I was in the area driving to Whitmore VIllage to rescue a baby bird, and looked for a nearby place to pick up food, and my husband told me Merlinda's Kitchen is only a few blocks aways away from where I was to pick up the bird. As I looked for it on google maps, it's a hole in the wall on the main road, right behind the gas pumps. Although it looked barren and sketchy, inside was a local lady taking orders. After I selected and paid for my food, a line of local construction men started. That's when you know the place is pretty good. Although the place looks run down, they sell your basic Filipino hot foods. Since I didn't get to read the reviews on yelp, I didn't get the roast pork, and I got the 3 choice plate lunch (Laing, pigs feet soup and bitter melon) and a container of the pinakbet. The Laing (taro leaves with coconut and pork) was a little spicy, but really good, better than some other restaurants. The rest of the food was average, and the prices were very reasonable. Noodles to replace rice in the plate lunch is a dollar extra. Service is slow because only one person cashiering and preparing the orders, but that is how it is in the countryside mom and pop stores, so no be in a rush when ordering here. She was very courteous. If I'm in the area again, I'd buy from here again. I don't think there was anywhere to sit, but mostly everyone bought to take out anyway. read more

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Aunty always busy chopping the lechon! But, be patient cause the line long sometimes. Otherwise, the chocolate meat is the bomb and the pork adobo. Wish they open up the tables again but it's ok just buy all and take them home with some cascaron! read more

Authentic, friendly, fast, and fresh. Nice local spot for quick plate lunch. Good prices and huge selection. Support this local business. Aloha! read more

Merlina's Kitchen - Filipino Near Me - Wahiawa, Hawaii

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You can never go wrong with roast pork, shanghai lumpia and turon! The roast pork was crunchy and juicy, but it's a hit or miss on some days. read more

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Best place to get your real Filipino food super good price and fair portions always loved coming here always tell people about how good there food is so authentic. read more

Merlina's Kitchen - Filipino Near Me - Wahiawa, Hawaii

One of my most anticipated places to eat authentic Filipino cuisine after seeing many posts on a FB food forum, so my brother and I made the trek to Whitmore Village on Friday, April 8th. Having worked for the State, and traveling to so many places around the island, I was familiar with the location of Merlina's but never ever chose to eat there ... it's located in the one and only commercial lot in all of Whitmore, along with the Aloha Mart and Gas on the main drag. I was deciding on the choices of items based on the feedback on that FB food forum, and we got there just a little after 10:30am to avoid the Friday lunch crowd (just guessing, as again ... never been there). The night before, I was all set to get the lechon special along with beef stew, and the other plate to be the lechon special with pinakbet. First impression was the place looks like a throwback to a desolate walk-in diner located far off in a deserted area of town, or something from the 1960s/1970s with its front dual swinging wooden doors. Line forms to the left and moves to the right end, there were a few tables to eat while there. I scanned a quick glance at the foods and saw much of the items with sauces or soups had congealed on the top side --- meaning to me, no one has chosen it yet (well, it was just after 10:30am, or that it was cooked earlier in the morning and has been warming all that time as lunch time came. I saw the beef stew section and saw no veggies but thought maybe it's under all that sauce, and the pinakbet looked not too all appealing (not gonna lie) and watery (there's different variations to be honest). Good thing we came early, as I got personalized help from the nice and friendly and honest local Filipino female worker (cuz, just as we left, it was like a line of customers came into the place just within seconds of each other). Told her this was our first time here, and so I talked about our starch options, as to what does the plate come with (white rice is the default item), so I asked how much is it if I were to get 1/2 rice and 1/2 pancit? She said yes, it is a little upcharge for that option, but that she "hasn't charged anyone extra cost in a while". I immediately said to myself (sign me up!), I'll take the half/half. She was very generous with the pancit portion ! They serve the 'pancit bihon' variety with the thin glass noodles and veggies (no meat). Told her that that I was getting two plates, both with lechon. Once I said that she went back to the beginning of the counter as there was where the large lechon portions were located. She took a slab and walked past the swinging doors to the kitchen to chop the lechon into small bite sizes and then returned. She proceeded to fill my first plate with the beef stew (which I could see had no veggies--- looked like two small overcooked bell pepper pieces. On the next plate, she filled the plate with the pinakbet. Now as it was time to pay as we got to the cash register, I asked her where are the onions/tomatoes and sauces? She said the patis, shoyu and vinegar were free (they came in separate individual plastic containers), but the onions/tomatoes cost $2.00 extra. Well, being that I wanted to eat it as a lechon special, I needed that onion/tomatoes mix. I paid with plastic, and received a register receipt (old school) with no break-down of charges - not until I got home and really looked at the receipt that my cost looked to be more than what the posted items were --- so I'm thinking she *did* charge me extra for the half/half starch combo. I've only had lechon special with the sauce already mixed (when I last ate at a Filipino restaurant/Thelma's in Waipahu) back in 2011, and loved the sauce combination. Now as a novice (even though I am first generation Filipino), I was to make my own mixture of the vinegar (likely cane vinegar), patis, and shoyu (which contained oil - olive? vegetable? I dunno). The onions/tomatoes were worth the $2 as it was like in a 4-6 oz container (like what they would serve poke portions in) and fresh. Sorry to say, I couldn't get the flavor of the sauce to my liking --- my wish *they should have it already prepared/mixed* so no one screws up on the taste --- just sayin.... As for the beef stew portion, visually disappointed because really I just got all meat (I know, you'd be asking why I was disappointed?) Well, it's called Beef Stew, NOT Stewed Meat --- again, there was only two small pieces of bell pepper, but the meat was nice and tender. The taste of the meats were *organic*, meaning like there was hardly any thing to 'mask' its taste, such as adding beef bouillon, bay leaves, lots of pepper. Tasted like fresh meat slowly cooked with not much ingredients. Though cooked in a tomato sauce base, the meat flavor shone through --- I want beef stew with carrots and potatoes --- nevah had any of that :-( . Pinakbet tasted better than the stew. Ran out of writing room! read more

