50 Best Chinese Restaurants in Honolulu

“Lam’s Kitchen is the real deal in Honolulu’s Chinatown. Authentic Cantonese style “comfort” food! I was turned on to this restaurant after I saw it featured in a Foodie YouTube channel.\n\nMy wife and I stopped in for lunch midweek. It was full so we had to wait about 15 minutes. There’s a “sign-in” sheet located at the entrance. After we were seated we ordered one Dry Beef Chow Fun and one Beef Flank Tendon Look Fun. Of course we had to share and both “hit the spot!” Good old school taste we enjoyed both dishes.\n\nIt was definitely “hole in the wall” looking from the outside…but somewhat inviting on the inside. We initially walked right past it LOL. The interior was clean and service was good. Brought back memories of the good old Cantonese style restaurants from any of the mainland Chinatowns back in the day.“

“The quality of your dishes is very high on customer satisfaction!“

“I really enjoyed coming to this bar for drinks I had a whiskey sour and it was perfectly balanced. The bartender that served me was very kind and welcoming. Unfortunately I did not eat the food since I had a full meal before although I've heard great things about how good it was. Next time I'm on island I will definitely try the food.“

“Great taste and worth to eat👍👍👍“

“Chong Qing Cuisine provides Sichuan style dishes with bold flavors, spice level to your liking, and a full stomach. The menu has limited selection, but providing consistent flavor and tender meats. Service is fair and interior is clean. The seating has only 5 tables and ordering is self serve. Unfortunately, they dont have desserts and parking is metered street parking. Free after 5pm“

“Really good Taiwanese style beef noodle soup- tasted like home to me! Portions are great. We shared the noodle soup plus white rice and tasty Mongolian beef. Servers are so friendly but sometimes the language barrier can cause order mixups, so it's best if you're patient or can speak Mandarin Chinese :) looking forward to trying lots else on their menu!“

“My partner and I really enjoyed the food at Mian. The noodles and the dumplings were very flavorful. I did get some flavor fatigue from the strong flavor and the tomato & beef stew broth but if you want an authentic Chinese noodle, give this place go. The beef stew was so soft. The spice level was very much to my liking. Will definitely be bringing my parents here when they visit the island.“

“Solid place with large portions and affordable prices! Owner has run this for 29 years!

We got the:
• Fried Fish Balls (6 Pieces)
• Wonton w/ Noodles and extra Fish Balls
• Minute Chicken Cake Noodles
• Beef Fried Fun

The flavors of the beef fried fun were nice and balanced. The minute chicken cake noodles had juicy chicken with great flavor, nice veggies, and crispy cake noodles. The wonton noodles we pretty good wonton soup. Fried fish balls were nice as well!

The space is a little tight, but we were able to sit comfortably for a hole in the wall!

The three of us ate and we still had a lot leftover! Easily could feed 4 people with what we ordered! Look at the box we took home!“

“self rotating skewers were so delicious and fun to watch. side dishes were amzing too“

“This is my go to for the office! The always hit the spot! Love their options. I always arrive early and the open a little early to accommodate. I love them! Fast, Friendly!“

“Phenomenal Hotpot Experience! This hotpot restaurant exceeded all expectations—ultra-fresh ingredients, richly flavorful broths, and impeccably attentive service. The variety of meats and vegetables was outstanding, and the house-made dipping sauces elevated every bite. Clean, modern atmosphere with cozy vibes. A must-visit for hotpot lovers!“

“Go here!! 8 dollar lunch special with char siu and roast pork, side of rice and gai lan. Food is amazing. Char siu is moist and flavorful.

When you are done turn to your left to papa’s cafe and get the lilikoi and calamansi green tea - delicious.“

“Staff is always nice here! Parking can be hard, but just wait a bit & a stall will open for you. The service is quick, so people are usually ordering & then they are out!

The food is good! Yummy! And they are generous with their portions, so that's good. Prices are hmmm...high? But honestly, they give you so much food.

