The name says Jesse's Coffee Shop. But, I will forever and always know it as "Jesse's Bakery, home of the PIANOMO ROLL!!!!!!!!!!!!" You know what that is! You know when you go to TImes or Don Q, and you see that beautiful rolled up baked goodness of butter and sugar, that is the PIANOMO ROLL, YES! This is where they make it. Actually this is the reason why we sought this place out. I didnt realize that this place also sold other things, like hot Filipino foods and other baked goods. Not the greatest location.... It's probably a stop in, grab, and go kind of place, though there was some space to sit. read more

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I came just for this bread! So delicious! Service was quick and friendly. Plenty of parking and the price for each piece was $1.65.. also comes in a box. I was tempted but refrained. read more

Jesse's Coffee Shop - A little piece of heaven ... balintawak! - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

We wanted to try Jesse's again, because there is not much Filipino food restaurant in the area except in Chinatown and one on King Street on the way to Tamashiro Market . Drove there to find out they are no longer serving anyone in the dinning area and was only doing take out orders. So if you are looking for a dine in restaurant Jesse's Coffee Shop no longer have in dining inside and looks like they open up more of a Bakery selling more bakery items. read more

Jesse's Coffee Shop - Entrance - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Came to Jessie's for fresh Balintawak. Private parking lot. They open early so chances of getting a stall are 100%. Super friendly staff constantly moving racks of fresh baked goods out from the kitchen. However, I was too early for Spanish rolls. Bummer. Next time! Ordered Shanghai lumpia and two pieces of fried chicken. I am utterly disappointed by the Shanghai lumpia. One piece was so hard (stale) and another piece was not tasty at all. It had a freezer burn tatse that did not make my tastebuds dance! I'm chalking it up to it is not a very requested item. It also came out from the kitchen very quickly which made me highly suspicious. They were not steamy hot where I needed to leave the bag open in the car so the morsels wouldn't get soggy. Very unhappy purchase. The Balintawak was a hit with the birthday girl. She favors Jessie's Coffee Shop's over all the others. It was still warm when I got to the office, which made it extra special. The fried chicken pieces were juicy and very nice and large! They were perfectly seasoned. I thoroughly enjoyed every bite. Highly recommended if you get the chance to get here around 6am. Lots of prepackaged Filipino pastries for purchase. Pandesal, Balintawak, Pianomo, Hopia, palm leaf cookies, and loaves of sliced sweet bread. The lechon looked so good, but I decided to hold off until the next time. Already ordered fried chicken and lumpia. Like a typical bakery, no inside seating. Purchase your items and inhale them in the privacy of your vehicle! LOL read more

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Love love love their bread and baked goods. My favorite is their balintawak bread. Parking is right out front and they open early at 5am so it's a great place to stop before work. They also serve plate lunch type food but I haven't tried it yet. But I will definitely be back for more of the bread and baked goods!! read more

Jesse's Coffee Shop - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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The original bakery and coffee shop was located in the Mioanalua Shopping Center. This was back in the seventies . At that time, I worked a few door down from them. The pastries Freshly baked and delicious. I was never disappointed at what I bought.. Well, times have changed. Now I come there so my wife can buy bread (Pon De Leche)for her girlfriend. It's a good Filipino bakery, and they also serve a number of popular Filipino dishes. .Enjoy read more

Jesse's Coffee Shop - Pon de Leche - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I haven't been back here since precovid and like most places in Hawaii, Jesse's hasn't gone back to their precovid norm either. Definitely a hole in the wall with the hand written notices and dated bakery cases but a local gem for Filipino baked goods. I come for the pianomo roll and balintawak. I grew up on this stuff and so they are my benchmark and standard that I judge all others against. My family thinks so too. But my how the prices have increased. I paid about $60 for 4 boxes of pianomo rolls and 2 trays of balintawak. I also got to enjoy Jesse's longanisa breakfast. This morning the service was a bit slow but it wasn't like the "auntie" wasn't working with a sense of urgency. She just needed to confirm a few things before proceeding. It's still one of those places that use one register solely for the bakery side and one register for the dining side..very manual in their revenue tracking. Lol so you can see how going back and forth between registers can slow a process down. When I got there on a Saturday around 9am, it seems I missed the early breakfast crown because the lot was pretty empty, there was but one couple in the dining area, and the trash cans were overflowing. I love to longanisa the same why I love all other food when I don't have to cook it. read more