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First time coming here but a friend bought me a few plates before. I enjoyed the food I got a 2 choice plate.i think the best thing was the lumpia. So crunchy!! I would drive there just for that. read more

foods good but seems like the chicken Adobe was a bit dry. not sure if it's just today but got chicken Adobe and DRY.. the pork Adobe and beef stew was good though. read more

Great food, good customer service. This tucked away eatery is on the main road in Whitmore. The only place, heading to North Shore that has authentic Filipino food. read more

About the only saving Grace about this place is the lumpia they make. That's why they get two stars and not one. Other than that they need a lot of work. Especially with their customer service. The silet you can find better and the rest of the dishes didn't look appeasing to the eye. Not that Filipino food isn't appeasing to the eye it's just that the food didn't look attractive enough for us to order anything when I took my dad there. You can find better but if your in Wahiawa you may have to drive a lot further away to get it. read more

Merlina's Kitchen - There was one lady working and we waited almost 5 minutes to get served. So we walked out. - Filipino Near Me - Wahiawa, Hawaii

I honestly like to write good reviews. I don't enjoy writing poor reviews, and sometimes not saying anything is better than leaving a bad review. But this is more ... a word to the wise. My dad unexpectedly passed away in June. He was a regular here at Merlina's, located in Whitmore - his first Hawai'i hometown. So naturally I went there to order the small snack we would offer those who came on the day of the funeral. I ordered 200pc of Patupat which is sweetish-salty sticky rice wrapped and steamed in cone shaped banana leaf - one of my dad's favorites, that also happens to be already individually wrapped to meet Covid guidelines. Merlina's opens at 10am. The burial was scheduled for 10am. I asked specifically if we could pick it up earlier. They agreed that 9am would be the earliest they could have it done and I had it in writing on the receipt. I paid for half the order and said I would pay the rest on pick up. **note here: this is a good practice when ordering large quantities of anything food stuff** My sister in law arrived at Merlina's at 845 and of course they were closed. She knocked and kept knocking. She called them. She called me. I called also. By now it's 915am. No answer. I told her to leave it, we were running out of time. Merlina's called me at 1057am to say my order was ready. Two hours after I needed it! The burial was DONE by then - no second chance, no do-over, no tomorrow. And we had nothing to share with our friends and family. I told them I wouldn't need it anymore because it was too late and I would be coming by for my refund. Upon getting there, they tried to tell me that it was ready at 9am and no one came to pick it up. Why did you wait 2 hours to call me then? If it were MY business, I'd have called at 915 to ensure this customer could have what they trusted me to provide, when they needed it. The clerk then said that no one will answer the phone before opening hours, as if that would help their case. I said that's not my problem if that's how they run their business. They agreed, one week beforehand, to have this 'special order' ready before their normal open time and she, same said clerk, was the one who put that in writing. In the end, I agreed to take only half the order, which was what I already paid for. Small businesses are struggling in this Covid crisis, but better decision making is imperative for survival. We agreed it was fair to not lose out on both ends. By then, it was 1pm and oh, the patupat is Still warm?? I doubt it was ready at 9am. It's water under the bridge now. But be aware folks, call and confirm ahead of time. #lessonLearned. read more