They have mini manapua now with lots of different flavors. Only the regular size char siu manapua (either steamed or baked) is available now.“

“This place is underrated! The best Chinese restaurant in Hawaii! The prices are very reasonable for the quality of food, and the service is great. Just be patient when they’re busy. They also serve the biggest dim sum in Hawaii at the best prices. I also like their generous portion of steamed fish. This is my go to Chinese restaurant that I love.“

“They’re open until 01:30 AM now and thank goodness, because we skipped dinner to go fishing. Their fried chicken is crispy, succulent, and well-seasoned with a nice kick to it. If you’re a fan of the spicy chicken at Jollibee, this is the leveled-up sister. And their mala tang soup…drool worthy. I love spicy soup but they were sold out of spicy beef, so they offered to make their original beef spicy for me. You can adjust the spice level and I asked for mine to be “spicy spicy”, and they didn’t disappoint! There was a nice dose of chili oil and garlicky mala heat, but not so much that it drowned out the flavors. The broth itself has a rich, nutty flavor, reminding me of a wilder version of tan tan ramen. They use saimin noodles and top it with fish balls, meat balls, thinly sliced meat, sliced potatoes, and quail eggs. I didn’t get any pictures this time because I couldn’t resist inhaling my meal, but I’ll be back for sure!“

“Basically this is a workers bfast brunch lunch deal. Mon thru Fri. Sometimes parking is iffy early early but after 830 I believe it is all g. I love the place honestly. They get choke local kine grindz so not exactly a tourist destination but a solid place to grab some take out that wasn't engineered in a lab and that also is not deadly(fast food talking to u).“

“The food was fresh and delicious. Service friendly and helpful. You’ll feel like you’ve arrived at that hidden gem where the locals eat authentic Asian food. Hong Kong style noodles were delicious, as was the tofu and eggplant. Vegetarian potstickers were not listed on the expansive menu, but when the server realized we were vegetarian she made the recommendation. Great place!“

“AMAZING. Great service - even better food!!!! made fresh“

“TL;DR: This is a hidden gem in Chinatown! Authentic, old fashioned massive portion of Cheung fun for an amazing price! You won't be disappointed if you check it out!

We stumbled on this place while checking out Chinatown in Oahu.
This is not a restaurant, this is a Cheung fun factory, they make the fresh rice rolls wholesale for other restaurants!
We made soup noodles out of their plain noodles (look fun) it was incredibly fresh and delicious. The noodles held their shape, they are made in the very old fashioned Cantonese way!
We really appreciate the attention to authenticity, much better than all of the Chinatowns in other parts of the world that we have visited!
We loved our first visit so much, we returned to buy 2 char siu and 1 ha mi Cheung fun!
They are massive and for the price, it's an insane deal! They're tasty, they're fresh , they have the perfect bouncy texture! They did have small packets of soy sauce to eat with it as well!
It's just like the old fashioned, dim sum restaurant in Asia.
I don't think you can find this anywhere else!
This is a hidden gem, and we hope they will continue to be here for a long time!“

“Must try Dim Sum! BEST CHAR SIU BUNS EVER!!! The shu Mai and shrimp and chive dumplings were absolutely incredible as well! All the ingredients taste so fresh and and were perfectly assembled with such AMAZING flavors. I cannot wait to go back! Definitely try the desserts too! I would gain 5lbs a week if I lived closer.“

“Food is authentic Hong Kong Style breakfast fare - jook, beef brisket noodles, roast meats, milk tea, toast

Service is exactly what you expect from a dirty hole in the wall greasy spoon type joint, thats why I love it.

