Paalaa Kai Mini-Mart

Crispy, salty fried chicken! Skin and all, yum! Not the most heart healthy, but heck, we live only once, and having it once in a while is okay! That's what I always get after hiking on the North Shore and heading back home! 2 pcs + rice for $6.99. Also got good tasting rolls and musubis too! After getting that, walk next door for their famous snow puffies!!

A small Korean mart that sells pre-made hot foods like spam musubis, karaage, bentos, kimbaps as well as any snacks or drinks you could want. I stumbled across here when my local friends asked me if I wanted any food while we stopped by next door for some snow puffies (which I would highly recommend as well). Perfect place to grab good food if you are on the road and have a busy day planned or just want something quick and low key. Food There are tons of delicious smelling Korean and local foods to try. I tried the karaage and spam musubi. The karaage was hot and nicely crisp on the outside. The chicken was pretty good. The spam musubi was a spam musubi and I would get it again since it was good. Next time I want to try the huge kimbap (didn't get this time since I had so much other food). The snow puffys next door are highly recommended as well since it's so puffy, flaky, and perfectly sugared. Atmosphere This is a stop and go place. The walkways are narrow with snacks and drinks to be found on both sides. Lots of people walking around so be direct in where you are going and get it! Pricing The prices are pretty reasonable and cheap. Service The staff there are nice and friendly. Other Small parking lot in front so can be challenging to find a spot since everyone is lining up for a snow puffy. There are spots if you look around but be careful.

Paalaa Kai Mini-Mart has the best fried chicken! Their fried chicken is well seasoned and has extra crispy skin. I love that they are locally owned and still going strong after the pandemic. Besides selling fried chicken they also have other fried foods, noodles, hand rolls, spam musubi, and bentos. You can pick up beverages (non-alcoholic and alcoholic) and other stuff you'd find in a convenience store. The prices for hot food are reasonable and I'd rather come here than go to 7-Eleven. This a grab and go place and there is no seating available. I recommend taking your food and beverages to the beach to enjoy. The shop is old and run down. You will feel like you've transported back in time when you step inside. They accept cash and credit card for payment. They share a parking lot with Paalaa Kai Bakery.