AMBIANCE Quaint, small, mom and pop, local establishment. 10 tables, turns over fast. SERVICE Prompt and friendly. FOOD Hit my crave spot. I always order a small wonton mein to keep my carb intake to a minimum. I love the old fashion shrimp broth with extra green onion and char sui. OVERALL Please don't ever go out of business. Honolulu wouldn't be the same. read more

First time visiting here. Won't be my last. First of all the prices can't be beat, secondly the saimin is simply delicious. The service is friendly and feels like eating at my families house. Much aloha! No glitz and glamour just a hole in the wall joint that I would take over a fancy pricey restaurant any day. 80 years in business, you know they're doing something right. read more

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Wonton min was delicous and soup was hot and tastyyyy! Bbq sticks were sooo good and don't forget to get it with extra sauce. May have a wait as this is a hole in the wall place, inside dining is a small booth style restaurant. Service was speedy. Our waitress was nice and very talkative with all the customers. Must try saimin spot in Honolulu read more

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It's been a staple in my life growing up. It's a small mom and pop store with a simple menu, but it always hits the spot whenever I go there. The beef stick has changed over the years, but still definitely tasty. I am a bit sad their hours changed. I remember coming here late at night or during the weekends, but now I have a hard time making it over to them while they're open. read more

CODY arrived when they opened at 10am CODY timing was good cause small parking lot filled up, so did the diner CODY ordered large saimin with BBQ stick CODY food was tasty CODY servers were friendly and speedy CODY small dining area was clean, with bench seating, oldish fixtures CODY will return to order more food read more

Palace Saimin - Mr Ice Water awaits the food - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I was so ono for Saimin and we were near to Kalihi. You got it!!! Palace Saimin!!! If you're a visitor of the islands, Saimin is an Asian local Hawaii food that started during the plantation days. Most of Hawaii local favorite foods are from the plantation days when the different nationalities got together for lunch and shared their food. That's where plate lunch was born. Palace Saimin has takeout or dine in, a real "hole in da wall" kinda place. There's parking just enough for eating there and for a fast takeout to eat at home. Service is always fast and a lot of people wanna eat so no talk story for too long. I know a lot of locals who haven't eaten here. What are you waiting for? As for the visitors, enjoy one of Hawaii's favorite food and no forget order the Barbecue beef stick!!! Enjoy my friends!! read more

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I am so happy their hours have changed to the weekends. Simplicity at its finest. Reminds me of my childhood, having Saimin with my Dad. Comfort food that will make you smile throughout your meal. Saimin, Udon, and BBQ sticks are on the menu. That's it, and I love it!! read more

Palace Saimin - SAIDON - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This place is a staple. It's survived, Covid, economic down turns and its still in the same place it was 40 years ago. This is a testament to their quality and service. Highly recommend this place even though it's very small, no AC.. the food even on a blasting hot day is worth it. No line, great service, great food. Lots of memories here and I hope it's around in YEARS to come. The only regret I have of this place is that I didn't support it and review it sooner. read more

My boyfriend & I got the won ton saiman for our visit and it was both delicious and cheap (in pricing). The service was very friendly.

So so so good. I saw saimin in some Hawaiian youtubers' vlogs and knew I had to try it here. We both got the wonton saimin and the broth was so flavourful and light. The saimin had a nice bounce to them, and the wontons were generous and meaty! We each got a bbq skewer and I liked them too. The server was very nice and they had really refreshing ice cold water. Highly recommend if you're looking for something light, tasty, and cheap! read more

Palace Saimin - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Couldn't resist not paying a visit to my one and only favorite local kine SAIMIN STAND in Kalihi the "Palace Saimin Stand" ~ Because I live so far out in EWA Beach, miles from downtown Honolulu and Kalihi, it takes me having a visit to see my vascular surgeon at Queen's Medical Center / Physician Offices that provides me with the opportunity to always drop in to have a steamy hot bowl of SAIMIN and a Barbecue Steak Stick or two at the Palace SAIMIN ~ I've been eating there for years and have extremely fond memories of the many hot bowls of old-fashion kine saimin each time I ate there ~ Of course the "prices" have increased from $2.50 for a small SAIMIN, $3.50 for a large to $5.00 for a X-large and now to today's current prices ~ Today's meal which I ordered was a Large SAIMIN and a Barbecue Steak Stick was $14.00. Here's the very odd thing about my experience there lately ~ I've always preferred to order just a plain Large SAIMIN but I always get instead a Large Won Ton Min and instead of the one Barbecue Steak Stick I always get "2" (I refer to their barbecue sticks as "STEAK STICKS" because they're large chunks of Beef Steak not thin shabu Shabu style slices). And finally I always try to pay my bill with the exact change ~ So when I tallied up my payment for this afternoon's meal it should've been at least $16.00 but after paying with a $20.00 dollar bill I instead received $6.00 in change (which was more than I expected back) ~ I always leave $3.00 or more dollars for a "tip" because it's my favorite and only SAIMIN Stand left on this island that I enjoy ~ If you visit this restaurant you will see very faded aged photos of all the past STAFF members of this iconic eatery throughout the years ~ All the ladies I personally recognized from the hundreds of visits and steamy bowls of delicious SAIMIN I consumed there read more