Atmosphere - see above description for Sevice.“

“Never been to that Panda express before yesterday. Was busy cause I went around 5pm but I didn't wait long to be helped. Food was hot and fresh and workers were friendly. They were HUSTLING helping both inside, DT and all the mobile orders/deliverys. The tables were a bit dirty but it was during dinner so I get it.“

“Had a wonderful family meal here. The woman working did a great job taking care of the front of the house by herself on a busy Friday with 2 full 12 top tables, a couple of random walk-ins plus lots of take out orders. BYOB and BYOD (dessert) 😊 The order-ahead honey BBQ pork ribs are a MUST! We brought in our own fish and lobster, which they did a fantastic job preparing for us 😋 It's always great dining with a large group at a Chinese restaurant because you get a chance to try lots of dishes. Everything was delicious!“

“I absolutely love the dim sum here. As a half-Cantonese kid, their dumplings are more in line with traditional HK flavors than Hawaiian style. So their Siu Mai is more like Siu Mai than pork hash if ya get me;) The half moon and ha gow is delicious and very big. The char siu is another fav from here, really I think everything is good! Service can be surly though! Depends which Aunty you get and how she feels that day! Haha.“

“I'm from Hong Kong and the food + atmosphere here was pretty authentic. The waitress spoke fluent Cantonese and Mandarin and there was a TV playing the TVB channel from Hong Kong. They seemed understaffed though and had to turn away some other customers while we were eating.

Iced Hong Kong milk tea was good, not too sweet. I got omelette rice with satay sauce, shrimp and char siu. The satay sauce had lots of peanuts in it and went well with the ingredients. The shrimp tasted better than the char siu but both are good. My husband got chicken with green onions, 2 sunny-side-up eggs and fried rice. Green onions with their scallion oil is always a great combination with chicken and rice. They also had lots of porridge and noodle options on their menu, and after 11am they have baked rice as well, which is difficult to get from other Chinese restaurants.

We then shared the ovaltine French toast for dessert, which is a unique product from them and the highlight of the meal. The toast was covered in ovaltine powder (chocolate-like in flavor), and the inside contained hot condensed milk, which mixed well with the powder when you slice the toast open to provide an amazing sweet and sticky flavor. This dish is only for dine-in customers, as takeout would make the bread too soggy. Would definitely recommend.“

“Simple, shareable, strongly spiced food, reasonably priced but will make you want to drink. Cozy, maybe 10 tables total. Bonus points for being open late but that will mean rowdy tables. Party room next door overwhelms the ambiance with skull-numbing, throbbing bass. Limited parking.“

“Tucked into the heart of Kalihi near Farrington High School, Au's Garden is sure to impress with their inexpensive, warm-cooked Chinese dishes!
My favorites include cake noodles with black bean chicken, crispy gaugee, fried noodles, chow fun, and their steamed vegetables.
Perfect place to host your next party or large family dinner.“

“Best Noodle Spot on the Island (Hidden Gem)

I found Joy Cup Noodles while searching for a place that served Dan Dan noodles, and my goodness, these were the best noodles I have had since coming back from Japan. Every bite had that perfect balance of flavor, spice, and texture that brought me right back to the authentic noodles you get overseas.

My girlfriend ordered the beef noodles, and they were just as incredible. The beef was tender, juicy, and full of flavor. But what truly made the experience unforgettable was our server, Michael. He went above and beyond from start to finish. He never rushed us, was genuinely kind, and even surprised us with complimentary ice cream and hot tea after our meal.

I also have to mention the coconut juice. They serve it in a real coconut with a straw, and it does not get fresher than that. After I finished drinking it, Michael came back and opened it for me so I could eat the coconut meat inside. That small detail made the experience even more memorable.

To top it all off, they have free karaoke and a huge screen, which makes it an amazing spot for date nights or groups. The atmosphere is cozy, the staff is friendly, and the food options are endless. It will take many visits to try everything this place has to offer.