Jesse's Coffee Shop - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Filipino bakery and takeout cuisine in Kalihi, Honolulu, Hawaii... Because it was National Coffee Day (9-29-22), I went to Jesse's Coffee Shop on King Street. The shop is located across from 7-Eleven and shares a free parking lot with other small businesses. To my surprise, there's no dining in anymore at Jesse's. It's basically a takeout place - known for its Filipino food and baked goods. I've seen Jesse's products at local grocery stores such as Times Supermarket. The Pianomo Rolls are soft and moist with buttery layers. This time, I got a pack of hopia - onion flavored variety. My mom and I enjoyed the flakey outer layer and savory - slightly sweet filling. I also had a Pandesol Egg Sandwich for just $1.50! The sweet roll surrounded a scrambled egg with a mayonnaise topping. Simple and just right for a quick snack! The hot entrees looked good! I'd get pinakbet for my mom next time and some pancit for me! Of course, the chicharon would be great for a family dinner! I'll be back! read more

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Jesse's coffee shop is part bakery and part filipino restaurant. If you're looking for that soft loaf of bread or dinner roll (pande sal), come check out the wide selection of baked goods and desserts that Jesse's provide. For your filipino food cravings, just opposite of the baked good, you can take out or dine in. What I like about Jesse's is that each dish has its unique flavor category that doesn't overwhelm your taste buds. The soup dishes can be light and savory (chicken papaya) or light, savory, and tart (shrimp sinigang). Other dishes are well balanced with flavor. Filipino dishes are known to be oily, salty, and heavy, but the filipino foods made at Jesse's are handled by the manang's who know how to control the amount of seasoning and oils to where the food comes out perfect. The following items are what I always get: lechon kawaki (chicharon), fried silet, shrimp sharciado, fried beef with tomato and onions, dinaguan, and rice. Service is good. Interior is showing its age and needs an upgrade, but it's maintained enough to where they can still operate. Restrooms are located inside in the back corner Parking Private lot or street parking Payment Cash or credit read more

Came here on Tuesday around 5:45pm and when we were on our way there, I searched this place on Yelp and saw it's only got three stars. But that didn't hold me back from buying. My SIL said they're pianomo's are delicious. I looked around the store and decided to just try the pianomo's and the spanish bread. 1 box of pianomo came with 6 pieces for $7.49 and 2 spanish bread was $1.45. The lady that cashed us out said all the pianomo's were fresh and were made that day. Finally got in the car, and we tried the spanish bread. Ugh, it was so disappointing!!! It was all bread and maybe like a drop of the stuff that's supposed to be inside. And it was very coconut-y. It doesn't taste like the usual/normal spanish bread. And as for the pianomo, disappointing as well. It was very dry. Even one small bite would make you want a drink. My mom makes better ones and she's not even a professional baker Not sure why it's so expensive as well. I didn't see any price list for their bread. The two stars are for their easy parking, that's about it. I'm sorry! Not a fan. read more

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Our first stop arriving from LA. It was easy to find and parking was available but it is located in a busy plaza. I walked in and the store was empty aside from the staff. We found the pianomo rolls that we came for. The woman that rang us up exchanged the one we got from the shelf for one that was more fresh. It was really nice and she didn't have to. The pianomo rolls were delicious. They were soft, not too sweet and light. It was a good snack before our lunch reservations. They have plenty of other desserts and breaks. They also have hot food. It was a great experience and I will definitely visit again when I am back in town. read more

