot is famous for its no-nonsense approach to plate lunches. If you’re passing through the Palama district, you’ll find that their fried chicken and locally sourced fish dishes are the main draw. The kitchen prides itself on portion sizes that don't quit, served alongside generous scoops of sticky white rice and macaroni salad—the unofficial gold standard of Honolulu sides. It is the kind of place where locals grab a quick bite during a hectic workday, so expect a bit of a line during the peak noon hour.
The Experience
The atmosphere is bustling and decidedly utilitarian. You’ll hear the clatter of takeout containers being packed and the hum of conversations between regulars who have been stopping here for years. It’s an ideal stop if you want to avoid the tourist-heavy zones and eat like a resident of the city. While the seating area is compact and fills up fast, the focus here remains strictly on the food. It’s loud, it’s fast, and it’s unapologetically local. Bring cash, be patient with the parking situation in the immediate area, and come hungry enough to handle a heavy, satisfying meal that sticks to your ribs for the rest of the day.
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Amenities & Features
Location
1670 Makaloa St, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96814
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Reviews
Showing 10 of 24 community reviewsGi C.Google Maps
Recently
Cheaper korean plate lunches but no choice on side veggies, they will give whatever veggies was cooked that day. Today, I didn't really enjoy the kalbi and BBQ chicken. My partner said the grilled fished tasted fried instead.
AM VGoogle Maps
Recently
They closed before 6:30 today.
Steve YipGoogle Maps
Recently
Warning Do Not order online. Came to pick up my online order and they were closed. This was 1.5 hours prior to their listed closing hours of operation. Rude, unprofessional and unapologetic when calling for a refund.
Spring NashGoogle Maps
Recently
Their service is very bad. So rude people there. Food is not bad, not very good. just reasonable. cold noodle is $6, one piece of calbi is 4$, spicy sauce is free.
R. Lee DonaldsonGoogle Maps
Recently
I absolutely love this place for very quick, basic, and good value Korean classics like bibimbop and tofu soup. This place is off to the side of the Palama Supermarket when you first walk in the door. Make sure you know what you want to order before getting in line. The board is big enough to read at a distance. They are quick in processing your order and expect you to be quick in giving your order. It isn't unfriendly, just a "move it" environment. Everything is good and made fresh. The turn around from order to tray is amazing. Food comes out hot and well plated. Portions are just right to fill you up or have a little left over for later. The best thing is the price. It is affordable and a good value. These days that is really hard to find. Besides, you know the food has to be good because of all the Korean Aunties working so hard in the kitchen. Another good thing is the healthy options. There are the fatty and protein typical plates, but lots of other options to pick from as well. Korean food in general has always given me a feeling of being healthier they other foods because of the amount of vegetables they use. The dinning area is a typical shared dinning area that can get a little unkept looking during busy periods, but I personally feel that is a lot cleaner then a mall food court and don't mind just wiping down my table with an extra napkin, so suck it up if you're a germaphobe or to be safe, just do take out and enjoy where ever makes you feel most comfortable. I do eat here frequently and do highly recommend checking it out if you never have been and enjoy good Korean food.
SJPGoogle Maps
Recently
Excellent Korean food @ reasonable prices.
Hi JamboGoogle Maps
Recently
Cheap, filling and delicious. This Korean snack spot will remind you of Seoul. No soju allowed.
Prasoet JukrajatatipGoogle Maps
Recently
Really good korean food without the price tag. $12 for beef bulgogi meal and $12 for soft tofu soup with rice veggies and kimchi.
Winnie ThePoohGoogle Maps
Recently
This restaurant is in the small food court in Palama market. The galbi was food court quality but still super tasty. The seafood tofu stew and meat jun were both excellent. Wonderful meal with the perfectly cooked rice. Seating is available.
Heejin ChangGoogle Maps
Recently
Reasonable price with quality foods! Love their Korean food dosirak!
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