




About
A Kalihi Lunchtime Institution
In the heart of Kalihi, T & L Market serves as a portal to local-style comfort food that defies the polished veneer of Waikiki dining. This is where neighborhood regulars trade gossip while waiting for their orders, creating a buzz of chatter that bounces off the humble, industrial walls. The air inside is thick with the savory, smoky scent of slow-cooked proteins and the sweet, slightly tangy aroma of ginger-infused shoyu chicken.
Legendary Plate Lunches
The kitchen here focuses on the art of the traditional Hawaiian plate lunch. While the menu is extensive, the shoyu chicken is the definitive centerpiece, boasting a deep, mahogany glaze that balances salt and sweetness perfectly. Their portions are famously generous, usually featuring two scoops of rice and a side of macaroni salad that avoids the common trap of being overly mayonnaise-heavy. Whether you are grabbing a quick box for a beach day or a post-surf fuel-up, the consistency of the flavors remains anchored in island tradition.
Things to Know Before You Go
Don't expect a formal seating arrangement; this is a counter-service operation built for speed and flavor. Parking in this busy industrial section of Honolulu can be a tight squeeze during the peak lunch hour rush, so keep an eye out for spots along the street. If you prefer a quieter experience, timing your visit mid-afternoon ensures you won't have to compete with the local tradespeople and office crowds looking for their daily fix of comfort food. It’s a no-frills, high-impact dining experience that values substance over style, making it an essential stop for anyone wanting to eat like a true local.
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Location
1335 Middle St, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96819-2404
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Reviews
Showing 9 of 86 community reviewsDerrel HigginsGoogle Maps
Recently
Grabbed some Panang curry… wow, so good! If you want some legit local food, this is it.
Luke RybaGoogle Maps
Recently
Best THAI LAO food on the island of Oahu! Very friendly family business, good value and most delicious. Try their Thai curry, or ask for Lao Spicy Pad Kee Mao!
Jaimie ChoiGoogle Maps
Recently
This is our first time here because my dad always passes by and says the food looks good! My dad got Pad Thai—shrimp —and he’s very happy with it. We also enjoyed the Shrimp Spring Roll (although it’s very ingredient-sparse compared to other spring rolls I have had— so I don't think it is worth the $10 price). I got green curry with seafood, and that was the worst green curry I have ever had… I order green curry a lot from different Thai restaurants, and I also cook it at home. The one I got had a very watery, flavorless soup base. Moreover, it had a pungent seafood smell and taste—so perhaps it would taste better with another meat (they let you choose); even then, I cook green curry with sea food (I love sea food) and it never ends up like that strong displeasing fishy taste. But the soup base was horrible… So don’t get this option— I’m shocked by the low quality. But seems like other options are good based on the fact that the restaurant has a good stream of customers.
gerald johnsGoogle Maps
Recently
Garlic shrimp garlic chicken beef stew and the kaliba beef were all really good along with the fire mac salad and the price is on P
Carly YatesGoogle Maps
Recently
I don’t care if you have to walk through hades with gasoline underwear, get over to T&L market and eat! I got the garlic shrimp and a cream puff thing. Everything was delicious and super affordable.
Russ LacuataGoogle Maps
Recently
T & L Market is the classic definition of hole in the wall. The menu is simple, manapua truck style. Food is not gourmet, but tasty grinds. It brings back many childhood memories. Simple comfort food at a reasonable price. No place to sit down, just take out. Parking is a challenge but a fair amount of street parking nearby.
Ryan BGoogle Maps
Recently
Incredibly tasty plate lunches tucked away in a cozy spot! This place has a really good variety of stuff on their menu at a really reasonable price. Their garlic chicken was one of the best I've had so far on the island! Really enjoyed their fried saimin as well. Will definitely be coming back to try more of the menu!
Ahmed De AlbaGoogle Maps
Recently
The best hidden gems in a city are usually the little places that are in random locations. Without a doubt , the BEST shrimp plate I’ve ever had in my life. Spicy Garlic shrimp I think is the name. I tried a few other plates and they were good and affordable but honestly, the shrimp is just in a different ballpark ! Owners are really nice and food is cheap compared to the average prices of food in this area! PS- Google doesn’t show my favorite plate so I uploaded a photo of the menu. You won’t regret it! I took my coworkers there and they loved it! Eat local!
Nelson LagadonGoogle Maps
Recently
They have American,Chinese, local style Manapua Truck food. Food is cheap and delicious. It's also a Asian Grocery store
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