Palace Saimin - $7.50 per Barbecue Steak Stick - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I would not eat hot soup when it's hot out unless it was from Palace Saimin. The saimin with wonton was incredibly flavorful. The bbq stick also hit the spot. Service was friendly and attentive but be warned the place is hard to miss, the parking lot and restaurant are small and toasty. read more

Palace Saimin - I like hot mustard. - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

30 some years and they are still open! I hope to go there and have a bowl of saimin and a few bbq sticks and maybe I'll see Robert Cazimero there, again! read more

My sister eats here every time she visits from California. I eat here probably every 4-6 weeks. You just can't go wrong! read more

Palace Saimin - Large won ton mein. - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Classic. It's so popular. I'm not a min person so I would opt for the wuntun only... no min. The bbq sticks are not soft and juicy as in the past, but die hard loyal customers keeps this place busy. read more

Palace Saimin - Bbq sticks - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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This is Saimin. No frills, no wasted time or ingredients, this is your Webster Miriam textbook definition of Saimin. I always have to grab some and my dad who spent some time growing up in Oahu loves it too. Service is straightforward and quick. They're often busy and the place is hot, ambiance is lowkey but you just know it's a beloved spot in the community. The parking lot is small but you can park nearby or just wait it out. Prices are still decent given inflation and the popularity. If you're looking for some cousin of fancy ramen, a well balanced broth using organic proteins and question whether MSG was in it, this isn't the place for you. This is Saimin that brings you back to your childhood and warms your bones in a good way even when it is hot and humid outside. 4 stars only because my last two visits the fountain sodas needed more syrup and it's just something I feel like they should be on top of a bit more. read more

Been coming here for a long time. Everything is always super ono, old school style saimin. Their bbq sticks are actual pieces of beef, not the thin slices that you normally see and the sauce ... oh that sauce is gold. read more

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Have not gone here in awhile. Love the win ton Saimin and Teri sticks. The service was not bad could be a little more friendly and smile more. Was not bad lil quiet but no ac read more

A hole in the wall for saimin! Where else can you get a meal for under $10. A tiny tiny place but fulfilling for a bowl of saimin and a beef stick. Loved my wonton min. Simple and just the way I like it. I wolfed the beef stick before I took a photo. Support this local institution for you saimin fix!!! read more

Palace Saimin - Saimin Wonton Min - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

It's been years since my last visit, 15 years to be exact, lol. We got lucky and got a parking stall right in front. We were greeted by the staff and they gave us a choice of our table. It was such a nice comfortable feeling, very at ease, mom and pop style. We had the a small and large wonton min which looked a little on the small side but after stirring it up, it really was a lot. The broth was amazingly good just where they left off since my last visit. We also ordered 2 Teriyaki sticks that were lean, tender, and flavorful. The perfect combination. I actually ordered 4 more orders for take-out for the family at home. They all enjoyed it too. Im so glad, they're still around making it a revisited nostalgia feeling. Mahalo! read more

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Awesome spot. You know a place is good when you have to walk through the kitchen to get to the bathroom. First time having saimin. I love the noodles. Super bouncy. The broth is nice and warm. Be careful with the mustard, it has a kick. read more

Palace Saimin - Saimin and Bbq Sticks - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Quick friendly service and huge portions. They been open for more than 75 years, definitely a local favorite. Parking can be a little tight. 10/10 for some old school local eats. read more

Palace Saimin - Wonton min - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I meant to leave a review but let's just say this not as good as I remember. The beef stick was a bit chewy and should have been soaked longer prior to cooking. The noodles were good and the soup was okay. Service was good and lots of space when we went. The parking is terrible but it always was that way. If you don't mind all that then please go and enjoy. read more

