




About
A Slice of Chinatown Heritage
Stepping into Sun Chong Grocery in the heart of Honolulu’s historic Chinatown district feels like taking a deliberate pause in time. This is not a modern supermarket with polished floors and fluorescent aisles; it is a compact, dense treasure trove that has anchored the neighborhood for generations. The air carries the distinct, earthy aroma of dried herbs, pickled vegetables, and high-quality Chinese tea, signaling that you have arrived at a source for authentic ingredients that are increasingly hard to find elsewhere on Oahu.
What to Expect Behind the Counter
Known primarily for its curated selection of traditional Asian pantry essentials, the shelves here are packed with everything from obscure spices and specialty soy sauces to dried seafood. Many locals head here specifically for their selection of preserved goods and hard-to-source ingredients that define old-school island cooking. The store maintains a functional, no-frills layout that rewards those who know exactly what they are looking for, or those happy to spend a few minutes browsing the labels on cluttered, towering shelves.
Practical Notes for Visitors
While the shop is a legendary fixture in Honolulu, keep in mind that navigating the immediate area during peak Chinatown hours can be a lesson in patience, as parking is notoriously tight and the surrounding streets are often bustling with pedestrians and delivery trucks. It is the kind of place where service is efficient and direct, reflecting the hardworking spirit of the district. Whether you are a home cook hunting for a specific regional ingredient or a visitor curious about the authentic commercial roots of downtown Honolulu, Sun Chong Grocery offers a genuine, sensory-rich glimpse into the city's culinary backbone.
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Location
127 N Hotel St, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96817-5003
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Reviews
Showing 6 of 29 community reviewsJay ChinoGoogle Maps
Recently
This place sell some of the most beautiful lychee. Very big size and bright dark red color.
Kevin TangGoogle Maps
Recently
Shop worker yelled at my mom and asked if she was deaf. We were browsing the Chinatown area and walked into the store at about 4:50pm. The door was wide open and the storefront looked still put together so we didn’t think anything of it. My mom stepped in first, picked up a product while in the entryway and examined it. One lady said something indiscernible, so we didn’t even think she was talking to us. Seconds later, the other lady asserts herself saying, “ARE YOU DEAF?! SHE’S ASKING IF YOU NEED HELP WITH SOMETHING. WE’’RE CLOSED, GO HOME!” It all happened so quickly and aggressively that we couldn’t even formulate a response—we just left. Closed or not, that’s not how you treat any potential customer. This was different than the stereotypical brevity of Asian customer service. It was rude and uncalled for. We’re appalled and disgusted.
Kishan PatelGoogle Maps
Recently
Zero Stars. Rude lady chased my family and I down the street yelling racial slurs loud enough that everyone across the street was watching. Instead we bought local fruit from a smaller shop across the street and she also gave us free items for the inconvenience of the rude lady from Sun Chong. Don’t shop here.
Solomiia CherednikovaGoogle Maps
Recently
The only fruit they had was lychee and some bad mango. The lady selling them was extremely rude. I would recommend to go to the store right in front of them, they had more fruits and better quality. I really wanted to go there before but now I’m really disappointed
Sarah HorngGoogle Maps
Recently
Freshest lychee. Their day old lychee is $5.99 /lb… but day of is $17/lb if I heard right 😂lychee from big island is delivered every morning!! So many other products like seeds and herbs. They have super cute merch too …
AgeGoogle Maps
Recently
6/11/2021 It's possible that this place has every Chinese vegetable, snack, candy, or item, that you could ever need. I went with a pal who wanted Kaimana lychee and heard that this place had it. The Kaimana lychees were already bagged & labeled and the nice lady who helped my pal offered to take some out of the bag to make it lighter/cheaper but my friend ended up buying the whole bag. I bought Vinacafe Ca Phe Hoa Tan coffee, which I love and had run out of. Great selection of items! However, if you're claustrophobic, take some deep breaths before walking all the way inside. It's a jam-packed and crowded place with a ton of items.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Sun Chong Grocery
Common questions from diners about Sun Chong Grocery in Honolulu.
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