




Royal Kitchen
About
A Chinatown Staple for Local Comfort
Deep in the heart of Honolulu’s historic Chinatown, Royal Kitchen serves as a mandatory stop for anyone craving the authentic taste of local comfort food. The air here is perpetually thick with the scent of steaming dough and sweet, savory char siu, a fragrance that has defined this corner of the district for decades.
The Art of the Manapua
This is not a place for white-tablecloth service; it is a grab-and-go institution where the efficiency of the counter staff matches the brisk pace of the downtown lunch rush. The star of the menu is undoubtedly the baked char siu manapua. Unlike the steamed variety found elsewhere, these buns feature a golden, slightly sweet, bread-like exterior that perfectly encases the deeply seasoned, tender pork inside. Beyond the classics, their black sugar sponge cake and savory chicken curry pies offer a glimpse into the diverse flavor profiles that shape island food culture.
Navigating the Experience
Be prepared for a bit of a dance when you visit. Parking in the surrounding Chinatown blocks can be a challenge, and the line often spills out onto the sidewalk during peak hours. If you catch the shop during a busy morning, you might hear the rhythmic clatter of metal trays and the boisterous chatter of regulars ordering by the dozen. It is loud, quick, and undeniably honest. Whether you are a local picking up a box for the office or a visitor seeking a genuine taste of Hawaii’s culinary melting pot, Royal Kitchen delivers a consistent, no-frills experience that remains a cornerstone of the neighborhood's identity.
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Amenities & Features
Location
100 N Beretania St #175,Chinatown Cultural Plaza, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96817-4708
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Reviews
Showing 10 of 105 community reviewsRuss LacuataGoogle Maps
Recently
Royal Kitchen has been around for a very long time. The manapua is as authentic as it comes. Proudly made with love. The staff worked very efficient, and hard working and putting out good quality products.
Maui World TravelersGoogle Maps
Recently
I settle for roasted chicken here since nearby Nam Fong sadly closed. ATMOSPHERE: Royal Kitchen is part of the Chinese Cultural Plaza and located along the west side of the property along the river. They're a small takeout spot only. Parking in the plaza's garage is validated. FOOD: Roast Chicken Comparing this to the Shoyu Chicken at the now defunct Nam Fong, doesn't even come close. While it was still good, and around $10 for a whole chicken that was nicely chopped up, the flavor is just boring. Salt. While that does allow you to realize the natural flavor of the bird, it needs something more to give it some life. That something was the sauce that came with our Roast Duck which we picked up from Nam Fong that day. That made it a whole lot better. Or, find a dipping sauce you enjoy. Manapua This is what they're more known for. I like the steamed version with char siu filling best. Soft bun and tasty center = winner! Pork Hash Mmm my favorite at any Chinese eatery and a must have. Their version comes in a white wrapper and stuffed full with delicious pork. SERVICE: Damn, I thought I was impatient. These ladies are pushy, but that's how they are. Overall service was friendly. Hurry up and buy lol! OVERALL: Fresh roasted chicken, very good manapua, excellent pork hash. Buy as early as possible if you want some!
K. T.Google Maps
Recently
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.
Corey AsatoGoogle Maps
Recently
Start off by saying 30 minutes free parking. Better sometimes to just call it in because the line gets long. Check out the menu before going, unless you know your norms. I got chick curry, charsui, kalua pig, sweet potato and coconut manapua, with pork hash and side char sui pork. The pricing is great! The char sui pork was pretty good, at first I tried to get an 1 item entree for $9. But they don't allow the char sui pork for that, so I have to get a side. Pork hash was pretty good. So far they all taste great. Very much worth the wait in line. They also take cash or credit. Super happy and it s go back for me. Also, apologies for not taking picture of the food I demolished it faster then the brain could think.
RoninGoogle Maps
Recently
Royal Kitchen is one of the original go-to spots for Chinese dim sum in Chinatown. They open early, making it convenient for those looking to pick up food for the office, events, or gatherings. You can place an order ahead of time for your event or simply walk in and buy on the spot. The shop has no indoor seating—it's a simple grab-and-go setup. You get in line, place your order, pay, and head out. If you prefer to sit and enjoy your food, there’s outdoor seating available nearby along the river. (Not recommended, sometimes you find homeless hanging around) The service is friendly and patient, but when the shop gets crowded, they may push you to place your order quickly to keep the line moving. Royal Kitchen is my go-to for baked manapua, pork hash, crispy gau gee, and half moons. The taste and quality of these classics haven’t changed in decades—and at these prices, they’re absolutely worth it. For under $100, I picked up 2 dozen manapua (char siu, lup cheong, and chicken curry), 12 pieces of half moons, and 12 pieces of pork hash. It was more than enough to feed an entire crew of contractors.
V NGoogle Maps
Recently
The ladies working behind the counter were friendly and helpful. I got my food to-go. The two entrées and two carb options were only $12 and very filling. I also tried the dumplings and buns. Altogether, I got a lot of food for just a little over $20—definitely a great value.
Sang “JohnLee” MoonGoogle Maps
Recently
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.
Tammy KuriharaGoogle Maps
Recently
When a friend texted me that she was stopping by my house to drop off a box of Manapua that she & her mom had gotten for me from Royal Kitchen, I’m pretty sure my eyes were sparkling. It’s been awhile since I had their manapua but I remembered exactly what it tastes like because they’ve been around a long long time. I’m normally a steamed manapua lover but at Royal Kitchen they have my favorite baked ones. Very flavorful, the bun is pillowy soft, the filling is on the sweet side but I like it that way because I can get other types of savory ones they have available. Thru the years, iconic places to get that nostalgic flavor of manapua have slowly disappeared but Royal Kitchen along with a handful of other places are still around. They have a menu full of other delicious items that will leave your tummy happy. Support Local!! 😉👍🌺🌈☁️💖
Raquel McJamesGoogle Maps
Recently
I heard about this place on my most recent trip to Oahu. Big Koa on Island 98.5 was talking about this place on the radio. My family and I decided to try their manapua's. Everyone in my family loved their manapua's. We also tried their pork hash. Everything was delicious, fresh, great prices and great customer service. We had their kalua pork and Portuguese sausage manapua's. They are baked and definitely better than the steamed manapua's we have tried at other places here. We will definitely be back for our next visit on Oahu.
Sandra MatsumotoGoogle Maps
Recently
We ran in 15 minutes before they closed , but luckily they had some manapua and crispy gau gee left! They were super friendly and really helpful. We tried the curried chicken, hot dog and portuguese sausage manapua, and topped it off with their awesome sweet potato Managua, which is my favorite; light and slightly sweet!
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