Pre-ordered a pan pancit to bring to the office. Called and asked for Monday morning 7:30 pick up. She laugh cuz I called on Friday night and she said I call so early. Told her I don't want to forget, and then they have enough notice since pick up breakfast time. Monday morning, I go in at 7:45. NOTHING READY. What?! The little ticket was the only paper on the order spinny thing. No other food was waiting to be cooked. The cook never even know about it! They arguing about something... I reminded them supposed to be ready 15 minutes ago (so stop fighting and start cooking!). Grrr...yes, of course I'll wait 10 minutes for it get cooked. Also picked up some jelly rolls. Got myself a coffee since I had to wait. Coffee $2+ and terrible. Should have gone across the street to 7Eleven instead. Pancit was pretty tasty. Too bad the service ruined it for me. read more

Jesse's Coffee Shop - Small Pan Pancit $55 - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Not the same. Run down and dirtier. Service still same energy. The food also has changed read more

I been coming to Jesse's Bakery for as long as I've lived in Honolulu, most likely I've eaten their pastries from when I was a youngster lol. During covid's first and second lockdowns, seems like I picked up goods almost every other week ;-) Today, I really was craving sugar, something sweet, to satisfy my tastebuds. After having drank so much water and a double round of cardio this afternoon while training at the gym, made my way to Kalihi. Not the most healthiest place to head to, I needed to get my sugar fix ASAP! Ensemada's caught my attention immediately upon entering the front doors! These ensemada's I knew were made early this morning, full of sugar and a whole lot of butter spread on top. They are also much known for thier Pianamo Rolls and they sure had tables and racks full of freshly made ready for sale and delivery.  Full disclosure, I only come here for baked goods, I love my Filipino Food, but am uber picky who cooks it and where I pick it up from. Not sure why dine in is yet closed off to the public when the city has been in Tier 3 for quite some time already. My last concern is I wish Jesse's had other deserts and items so I wouldn't have to go to another Filipino restaurant/bakery. read more

Jesse's Coffee Shop - Fresh Pianamo Rolls - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This place is a hit or miss with food. But I'll always come here for the Pianomo roll, balintawak and pandesal is my go too. They finally allowed for dine in a while ago but I can't seem to get the food smell off me everytime I walk in Service is a hit or miss. Sometimes their nice and sometimes u don't even want to order lol read more

Jesse's has been a while for a long time. Most people know them as a bakery and their well know items like balintawak or pianomo rolls. Little do many know, that they have a restaurant that serves delicious Filipino food. If you buy the pianomo rolls at your local grocery store, try stopping by their restaurant in kalihi because they're freshly made there! I called in my order 30 minutes prior. I would suggest giving them an extra 10-15 minutes before they actually start on your order because I waited 20 minutes extra before my order was done. Other than the extra wait time, I've always enjoyed the taste of their food. Pan it bihon is pretty generous with everything in it. The fried pork is soaked in a shoyu vinegar sauce than fried. The chicharon is so crunchy and good. Whatever they top it with is flavorful! You can have either shrimp and/or pork sari sari. I chose to just have shrimp. And I bought the boneless sinigang for my grandma because she's on the older side and has not cooked Filipino food in almost a decade because she's getting old. None the less, even if it wasn't her recipe she gave that dish a 10! read more

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Went on a Saturday around lunchtime. Wanted to try the fried chicken special. $6.99 (4) chicken thighs, Includes vinegar sauce. Got 2 orders. Fried chicken was really good and crispy. Really liked the vinegar sauce, goes well with the fried chicken. There are some very reasonable specials posted in restaurant. Menu prices are very reasonable. Will need to back to try the Shanghai lumpia. Bakery side has a big selection. Pandesol, rolls, cookies, palm leaf. Take out only during virus. Free parking in private lot. read more