Palace saimin never disappoints, best comfort food, so tasty!!! Best bbq sticks ever!!! read more

Palace Saimin - Large Wonton Min - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Craving a bowl of saimin from your childhood? Look no further, Palace Saimin is the best place on island. They serve only noodles and bbq beef sticks, Classic. Convenient parking out front and friendly service inside, I'll definitely be back for more. (Don't have any photos of the food because it was all immediately inhaled) Palace Saimin shirts are $22 size xs -4XL read more

Palace Saimin - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Good ole neighborhood Saimin Palace. It's nice to have comfort cooking here. Nothing fancy just affordable simple satisfy your belly food. We have to keep mom and pops going so we can continue to have this diamond in the rough. The parking lot is a about 5 spaces, but there is plenty of parking on the road. You'll see a lot of regulars that have been coming here forever. It's kind of like Zippys, without chili. Will be back again for another bowl :). read more

Palace Saimin - Great prices! - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Palace Saimin has been a long-time establishment that served the community their traditional style Saimin and BBQ sticks for years. Their style of saimin is unique. They make their broth very light and yet so flavorful to where its to the customers' choice to add soy sauce for a little more sodium. While other noodle soup businesses make their broth rich and flavorful, I do drink more water because it gets too salty, and I end up not drinking the broth. While Palace Saimin makes it to where you enjoy the broth and noodles leaving satisfy, happy, and getting your money's worth. Service is good. Staff is welcoming and friendly. Clean and well-kept. Payment Cash or credit Parking Private lot or read more

Palace Saimin - Menu - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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A great hole in the wall that is a must visit every time. The service is quick and they're very friendly. It's great for any time of day and the food is very well priced. Everything is extremely flavorful and I will always recommend this to anyone that's in the area! read more

Palace Saimin - Saimin* - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I ordered the wonton udon extra large for $11.25 with a barbeque stick for $4 and I was so full after barely finishing. The soup was so good to the last drop and the udon was so chewy and tasty. The barbeque stick was a real solid beef steak with a very nice terry sauce, just perfect. The price is really cheap and the service very friendly. This is definitely a gem even after 79 years. read more

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Palace Saimin was the vision of Kame Ige, who immigrated from Okinawa in 1924. Mrs. Ige named the restaurant "Palace Saimin" after the Palace Theater on Beretania street. The shop was opened in 1946 near the theater and the Palace Saimin experience began. They are now located in Kalihi on N. King St. It's a small hole-in-the-wall with only a few parking spaces out front and several tables inside. Service is fast and friendly. It's not the cleanest place in town, but it's your typical hole-in-the-wall, and don't we all love those? The key to getting a seat at this place is to come during non-peak hours, or you can do what most people do and order take-out. Their menu is as simple as it gets - saimin, wonton min, udon, saidon (saimin & udon combo) and bbq sticks. On my most recent visit, I got the wonton min and a bbq stick. The wonton min was garnished with green onion and char siu. It's one of the best wonton min's you'll likely ever have. I always mix shoyu with hot mustard for my wontons. The bbq stick is flame broiled beef dipped in their oriental bbq sauce. The beef is super tender and the sauce is to die for! There are lots of places to get saimin in Honolulu but if you haven't tried Palace Saimin yet, I highly recommend checking them out! read more

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A place to remember thru out the years when you live abroad. The 3 of us found a parking spot as their lot gets full fast. Penny took our order, as we waited for the noodles to arrive, I noticed the place hadn't changed much. A few T-shirts for sale , still no a/c as it can get hot inside. The fans working hard.The noodles arrive & the homemade pork filled wontons & mein are so delicious with that first chopstick & spoon serving is a memory you never forget! Add the green onions & strips of char sui & Wow! SoSo Ono! James & Lynn are the master's in the small & efficient kitchen. Palace Saimin one of a kind ! read more