Merlina's Kitchen - Filipino Near Me - Wahiawa, Hawaii

After scrolling thru yelp where is the nearest Filipino restaurant from Schofield area, I decided to come and try this place for the very first time. It is located near the residential area in Wahiawa, and also closer to HMR. It got a very limited parking stalls right in front of the restaurant. When I came, there was only one customer in line, which was perfect since I was in a rush. I took a quick glance at their menu, and have decided to order their Pancit bihon, pinakbet, and chicken adobo. It was an ok order for the that day and time, nothing very especial. Their pancit did not have the x factor taste. Their pinakbet was cooked the way I normally prefer where the vegetables were well cooked, but lacked the Ilocano authenticity. I believe it's the Tagalog version of pinakbet. Their chicken adobo was boneless and it lacked the original Adobo flavors. I do believe that when cooking Adobo, bone in is more flavorful regardless of meat, most especially chicken. Nevertheless, the staff was nice, the service was quick, and the place was clean. Tips: they do to go only, dine in is still close. And they do accept major cards as form of payment. read more

Merlina's Kitchen - Pancit, chicken adobo, and pinakbet - Filipino Near Me - Wahiawa, Hawaii

My spouse is Filipino and takes me here when he doesn't wanna cook! This place is perfect!!

Le Chon Body Move Thru the Music I know a place its called the WhitMore and Lechon is what you're looking for! Hey Hey! Located just north of Wahiawa, in Whitmore Village lays this Hole in the Wall Eatery. This place has one of the best pancits on the whole island as it is very flavorful, has bits of lechon in it, super cheap $3, and the portion is big enough for 2 or 3 hangry peeps! Dont expect to have that nice of a dining experience here though, its better to take out since the sketchometer makes its first appearance in this series! SKETCH AF METER: 8 (Day) 7 (Night) Wait how the heck can it be sketchier here more during the day at night? The area is not too sketchy but there are random people hanging around the proximity of this place during the daytime in a "roll your windows up and lock the doors" kinda way. They suspiciously seem to despawn at night though lol. ORDER: 1/2 lb Lechon chopped $6 SNAP CRACKLE CRUNCHOMETER: (7/10) Crunch and Crisp detected here! Its seasoned right, and the rough chop gives you some nice big pieces and some little ones as well for you nibblers. JUICYNESS: (7/10) Its got the right amount of fat in it and the meat is moist and soft enough. Your lips will and should get oily in a good way. AROMATICS: (7/10) No tomatoes or onions included but its almost like its not needed here. The porks natural flavors just seem to shine with every bite and the skin isnt funky tasting or oil dirty like spme of those other places. VALUE: (8/10) They allow the 1/2 lb purchase here and its a wonderfully executed piece of Lechon. OVERALL RATING AND RANK: (7/10) Usuually you get very good food but its pricey or a great value deal on food, but its only okay. With Merlinas, you get the best of both worlds in where its cheap AND very good AND they give you plenty! read more

Merlina's Kitchen - Merlinas 1/2 rough chop Lechon 7/10 Rank 6th of 20 - Filipino Near Me - Wahiawa, Hawaii

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Love their Lumpia very crunchy! Love it!! Will be back very friendly service and their pansit noodles sooooo Ono!!

Awesome lechon gotta get the side onions with tomatoes everything good love this place

crispy roast pork is on point!! loved all the tasty desserts items. price is very reasonable. A must try!!