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Among the pride of Filipino dishes can't complain so much selections of pastries all looks good! Been supporting Jessie's for many years been loyal food is always good clean environment and all the ladies in there are all friendly! Aloha !! read more

If you looking for that PIANOMO ROLLS (FILIPINO pastry), them ORIGINAL ONES that come in that White box then this the spot right here Jesse's Coffee Shop in KALIHI also if you want some Hot Fresh PanDeSal this the spot to as well to get it. One thing I love getting here is their HOPIA (FILIPINO pastry) and their BALINTAWAK bread with the red coloring. One of my TWO go to Pastries to get here at Jesse's Coffe shop (bakery). Their also known for their FILIPINO dishes as well. Lots of variety Filipino dishes they serve here at Jesse's coffee shop from *FILIPINO Sausage which is called Longanesa *Fried CELUT which is Fried intestines with that dipping sauce (good for Appetizer or we call it in FILIPINO PU-LU-TAN) *their Fried CHICHIRON is good as well here at Jesse's Coffe Shop. Its a Resturant so you be able to dine-inn if you want they for lots of chairs and tables. (Unfortunately during this time of Social distancing) it's only Take out only. Parking - they have free parking on couple stalls but very limited since it is shared among other stores in the same building area. This Jesse's Coffee ship been around for a very very very long time 20+ years going strong thats a long time . So if your InTown and looking for that Filipino food check out Jesse's In KALIHI. read more

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The star is for the food cos the service here sucked. We rolled up during an extremely non-busy time and ordered some Lechon Kawali, Pancit Bihon, Mungo Beans with Paria, Sari Sari and white rice. We picked up some pastries and what not for breakfast the next morning too. Granted it takes a while to make some of the food we ordered but I guess we didn't look Filipino enough to get good service here since everyone who rolled in after us got greeted with smiles, conversation and all their food before we did because they spoke Tagalog and Ilocano. Doesn't mean I didn't understand every damn word they said. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I'm grateful to my ancestors who had the forethought and wisdom to migrate to Hawaii and fully integrate themselves into the culture to create this amazing family with a solid identity of love, acceptance and inclusivity instead of showing favouritism, prejudice and assumptions which leads to division and exclusivity. We'll stick to Thelma's or Elena's or Julie'z to enjoy and celebrate our heritage read more

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They have the best pianono roll cake and balintawak bread. Gotta get them when they're fresh! Service was good. Little bakery/restaurant.

I usually buy one of my favorite dessert at a supermarket, but a recently notice it was not on the store shelf. I was freaking out and thought maybe the company stop making it and I would be no longer able to eat this awesome dessert. I went to my friends for help and they found the brand name and the bakery where it's made. Searched Yelp and found it at Jesse's Coffee Shop on North School Street. They have long store hours and was able to go there after work. They have a huge selection of bakery items (yummy) and they have hot plate lunch items (yummy). Their located right after the US Post Office in a mini shopping center with plenty of parking. Thank you for making my favorite dessert, I will be back read more

Jesse's Coffee Shop - Pianomo Rolls - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

ZERO! Thought they close at 730PM, drove from waipahu. arrived at 6:30 PM ,the door already closed, the OPEN sign on lights OFF, workers (2 ladies) already cleaning. TEAM Jesse's N. STREET please pay attention "operating hours" on your Website or also you handwritten schedule posted on your door -clearly noted the store closed at 7:30PM not 6:30PM!!! and no one already answering their PHONE during their "provided open hours" closed 1 hour early on SUNDAY night! read more

This bakery is a must-visit on your next vacation to Oahu. They have a variety of Filipino pastries, including the famous Balintawak, Pianomo Rolls, and Pan de Ube. They also serve the most comforting Filipino food. You can tell how much love and care is poured into these dishes when interacting with the kind workers. It's small hole-in-the-wall places like Jesse's that create such a diverse Hawaii. read more

