It's a small Lao store located in China town, close to maunakea marketplace. It was my 2nd time…read morecoming by. The prices they have in this store is cheaper than I've seen in DonQ. They also have a small fridge filled with homemade Laos items like fermented pork sausage, jeow bong, etc. The workers are so friendly here, easily making conversation with us and the regulars here. Worth stopping by!

LOVE this store! I love Thai/Lao food and it's so hard these days to find a restaurant that you can…read morejust buy from so instead..I try to make them IF I can find the ingredients. I've been here a few times and each time I come in , the aunty behind the register and the other aunty who hangs out there (not sure if she just hangs out there or works there) but those 2 have ALWAYS been so helpful in finding and suggesting ingredients that I need. If they didn't have it, they always had another place in mind where I might find it. Once I was looking for fresh wide noodles to make Pad Kee Maw ..they didn't have but they suggested the restaurant on the corner had! They assured they sold the noodles plain in plastic bags..and yes, the restaurant sold the noodles! Cheap too! Today's visit I walked in and told them I going to make Tripe Laab.. the aunty behind the register pointed it out and the other aunty told me to follow her ..not only did they show me, but explained what it does and other alternatives that were available just in case the more specific ones weren't available. There was another customer in there at the same time..I'm assuming she was a regular ..she looked at what I put down on the counter ..started talking in Thai to the worker....she then turned and looked at me and already knew what I was going to make .. she ended up telling me to put back when I got and instead told me to follow her and showed me the "homemade better version" of what I first got.. I was so impressed at the help even by a random person who didn't even work there! I'm definately looking forward to making Tripe Laab this long weekend. Fur future Thai/Lao dishes, I will definately be coming back here for the items I need. A must store for Thai/Lao and SE Asian ingredients!

The side kick…read more.. Banchan has been the item that I've always looked forward to whenever I order a plate and never really knew that it had a name and as everyone has their favorite so did I and there are a few places that you can find some yummy banchan I had no idea about Hawaii Banchan Company but know that Elite Peter Y had gotten some snacks from there that I enjoyed and knew that I had to give them a visit one day...where!? You can find them right on Kapiolani though you can barely seem them from the street view as it's not the prominent located spot as they're located right below The Republik right beside the ramp where you can find several parking stalls it shares with other tenants. Open daily except Sunday I love how clean and spacious the shop is where each item is labeled along with price so you know without picking up the item to search makes browsing very easy with items like drinks, snacks both savory and sweet and of course display case filled with various banchan. Love the convenience of this location and now know that I can now find some of the unique items they carry and though I didn't walk away with banchan on this day know that my cravings will certainly bring me back. Thank you!

A lot of interesting Korean groceries here. And except for the hot food in styrofoam trays,…read moreeverything is imported from Korea! I got to try some real Korean kimchi. It's sour with good umami flavor. I'm not a real Korean so I prefer kimchi that is a bit more fresh and not as aged, but I can see how some would like it. I also tried their japchae made in house. Not bad, but definitely not the best I've had, not enough sesame oil for my taste. They also have the popular fried strawberries snacks for sale. I also got a frozen musubi and some abalone congee to try. (The congee is really tasty!) There's also the famous fancy hotel kimchi for sale here if that's what you're into. All the products look interesting!

I've enjoyed going to 1-2 Buy since they were in their old, warehouse-like location. Now they're in…read morea shiny new space that is more like a normal store with shelves. I always come here "just to look," but end up with a gigantic, branded reusable bag filled to the brim with imported Asian snacks. Many Chinese products, but also Korean, Japanese, Thai, etc. Snacks range from exotic chip flavors to candies and sodas. Further back you'll find more substantial instant noodle meals. The Chinese ones are actually great and are way more complex ingredients-wise than your standard instant noodle. Also in the back are Chinese cooking ingredients such as sauces and dry goods, but my favorite is the super thick, wide glass noodles that I use for hot pot. There's also a small section with Asian toiletry products that I've personally never tried. I must say it feels like there is less variety of items since they moved locations. Some snacks are repeated in different spots on the shelves to make it look like there's more variety. My favorite latiao that I used to get at their old location is no longer available. :( I'll keep coming back regularly because they're always getting new items in stock.