Great food, not greasy like most Filipino food I've eaten. The cascaron is bomb! Just sayin

After taking one step into Merlina's Kitchen in Whitmore Village, I knew I was in the right place for Filipino Fare. If you haven't been to Whitmore Village, it's like going back into time. You gotta love the old school feel and nostalgia that Whitmore Village is all about. It's definitely country without a doubt. There were times I was a little hesitant to get out of my car because of the sketchy looking people that hang around Merlina's Kitchen, but after patronizing this place more than once it doesn't bother me anymore. They are actually real mellow and to themselves. At Merlina's Kitchen they pride themselves on their Roast Pork or Lechon or Chicharon or whatever you feel comfortable calling it. I call it Chicharon because that's what I grew up calling it. And i gave to say that the Chicharon is the draw here. I've never had a bad order of Chicharon yet here at Merlina's Kitchen. Skin was always Crunchy and never dried out. Keep in mind this ain't the type of Chicharon that is tossed in tomatoes and onions with a special sauce. This is just freshly chopped Chicharon that is prepared in the back when ordering it. Whenever I come here at Merlina's, I always get a two or three choice plate. The ladies that man the front are actually very friendly and accommodating. Prices here at Merlina's are very reasonable if you ask me. And for me I am a creature of habit when it comes to eating certain types of Filipino Dishes and Chicharon is a definite must order for me at Merlina's. And my second choice, you'll might laugh but the Beef Stew here at Merlina's is one of the Best I have ever had. I'm gonna say that nobody makes Beef Stew better than my late father but at Merlina's it comes a very close second and I love Savory Beef Stew and they do it just right . But the only gripe I have with ordering the Beef Stew here is that the Beef can so inconsistent. There were times the Beef Stew was outstanding and there were other times the Beef has just way too much fat on it . I wish they could be more consistent on it because I could eat this every single day when it's on point. Also the Pinakbet and Pinapaitan are really good here as well. And the Pancit is also highly recommended as well. Now there are also some negatives here at Merlina's as well. The Pork Adobo and Chicken Adobo here are major disappointments. I really can't understand why they call it Adobo because it's nowhere close to tasting like Adobo if you ask me. Also the Shanghai Lumpia here was another dud here. The filling for the Shanghai Lumpia was so dry it was so hard to swallow. If you have a fishbone stuck in your throat, then eating one of these Shanghai Lumpia's will do the trick. My go to order here at Merlina's Kitchen is the Two Choice Plate with Chicharon and Beef Stew with Half Rice and Half Pancit. There is a little up charge for the Half Rice Half Pancit but it's so worth it. And they don't skimp either. They really load up your plate and for all of this it comes out to just under 11 dollars which makes me very happy. Also ask for Vinegar and Patis on the side to dip your Chicharon in. Mix the two sauces together and you have the perfect compliment for Chicharon. I'm just so happy that they have places like this still around. Merlina's Kitchen is always a destination for me for amazing Chicharon and Beef Stew. Oh and don't forget the Pancit too. read more

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We went late in the afternoon so not that much food. The food was good but not great for the hype. It didn't really capture the filipino taste that i was hoping for. We asked what was in a certain dish, which the server was not able to answer. read more

***** 5 stars for the price! OMG! OMG-goodness! Where can you get a (small box) of bihon for 2.00? 3 shanghai lumpia for 1.00? & lots of other filipino choices for such a reasonable price? @@@ Merlina's Kitchen located in Wahiawa. Only thing its far for us townies- The drive in, is long! but its worth it once you get there- & its kind of in a very ghetto- boony ( ? spelling) place. but do not judge a book by its cover. Every time I am on this side of the islands, I alway make sure I stop here. ( for take out) I always get the bihon, lechon, lumpia, ( banana & shanghai) and dinaguan. ( spelling?) Oh, the lechon is so good when my mom makes her version of pinakbet. **when my friend who lives down the street from this place - ( LUCKY!!) I try to have him pick up my order, when he heads to town. ( Im so desperate- anything for filipino OMG-goodness!!) Planning a trip out there this Sunday, after the Superbowl- :0) Go Denver Broncos!! read more

Growing up in whitmore, My family and I loved coming here for their tasty Filipino dishes. When I was young growing up I remember walking, riding bike, and getting off the school having me and my friends all eat here with their one scoop rice and tasty pork and peas gravy soup for $0.75 or was it $0.25. :) Times and prices of course changed but their flavors of everything haven't. Now being an adult, having my own family, we definitely still go here. We will continue to support and eat their delicious Filipino goodies. :D read more