THE PINK BREAD (Balintawak)! THE BEST! I checked in a separate luggage & duffel bag just for this because it's THAT serious in the mainland. Auntie was super sweet & welcoming! Shared her gratitude with us & even gifted us 2 extra bags of bread for the road. Love this place! read more

Aloha; this philipino food is super good. Might be one of the best I have ever had. But I just wish the atmosphere was nicer when you go there. It is defintly old school but now days you have to modernize the place to attract people. But the food is amazing. read more

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I bought fried tilapia today it was bland for some reason smell mud. Its like spoiled fish already. I was so upset. I was craving plus driving a lil bit far. read more

Jesse's Coffee Shop - The fri3d tilapia smell mud and the taste so bland. - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Eaten here since I was a little kid and they are pretty much the same. I usually order the pork adobo or the pork guisantes (pork and peas), but today I ordered Sari Sari, Pinakbet, and the combination of fried pork and fried silit (intestines). Everything tasted really good especially the silit which tasted like a chicharron. It was my firs time eating it. Don't get me wrong, it looked super gross, but after trying it, it's actually pretty tasty like dinaguan (pork and pig blood). Located across the street from 7-Eleven on King St. and Kohou St. The staff are friendly and fast. The food took about 25mins to come out which was a bit long especially when the restaurant wasn't too busy. They also sell a bunch of Filipino baked goods. The parking lot is small and shared with other establishments. read more

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Things have changed since Covid. No in house dining. I enjoyed their chicken paria and fried chicken. Not anymore, the one place I could go to without cooking these dishes. I guess when ever I'm sick and in need of medicinal foods as chicken paria soup. The best fried chicken Zippy's Dillingham. read more

Female Bakery Staff Provided me with excellent service and I'm pleased with my Pastry Balintawak bread

Jesse's Coffee Shop and Restaurant is tucked away at a corner of a small plaza across from 7-Eleven and adjacent to where Loulen's Courte used to be located. Parking is limited. Whenever I think about Jesse's, the terms "old-school" and traditional Filipino food comes to mind--run by the Titas, Nanas, Lolas, and the Tatas. For those who have frequented a mom and pop Filipino food establishment and are also thinking tray warmers, fret not. There were no tray warmers used in sight. Upon entering through the doors with the lighted open sign, you will not be greeted or aknowledged as it is customary to allow on-lookers and guests to gawk at the overhead menu. When ready, you'll need to take the initiative to walk up to the counter, ask for the full menu and possibly a table if you're dining in. Food is cooked to order. I ordered the pork gisantes and chicharon. Whenever trying out a Filipino restaurant, I judge the establishment by their pork guisantes or adobo. White rice is complimentary, just ask for it. Pork gisantes, also known as pork and peas, is a stewed dish in a tomato and pork-fond fortified with red bell pepper, onions, and garnished with green peas. Jesse's pork gisantes, to my disappointment, had chewy (not tender) strips of pork with a pool of risidual oil separating from its sauce. The sauce, when strained of its excess oil, is tasty. Jesse's Chicharon is a deep fried pork belly chopped up and tossed with diced yellow onions, green onion, and tomatoes, I added drops of fish sauce from one of the available condiments on my table. It was crispy, porky, and salty-tomatoey. Pair it with the provided vinegar dipping sauce to counter the richness. Combine it with white rice to subdue the flavor. Service is at a diner level. Water and the food are brought​ to the table. Dishes are bused by the wait staff. The over all experience was pleasantly filling, well lit, and quiet with white noise of dish wear clinking and ilocano between staff personnel. read more