I've been to both locations. The Ala Moana one, it's a hit and miss for me. A few times I went,…read morethey were closed with a wait sign - will be back in 10 mins. Then the other time I went and the store was supposed to be open and no one was there yet. Because all these snacks come in internationally, the goods need to go through customs. So if you go in on the day when they just received shipment, bingo! You're lucky to find a lot of good things (I think). I haven't had any of those days. It's a pretty clean and big store. You can find a lot of foreign type of snacks. Chips, cookies and candies. I'm not a big risk taker at trying to eat something i don't know, but all the seaweed chips are delish!

Great products, unique products and the rice! High quality rice. If you say there's no difference,…read moreyou are mistaken. There is a difference. Picked up some dashi, Wafu steak sauce, rice, Onolab vegan kimchee, and some konbu mix for my miso soup! Staff is friendly and helpful. Did I mention the store is so Kawai!

Short grain lovers and those looking to add brown rice to their white rice. This place is it! If…read moreyour one for fresh milled flour then why not get fresh milled rice! The rice is amazing. They offer 2lbs to try and if you like it you can get larger sizes. The rice is different. I find there's a little learning curve when cooking their rice but once you get it it's amazing! It's worth it!

Mercado de la Raza is the only store I know of in Honolulu that stocks and sells an abundance of…read moreproducts from around Latin America. In the spring, a friend from Brazil needed some snacks for an event at UH Manoa, so we went to Mercado de la Raza where he found what he was looking for. And in October, a friend wanted to make some Peruvian food, so we went to Mercado de la Raza. For those looking, they stock both fresh and frozen yucca. Mercado de la Raza is a small shop on Beretania across from Times. Just street parking is available, which can be tough. I've only received great service this year from the workers who have been very friendly with kind greetings, helpful service, and smiles. I think there must be new ownership because when I visited maybe 15 years ago, the owner was kind of snippy, lol. During the government shutdown in November, Mercado de la Raza gave out bags of free food to anyone who needed assistance. I am happy to support a small business that supports the community!

Fantastic store for spices, chilies and more! Plus you get more for your money here too. Very good…read moreprices. I was surprised. Great little market but with plenty of those harder to find specialty ingredients. Also the service here is excellent! Very helpful and knowledgeable about ideas for ingredient substitutions and they helped me with a smile. I will definitely be coming back and recommending this store to others.

A small convenience store that sells Asian goods and daily food specials. Call in for specials…read more No air conditioning here or tables. Just take out. It's pretty dark inside. A variety of unique drinks such as a zero sugar watermelon and strawberry flavored sparkling seltzer water. Thanks Donna O.! Interesting items you won't find in a Safeway. Similar to 1-2 Buy, but on a much smaller scale. Service was 4/5 stars. Nice lady said she will contact me when the ginger plum candy comes into the store! Free parking is limited here. Careful as you enter and exit the parking lot. Big dip. Prices appear reasonable here. Check expiration dates before buying. Ambiance: 2/5 stars. Food: Drinks were refreshing and hydrating. 4/5 stars

Shopping in Kalihi, Honolulu, Hawaii…read more.. Donna O. raved about Provinces Snacks on School Street. I read her review and knew that the shop had some free parking spaces next to the snack/convenience store. One thing that could be improved in the shop is the air-conditioning... I think there was none. Service was very pleasant! The cashier knew Donna when I mentioned her name. Shop keepers usually want to know how you found out about them. Merchandise was plentiful and had much variety. Basic groceries, cookies, candies, chips, etc. were neatly arranged on the shelves. Sanrio character plushies, keychains, and other items were either by the cashier or behind her. I looked at the Sale Items and got the Roasted garlic-flavored peanuts. They were good, but didn't have much garlic essence. LOL! I'll return and try something else like Spiced Braised Beef Flavor Lay's potato chips!