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I am a supporter of local businesses. I try as much as I can, especially when the local business is in my hometown. I've been running errands and craving lechon all day today. One of the places I went to was Seafood City in Waipahu to get some things, but held out from getting the lechon until I got home to get it from Merlina's. I just wanted 1 pound - unchopped and the employee said that they have to chop it if it's only 1 pound. ???!!! Has anyone heard of this at ANY establishment? And nowhere was that posted. It's not like their lechon is cheaper. They tend to chop the lechon in big chunks. I like mine thin and not messy, with the skin not on the meat. That's why I like to chop it myself. If that's a hard rule, then it needs to be posted somewhere. I'm just so irritated, cuz my craving has been left to be unsatisfied. I should've gotten it at Seafood City. Not going back there ever again. If i could rate NO STARS I would. They just lost my business. read more

Food is meh...Bad customer service so I won't go back. Used to go there regularly until the last time I went there I noticed that when the lady was preparing my to go food she was picking the most smallest pieces of meat for my order. In the middle of helping me someone walked in and she stopped helping me and helped that person. She lost a customer that day. Too bad she is less than 5 minutes from my house but I won't go there ever again. Customer service is lacking!!!! read more

What can I say but... cascaron by the Pan-full! Yum! My coworkers love when I stop by Merlina's to get chicharone, fried sillet, and yes! Cascaron! read more

Merlina's Kitchen - Filipino Near Me - Wahiawa, Hawaii

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06/30/19: Out of the way in Whitmore Village, but worth the drive. Home cooked Filipino food is really good. The silit is crunchy and cleaned well. The lechon is cooked to perfection. Generous servings and decent pricing. The lumpia has a little more wrapper than I'm used to so you get full faster. In my opinion one wrapper per lumpia would suffice. The staff is so friendly (it's like visiting your Aunty or Grandma). The eating area had only 3 tables and considering how popular this place is, they need more tables and chairs. The air conditioner wasn't powerful enough to cool the entire place so it was hot. It would be great if the dining was a place you could retreat from the heat outside. I will definitely return and stop by if I'm in the area. read more

Merlina's Kitchen - Lunch - Filipino Near Me - Wahiawa, Hawaii

This is the best Filipino restaurant in Wahiawa or close to the area. The other night I was craving some Filipino food and skipped the one in Wahiawa town to drive all the way to Whitmore for some. The best chicharon ever! The staff is always nice and the food is always good. The beef stew is my second choice but the mongo bean, pancit and the mixed veggies is so good too. I don't know the names of the dishes but everything that I've ever had from Merlina's was awesome. The desserts are even good. The prices are decent compared to the next closest Filipino restaurant. If you're craving Filipino food and driving through Wahiawā then take the drive into Whitmore for this "hole in the wall" place. read more

We came here on a whim, for I was craving some adobo after work. And since I didn't want to drive far, my friend suggested merlina's. First of all, super small mom and pops shop with a pretty small parking lot. Pink little front, can't miss it in this charming little town. The food selection was good, and the prices were amazing! My friend said it hadn't changed very much since she had lived here about 12 years ago! I had the pork adobo and pigs feet soup! Both cooked well, and very flavorful. The portions were amazing for a mini! I was so full for about $5! The pigs feet soup was reminiscent of my dads, which is perfecttttttt. Overall, good food, great prices, awesome customer service. There's a few seats where you can enjoy your meal, definitely coming back next time I need a fix. Maaahaaalllooosssss baddah! read more

Merlina's Kitchen - All of this for almost $21! Dealsssss! - Filipino Near Me - Wahiawa, Hawaii

This is a small older hole in the wall type of eatery. Reminds me of Molokai's Oviedo's Filipino Food. Those from Molokai back in the 90's know what I'm taking about. Must try: The Lechon Kawali is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inner. Also ask for the tomato's and onions which comes separate in a container. You add your own vinegar, patis, and shoyu to your taste. All the other items are very tasty also. I recommend you go early, as the food sits and naturally won't be as fresh as when it's just cooked. For dessert, you have to try their cascaron which is a fried mochi with coconut and coated with brown sugar. So Ono!! The owner is a very kind and pleasant man who I have total respect for! His personality alone will make you want to return again and again!! I would give this place a 5, but I have to maintain a standard. However, I love this place just the way it is. Relic like and probably the best Filipino food on the island. Seriously! read more