Jesse's Coffee Shop - Pork Gisantes - Bakeries Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I have never tried their food because my dad always cooks homemade Filipino food at home (woohoo!). Anyway, I came here just to buy 2 scoops of side rice ($0.75 per a scoop), the cashier said I need to spend a minimum of $5 to use my debit card so okay I decided to buy their halo halo out of curiosity. Their halo halo has red jello, cantaloupe, palm nuts, coconut jelly, evaporated milk, and ube (not the ube jam but the potato slice kine). In my life I would never say this but THIS WAS THE MOST DISGUSTING HALO HALO I HAVE EVER EATEN IN MY LIFE!!!! I'm not the type who usually rates 1 stars because I believe there is always a reason behind every thing but this was an exception and could have been preventable. The coconut jelly I always loved tasted REALLY SOUR (I think it was spoiled) the milk in the halo halo wasn't sweet at all, the shaved ice was just a huge block of ice in my cup, I prefer if they used the ube halaya instead of just regular ube slices, I dont know but after 2 bites I threw it out so fast because my stomach felt really queasy after eating the coconut jelly. I have worked in several restaurants in the food industry for 4 years and when it comes to handling food we always make sure we label dates on the foods to know when they were used and when it will expire. I noticed this restaurant had a very relaxed atmosphere (as in care free) I don't think they put in the extra effort to double to check their food, I assume. But still, this could of been prevent if they just check their expiration dates because some people have weaker stomachs than others and that's very health concerning. I got lucky and just had to take a dump. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO NOT EAT THEIR HALO HALO YOU MIGHT GET SICK, save your $5.95 for Joliebee's Halo halo (muuuuuuch more tasty and sweet) read more

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Let's start off with customer service, it is really horrible. We waited 10 minutes for a waitress to come and take our order and there were only two other parties in the coffee shop. The tables were sticky and dirty looking and the dishes they use wasn't washed good. I found a piece of hard stuck rice on my fork! The food was okay, but it was sloppy and didn't seem to have been made with "love". It's so hard to find good Filipino food in town, that it's better to cook it yourself. On the plus side, the balintawak was fresh and I only asked for one, but the lady gave me two. I'll probably be back just for the baked goods. read more

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FYI they stop serving breakfast at 10am. I'd been craving the vinegar longganisa and torta and came this morning to order the Any Combo Breakfast-Longganisa & Torta Eggplant (with the finals and fried rice) but was sad to find out they stop serving breakfast at 10am. I don't recall seeing that on any of the menu pages (got to the restaurant at 10:30). Ended up ordering Pancit (asked for Combination Pancit & Bihon but they were out of Bihon) and side order 2 pcs longganisa which was $2/pc. read more

03.16.18 After movie night at Dole Theaters, trying to figure where and what to eat. LOL!! There was nothing else but to go for our heritage cuisine. No more of Max's or Gerry's, just home style cooked meals we can look forward too. As usual the same deliciouso!!! The Aunties and Nanas are always so nice and we look forward to their hospitality of kindness, Mabuhay!! Cravings galore for squid guisado and pork balatoong. There was no other place but here and I think Elena's that is makes this. It'll be as close as how my mom makes it at home. Usually it's never busy during our end of the day or pau work time. Service was slow but lots of phone orders and at the bakery area was at work with tall racks and trays of fresh pastries :) food will always be good cause it hits home and in the tummy lol! We got to take out for home hopia onion and a ube flavor. I for my ube bun!! Yasss! read more

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I give Jesse's a solid three stars just because they're the only Filipino place open kind of late lol The establishment itself looks really dirty inside and they run out of stuff fast. Like twice they were out of lumpia. I've been here twice. read more