Overall, Joy Cup Noodles is easily one of the best dining experiences I have had in Hawaii. The food, the service, and the atmosphere were all perfect. Ask for Michael, order the Dan Dan noodles, get some coconut juice, and thank me later.“

“Since mid-1970’s, Mini Garden has been my favorite Chinese Food restaurant. I’ve followed them to different locations from downtown Honolulu to Mapunapuna to this Airport location. Their noodle dishes are prepared in front of of you at the counter since the mid-1970’s! Excellent food, friendly service!“

“You must try the crab! You will not be disappointed.“

“This little hidden gem is the best! We visited this centrally located spot during our trip to Oahu. It is a mom and pop owned shop with delicious, fresh, and authentic Chinese food. Our favorites were the potstickers were so fresh and crispy (they make them homemade!) and the beef and broccoli.
We went for dinner. The service was also super fast - they were super attentive so great to grab a quick bite for lunch or takeout. It is really clean inside and a very welcome environment.
Highly recommend!!“

“I was thirsty on the way back from Izumo Taisha Shrine in Hawaii, so I drank Sparring Lilikoi.
I didn't know about the boba iris when I asked for it, so I felt like I was in charge.
It was about $4 for size S, so it's about half the price of Waikiki.“

“This little “hole-in-the-wall” I’ve been coming to for years, possibly decades, but I haven’t been since new ownership took over. I was hesitant because the previous owners I’ve gotten to know over the years and they put so much effort into their food… I’m happy to report that the food is just as good!I ordered the soup noodles with pork and pickled vegetables and it was like I remembered. The soup base was delicious and the noodles cooked perfectly. I also order the salt & pepper chicken wings for good measure and those were great too!If you have a craving for HK-style cafe food, this is the spot to visit!“

“A generous bucket of fresh tofu-fa for just $4, served with a delightful ginger sugar sauce. This place has been a staple for 20 years, though they now only open on weekends. The owner, a kind and welcoming Chinese lady, adds a personal touch to the experience.
Located next to Troy's Enterprise, the local fish market.

Vegetarian options: Tofu-fa“

“List of food eaten at Maikai foodcourt
1. Korean restaurant Yummy koreanbbq
I was able to experience the taste of Korean food that I missed during my travels.

2. Steak & Fish Company
I was able to eat steak and shrimp at a good price.

3. Jack in the box
Typical American hamburger taste

Overall, it is decent and good value for money.“

“great ono stuff. love it thete. parking sucks tho“

“Best Roasted Duck in all the islands. Take out to neighbor islands too.“

“I went to Duk Kee for lunch with a coworker on a busy Thursday. We didn't realize it when we decided to order in person.

I had the sea bass with choy sum and a side of rice. My coworker ordered the lunch special. I liked my meal and was able to split it into two lunches. My coworker enjoyed his lunch special.

All in all, I had no issues with my food, my order, or the service. The price was a little costly. The restaurant's interior looked like every other local Chinese restaurant, and nothing special stood out.“

“So I have been going here for years because I love Don Quijote nut this is the first time I have written a review. So I have lived in San Francisco and these guys are definetly the real thing. They have great duck and Char Siu as well as roast pork. I usually get the baked manapua and the pork hash. The baked manapua has a nice soft bun and the filling is great fresh with lots of meat. And the pork hash is great because it has chunks of water chestnut and other delicious veggies mixed in with the pork hash. The service has always been fast and friendly and the decor is well traditional Chinese restaurant .“

“A typical looking traditional dim sum place. I ordered some basic dim sums to go and they were fine, but nothing special. Each dim sum is about $6. It took a little longer than expected to get my small order ready, but it wasn’t bad. Servers were very friendly.

Vegetarian options: Some options were available.

Parking: Park in the adjacent building at a dollar per hour with the first 30 minutes free.“

“The food was amazing and everything we expected after we saw the video on You Tube. The prices and portions are good and filling.“

“Aloha; this spot has been around for years but this was my first time enjoying thier establishment with my family. The service was quiet but instant, food was served the quickest I have ever seen in a Chinese spot. The food was perfect, cake noodles were perfect, Mongolian beef tender, Egg Blossom soup was unreal good and Peking duck was perfectly tender and moist. There are only about 32 seats available but most people do take out. It's super old school look made me feel like it was the 80 again enjoying it with family...I loved it. You have to try it. This is how I remember traditional Chinese food.“