This place is pretty good. It's a little small inside and can fill up quickly. I would suggest this place if you need a quick bite and are under a party of 4. If not get it to go cause it's small. Today I got Lechon which was pretty good. I'm kind of a lechon fanatic and get it every time I eat Filipino food. Also had half and half rice and pancit. I don't like getting pancit at restaurants because I'm really picky about my pancit. My wife makes my favorite and her mother comes in second. It's kind of like a biased opinion but I'm glad I had it because it was good. Overall it was a good meal and wasn't too pricey. My wife got another plate and some halo halo and it came out to 20 dollars and some change not bad at all. If you are in the area and are in the mood for some Filipino food this is a good place to get your fix. read more

Merlina's Kitchen - Filipino Near Me - Wahiawa, Hawaii

I always go here for some great Roast Pork or as they call it Lechon. Perfect for anytime and I always love to eat with Bug Juice (shoyu, vinegar and some pepper). Other people have said that they've tried the other foods and loved it. Sorry not my forte' but I'll always come back for the Lechon. It can also if you make it with Bug Juice and add in some tomato and onions. OMG! Making me hungry, again. A friend called it Tinono. Best part, I live a few houses away, bad part, I gotta try the others as people have said is good. I'll wait until they come with me just in case I don't like it, I have someone to give it to. A must try! read more

Great lechon and the foods are very tasty, just as if some of my aunties are in the kitchen making food for a party.

Cashier was not friendly at all! No smile and greetings! She seemed very grouchy and I felt like she didn't want to help me. I really didn't appreciate the service at all! Not even a "Thank you come again"?! Not ever going back! read more

I was craving some Filipino food and looking for nearby restaurants. Compared to all the other Filipino restaurants, this one has more red stars than the ones in the area. I drove to Whitmore which is the next village after Wahiawā and ordered the Shanghai, banana lumpia, pancit and roast pork "Diva". I was so excited to fulfill my craving. Then all that excitement turned into I should've just drove to Waipahu. Everything I ordered was too oily, couldn't tell the difference if I was eating the banana or the shanghai lumpia. It was that bad that I tried to drench it in the sweet chili sauce to overcome the oily taste. I did the same thing with the roast pork and it still didn't help. The pancit also in the same boat as the rest of my food review. I could tell the difference because of texture but couldn't tell the difference in taste. I really don't like to waste food and that is a pet peeve of mines but this time I must waste my food. Next time I have this craving, I will definitely make that drive to Waipahu. I should've seen it coming since I was the only car in the parking lot. read more

Used to come here ever since I was 7. Love the Filipino food here. Seems like they redecorated the inside from what I remember.

I was craving lumpia and this was the closet place that I could get this fix. So, we order and it was prompt but by the time we got home began to eat this.. I wasn't impressed and we immediately decided we won't be back. read more

Hands down the best Filipino food on this island. Staff is friendly. Would definitely recommend this place to anyone that wants to eat authentic Filipino food. read more

The only Filipino restaurant I'd eat at. Being born & bred Filipino, I never cared for other Filipino food other than what's prepared at home. This place changed my perspective. The Lechon Kewali is cooked & seasoned well & the pancit bihon was impressive as well. Although, haven't tried everything on the menu, I figure, if they got the flavors in the pancit, you can't screw up all the other dishes. The price is very reasonable; spend $5 & your satisfied, $10 & your stuffed. This place is located in Whitmore Village right next to The Aloha gas station. It's definitely worth the trip into the outer limits. read more

I've eaten here a few times and it is basically the same menu but the portions are very generous. Prices are low and the food is tasty.

My friend told me to try this place, yelpers gave it 4.5 stars, so went there today. The prepared food is in warmer pans behind the counter. Everything looked good, got the pork adobo and pancit mini plate and can soda for $5. Good deal! Didn't look into the kitchen, but judging by the cooks apron, they were either slaughtering a pig or had a dinuguan explosion. The adobo and pancit were ok, not the best quality of pork, I would recommend having some dental floss on hand. Next time chicken papaya... Quality - 2.5 star Quantity - 4 star Price - $ very inexpensive! read more