No. 1 Chinese & BBQ Restaurant
About
A Reliable Lihue Staple for Cantonese Classics
When you find yourself roaming the streets of Lihue looking for a no-frills, satisfying lunch, No. 1 Chinese & BBQ Restaurant delivers exactly what the name promises. This is a local-style eatery where the priority is hearty portions and bold flavors rather than white-tablecloth service. You will often find the air thick with the savory scent of roasting meats, a signature aroma that greets you the moment you step through the door.
The BBQ Experience
The roast duck and char siu are the undisputed anchors of their menu. The skin on the duck offers that sought-after thin, crackling texture, while the pork is glazed with a sweetness that balances the salt of the accompanying steamed rice. It is the kind of place where locals grab a two-item combo plate on their way to the beach or back to the office. The interior is utilitarian and brightly lit, reflecting a pace of business that values efficiency and consistency above all else.
Local Nuances
Be aware that finding a spot in the shared parking lot during the mid-day rush can test your patience, as the Lihue lunch crowd moves fast and fills the lot quickly. It is an unpretentious environment that rewards those who appreciate an authentic, high-speed chopstick experience. Whether you are craving a comforting bowl of wonton soup or a generous heap of roast pork, this spot remains a cornerstone for those seeking classic Chinese comfort food in the heart of Kauai.
Amenities & Features
Location
3-3160 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, Hawaii, 96766
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Reviews
Showing 10 of 84 community reviewsIrvin GishGoogle Maps
Recently
Great food! Had a good price too.
Prisma BrewerGoogle Maps
Recently
Thank you kindly for serving best shrimp egg fu yung on the whole island! 🙏🏽 y’all are amazing. we appreciate you!!! ps: ask for auntie linda, she’s da best, plz say i sent you :3
Megan CaseyGoogle Maps
Recently
Amazing! Loved the saimin, husband loved the Chinese 2 meat combo. Ladies at the counter were very friendly. Portion sizes were huge!
James ZaroGoogle Maps
Recently
Look, this is probably one of the greatest true to life Chinese American with that Hawaiian twist restaurants there is. They have all the makings of true greatness. The kid doing homework in the corner, the poor lighting at night, the bathroom is locked because of chronics and you have to ask for the key...but it is clean. There are large portions. Good food. General Tso's chicken is my personal favorite with da mac salad on the side. All the locals I met there were always cool, talk story, all that. This place reminds me of the Chinese joints of my childhood. It has an ambience that cannot be put into words, you just have to go there and get some food. I don't want anything off the steam tray line...nah, don't get that. Get the hamburger steak or plate lunch special. Buy a random piece of Dragon fruit. The ladies that run this place are real nice. I think it's my favorite Chinese restaurant I've ever been to in the entire world. Everything else just falls short.
Kimo GGoogle Maps
Recently
Great food. Try the pork belly. Be patient because I could only understand about the 5th work she was speaking to me.
Henry SGoogle Maps
Recently
My wife and I each ordered a 1 choice plate with an entree and chow mein. The pepper chicken and the coconut shrimp were both great. The portion sizes were also very good. We were both pleasantly surprised and full, only issue being the very limited supply of water
Diedrick GriepGoogle Maps
Recently
Typical Chinese menu. Great prices and servings is huge and tasty.
abraham kawaihalauGoogle Maps
Recently
Ordered ala cart, it was a large amount. If you love Kauyuk call in ahead. Very oily n fatty. I think they use pork belly. It was good tasty just lots of fat.
Craig AshfordGoogle Maps
Recently
Calling yourself No.1 is an interesting approach, and a high bar to live up to. It was fine. Just buffet style and level of quality. Not great, but not bad either. Pictures are intended to show the local food awards they've received.
Karen JordanGoogle Maps
Recently
I went to No 1 twice on my trip! They had some of the larger tables blocked off for groups, there's a selection of prepared dishes (like Panda Express, but not a national chain), AND you could order some entrees that were cooked to order, so it was one of my top picks with a group of 6 people. I had the chicken katsu and it was made fresh in the back and was delicious! Another member of our group had the fish and it took significantly longer, but he said it was delicious. (Fresh fishy in Hawaii) I had a Kirkland dragonfruit drink and ... it tasted like any other red-flavored liquid. I was sad that their bathroom said No Public Restroom. I don't remember other restaurants not having a bathroom. The second time I went, I didn't get a drink, just in case. You can reach the Tip Top Pokemon Go Pokestop from No 1.
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Frequently Asked Questions about No. 1 Chinese & BBQ Restaurant
Common questions from diners about No. 1 Chinese & BBQ Restaurant in Lihue.
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