Mabuhay my friends!!! This past Friday I was helping one of my friends change oil in his car, and after finishing up the task, my friend wanted to treat me for lunch. My friend was open for anything, so I told him I was craving some Filipino food, so I searched on Yelp for a Filipino joint in town.. Originally we were gonna go to M & N Fast Food Restaurant for Filipino food, but the little hole in the wall restaurant was closed the day after Thanksgiving. So that's how we ended up at Jesse's Coffee Shop & Restaurant............. Upon entering Jesse's Coffee Shop & Restaurant, we were greeted right away. The restaurant is rather large, and there is available parking in the private parking lot. At this restaurant, you order your food at the counter, and then you go & find an open table to sit down. When your food is ready, someone will bring out the food to your table, so I will say it's not full table service over here. Besides selling local style Filipino food here, Jesse's is also known for their delicious Filipino bakery goods. Sometimes I see some of their baked goods - (like the Balin-tawak, Pianomo Rolls, Sweet Bread, Pan De Coco, Pan De Leche) sold at our local supermarkets out here in the da 808! Upon scanning the wall menu, we decided on the Pork Pinakbet ($9.50), & Chicken Adobo ($9.50). All food here is served family style, and you get a large bowl of rice with your meal. What can I say about da Grindages? The Grindz was ono cuz!!! Winnah's! The only reason I took away a star was the long wait to get our food. Although the wait was long, it was well worth it, as the food came out Hot & Fresh! The Chicken Adobo was soft & the chicken meat was coming off the bone good! It's one of my favorite Filipino dishes! As for the Pork Pinakbet, it was delicious too! It was loaded with various vegetables like - bitter melon, long beans, egg plant, onions, tomatoes, ginger, okra, squash, & plump pork belly. Overall a very enjoyable meal! I would gladly come back here to eat again, provided I'm not in a rush to go anywhere. Hungry for Filipino food? Give Jesse's a try...........they also sell Custard Pie here too! Lol! :D read more

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I have been going to Jesse's for authentic Filipino food since I was born and my mom would only order from here if she didn't want to cook Filipino food on her own. After being away from the state for close to 9 years and not having ANY Filipino restaurants around, it's so exciting to have Jesse's a short drive away again! Nothing has really changed in terms of the restaurant and the feel (dingy hole in the wall family restaurant) and prices are relatively cheap ($7-$10/dish) The only item on the menu that tastes different is the Pork Sari Sari. The last two times I ordered it, it lacked flavor. The dish definitely needed more salt, perhaps they were trying to cut down on sodium and deviate from the unhealthy Filipino food norm but it's not as good. My favorite dishes here are still right on and they include Pork Guisantes, Pork Lechon, Pork Adobo, Shrimp Sarciado and Pork Balatong. They also still serve up the BEST Balintawak, Pianomo Rolls (yup I can eat the entire box by myself in one sitting and no I don't ever share!), Banana Lumpia and Halo Halo's. Service can be slow, especially during dinner time so I always do take out. It's also faster to call your order in, otherwise you can wait forever for the overwhelmed counter women that also act as the servers to even take your order. Parking can also get kind of tricky as its shared with the rest of the small plaza (total of like 15 spaces) and don't park on the Kapalama canal side after dark as there are a lot of sketchy homeless ppl living there! Wow after rereading this it's amazing I didn't weigh 200 pounds as a kid! read more

Jesse's has the best pan de sal on the island (or at least in Kalihi). Decently sized, nicely brown outside, soft/fluffy inside. There's usually freshly baked pan de sal on Saturdays around 7:30 am. Balintawak is good, popular too. read more

This place gets 3 mainly since this seems to be the only Filipino restaurant that serves fried silit on O'ahu. The other dishes ordered were comparable but I personally enjoy Thelma's food and service. Sadly Thelma's stopped serving fried silit over a year ago and I've been on a journey to find this dish on O'ahu. The service comprised the staff bringing the food to the table only after we stood in line to place our order. No one greeted us when we entered nor did they say thank you or even bye when we left. And no one refilled our waters or checked on our table once the food was delivered. The restaurant is very humid with only 1 fan that can't quite circulate the entire restaurant but that is understandable in Hawaii's hot humid summers. What is not to be expected of a restaurant is dirtiness, unfriendly staff, and lack of service. I'll leave it at that but I wasn't too pleased but whatever... I've found a restaurant that serves fried silit. Couldn't post my video of my fried silit but here's some other dishes that I ordered. read more

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