“I like their Hainanese chicken but their pork hash is the best! my friends love the pig ear.“

“I had their minute chicken cake noodle. Probably the best iteration of the dish I’ve had in Hawaii: delicious sauce, tender chicken, and superb quality noodles. However, the prices of their menu seem to change based on the cashier of the day. Kinda sketch.“

“Best Won Ton Pi & Hong Kong Style noodles....great chewy texture. I vacuum seal, freeze and bring back to Japan all the time. Hard to find this kind of wrapper in Japan...they mostly have gyoza wrappers here which is not good for Cantonese Won Ton....it over cooks quick and your left with a soggy blob of Won ton. The cashier/?owner? is All business so you better have your ducks in a row!“

“We called a dim sum to go order right at opening to ensure that we would get all the choices we wanted to feed a small family get together.\n\nAll items were confirmed available and staff reconfirmed items and quantities before I paid and hung up.\n\nAt 10am, our order was all boxed for take away at the cashier area. Staff were friendly and efficient.\n\nWe did not get to eat it immediately but when we finally cracked open all the containers the food was still nice and warm.\n\nBaked char siu bau - Soft and sweet bun with tasty char siu filling.\nHaw gau - plump shrimp dumpling \nSiu mai - Juicy pork and shrimp\nNai Wen Bao - creamy custard bun with crunchy sugar topping\nChive shrimp gok - would've liked a bit more chive inside\n\nDefinitely satisfied the dim sum appetites.“

“Food was delicious. Great service. I got the lunch plate and hubby got dim sum. My plate lunch was a pretty big portion which was great. I saved half of it for dinner. The garlic fish was flavorful and egg plate with tofu was delicious. My go to place for manapua.“

“We had only a few hours to kill in Honolulu and decided to wander around the arts/Chinatown district. Someone in a shop nearby recommended this place. It's pretty awesome! A little low rent of a room but the food and prices are excellent :-). Great Shrimp Look Fan!“

“Asia Manoa Chinese\nOn Tuesday, September 30, just after 14:00, my wife and I entered the restaurant, and only one group of customers came in the restaurant, probably because lunch time had passed, and we over 70 years old can not eat much, so we ordered only one plate of Beef Chow Fun, and we have visited several popular restaurants (Chinatown and others) in the past. I posted it because it was delicious.\nThe other dishes are crisp and delicious, too, the female clerk (maybe?). The owner) has also promised to come back friendly.“

“To be honest, I can say that the Panda Express here is the best in Hawaii.

I even directly thanked the Asian male chef for the taste.
Even though it's Panda Express, it tastes like you're in a Chinese restaurant.
(Panda Express is also a Chinese dish...)
The Asian male chef seemed to be confident in his own skills, which was just right.
There were days when he wasn't around, and the taste was a little disappointing.
I will definitely try to eat there any day this chef is there. I'm definitely a fan lol.

Also, the other staff members are very nice and I am very grateful. The young staff members seem to have not yet experienced the turbulence of life. lol.
Even the middle-aged and older staff members are not dissatisfied.
I feel really good as a customer.

Yeah, I've never met a mean clerk here. I'm not dissatisfied either. It's not even a friendly smile. Definitely not arrogant. It's customer service that doesn't make you feel uncomfortable.
good! That's good!
I think the hospitality industry in Hawaii is of a low standard, but it's different here.
The tourist didn't ask me to wipe the table, nor did he make a disgusted face. (It's scary because most of the employees at restaurants in Hawaii have blank eyes and are in a bad mood.)
I think this is a very comfortable store.

What's even better is that
It's not that crowded here.
Was it a coincidence that the timing was right?
The inside of the shop is large and there are many tables.

It's cheap and delicious!
Speaking of pandas, this is definitely the place! That's what I say.

Panda whose taste changes depending on the chef.
I think this is a higher-class Panda Express that doesn't make you think it's a Panda Express.

Did I say too much?
No, no.
But it's Panda Express.

2024/7“