Absolutely loved the chicken katsu omakase at J Shop. The whole experience felt thoughtful,…read moreelevated, and still comforting in that way only really great Japanese-inspired food can be. The chicken katsu was the star -- perfectly crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, and seasoned just right. What made it even better was the omakase presentation, where each course felt intentional and paced well, making the meal feel special from start to finish. Everything came together beautifully with great flavor, texture, and attention to detail. Service was friendly and the overall vibe made it feel like a fun, memorable dining experience rather than just another meal. Definitely a place I'd return to and recommend to anyone who appreciates a creative take on katsu done really well.

This place is more 3.5 for me. It was on the high end for cost. The fish is good 5 stars for…read moretaste but you don't get much for omakase sashimi. The Miyazaki butter fish was average to me because it was way too salty. More salt than miso flavor. The assorted tempura was 5 stars it was yummy yum yum. See my photos they have during the day chirashi bowl I think it is a good value. They had byob so most people like to save some money. I won't come back for dinner but mane for the bowls during the day. I would give it three stars as average but sashimi is goods. The butterfish was super salty, it made me think they had it marinade for a long time

Marukai is that spot where you can find products from Japan that aren't mainstream, but are…read moreabsolutely delicious. I enjoy the seafood and the meats are absolutely prime cuts. I haven't tried their hot and ready foods, but the foods that we get to cook with are top notch in quality and value. Hubs is one of those guys who will drive the cart and add what he sees and wants to try, so when I just need one or two things, I leave him home. What can I say, sometimes willy nilly shopping can get expensive! The staff are all friendly and helpful and they have spotlighted areas in Japan which rotate regularly. If you want to know what area they are spotlighting, I suggest getting on the digital mailer so you can see the sales and specials. If you are a fan of wagyu and kurobota pork, this is your spot. When I make sweet and sour spare ribs, this is the only place that I can find the ribs cut long way (makes for more meat and easier eating). If you are a fan of hot pot, they have soups ready to go. They also have veggies and noodles premade and all the cuts of meat for that shabu shabu experience. The construction on the rail makes the entrance a little tricky depending on what side of the island you are coming from, just know there is a back entrance behind the gas station.

This store has a lot of products, food, and drinks to choose from. So much great food and…read moredrinks...my goodness! The hot foods and cold foods like the sushi...amazing! I really enjoy the hot food line they have. Everyday there's different dishes they have you can purchase for plate lunches. The store is pretty clean. The only thing is that the store needs to have the floor fixed and redone. The floor has cracks all over the store. Plus the floors are uneven. If you leave your shopping cart unattended, you may see your cart rolling off in different directions due to the uneven floor. The staff is friendly and helpful.

Always come here for their 10lb snow crab legs. Workers are approachable and friendly. Great…read morecustomer service! Prices are reasonable. Only downside is the parking, it can get crowded and difficult to find.

Richard's Meat Market is a wholesale store but they do open for Retail Sales. Their prices are…read morecheaper than at the stores or in Chinatown. Only thing is nowadays there's the road work for the rail in the area so it could be quite crazy getting there. They used to Open on Saturdays b4 Covid but no Saturdays now.

Great Market! Really love the vibes and all the different things they have there. If you're going…read moreto Chinatown for something, you'll probably find it here. Friendly service!

This is the shop we go to every time we're in Chinatown. We're always on the hunt for the…read moreVietnamese mungbean dessert, Che Dau, and they always do it the best. There's hardly any prices written on the items so you have to ask, but I think our dessert is $2.50-$3 and is always a much better deal than other places in Chinatown. They also have vegetables, quick grab & go items, packaged foods, etc.