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Watching a travel show, I remember a scene at this restaurant where the host dined with two local chefs. Not sure whether it's good that the episode is so vivid in my mind. Driving here on a Tuesday morning and using the map app on my phone, I drove by twice before finding a space a half block east from here. I still couldn't find it and had to ask my local friend to stand in front as my landmark. We walked over before noticing the restaurant, recessed in back of a nondescript parking lot. I would later move my car here when a space opened here. This was one of my most anticipated meals on this trip, having never dined in a devoted saimin place. Seated at the rear table on the left, I had a view of the kitchen, the expediting counter, and and old style wall menu across the room. After a brief discussion, we agreed to order the same items, all three of us. We had the combination saimin (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=MvUnkl9n5GvmvR36m7GIMA&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q), which only comes in one size, large. As I expected, it was a bowl of comfort with the clean and clear broth, the acclaimed local made Sun noodles, shredded pieces of BBQ pork, and a baby fistful of sliced green onions. The two surprises were the addition of udon noodles (likely Sun made again) and a small saucer of hot mustard. Udon and saimin egg noodles? Yes, please... the contrast made this bowl that much more interesting. Talk about taking it back old school. This brought back food memories from my childhood, in a good way. We also ordered two skewers each of beef sticks (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Ii4tfXNAlKKZYeYjlTADQQ&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q)., another one of their staples. It was flavorful with a sweet sauce or marinade. Extra sauce is offered on the menu, but we didn't find it necessary. The dining room was about half full, all locals likely eating before going to work or construction workers having an early lunch. Our waitress was efficient and checked on our water cups periodically. As I went to use the restroom, I couldn't help but thank our chef/cook/owner for a wonderful meal. It was a pleasure meeting Ling (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=nU8ep7GjndDewYr1UTdXmg&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q).and reading about the legacy that she continues here. I'm looking forward to repeating this on my next visit and future visits. read more

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Ambiance was Quaint and the service came quick while the Menu was Simple. No one stays in business long with a menu so short, without perfecting what they serve. Definitely a place to visit for BBQ skewers Saimin/Wontonmin.. read more

Palace Saimin - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Ok I understand and appreciate that this is a small independent long time local establishment. I really wanted to fall in love with this place like my fellow yelpers, but I'm sorry I don't get what all the hype is about. The broth is lacking in flavor. The won ton was bland. Sadly, the beef sticks were probably the tasteless item we ordered. We were so disappointed and sad. The one positive though is that the service was prompt and friendly. read more

They know what they're doing at Palace Saimin! This was my family's first time eating here and we all loved it! I had the wonton min, it was fabulous! The broth is straight forward and needs nothing. Perfect noodles. The service was friendly, warm and welcoming. Our water never stayed less than full for long. The menu is simple, which makes ordering a breeze. Cute little hole in the wall. If you like simple, old school style saimin, you'll love it here. Best saimin I ever had in my life! I'd eat it on a hot and humid summer day like today, anytime! read more

My last visit was in 2016, and due to food quality and service, I never returned. On 6/5/24, as I drove by, I all of a sudden got Ono for Saimin. I decided to stop in, and I'm glad that I did. As we walked in the door, we were greeted with a hello and a "shaka" by the young man waiting tables. We sat, and he immediately came over and helped us. We asked the difference between a small and large bowl, and without hesitation, he went in the kitchen and got the two bowls. This is outstanding customer service. Keep up the good work, young man. Da food - Hooooo was sooo Ono, and just like I remembered from small kid time growing up in Kalihi. Everything was PERFECT with our Saimin with wonton. Broth was spot on. I'll be back, and that's a promise. Mahalo read more

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Sometimes, its the hole-in-the-wall homestyle saimin that kust hits the spot! No frills. Just simplicity and fast. Tip: if you are super hungry, order extra noodles with the XL. Its not on the men and I wont post the price. Just take my tip and enjoy! Parking- small parking lot. After hours at night, park across street at Post Office. read more

Palace Saimin - XL w/ extra noodle - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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I can't believe I haven't written about Palace Saimin. Saimin shops are getting fewer and fewer and I had a crave of getting old time Saimin and bbq sticks, and Palace Saimin didn't disappoint! The Same old saimin taste and texture the BBQ sticks were tasty and pretty much as I remember them growing up. I actually got the Won Ton Min and the won ton was although on the smaller side complemented the saimin. parking is about adequate for the amount of seating available although when I went the place was about half full so it wasn't too bad. The saimin came out pretty quickly followed by the bbq sticks and the atmosphere was like a quaint old time eating place. I'm sure to be back sometime soon! read more

Palace Saimin - Med Won Ton Min - Japanese Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Parking is limited as is seating. Service is fast and friendly and correct. Prices are reasonable. read more

This unassuming, family-run hole in the wall joint isn't flashy, if you are not paying attention you might drive right past it. But oh boy, does it serve up some great local comfort food that you definitely should try. The atmosphere here is like stepping into a time capsule, with old school benches in front of each side of the tables, walls adorned with menu boards and maneki nekos . Love the texture of the noodles and the subtle flavors of the warm broth. My only complaint is that they don't sell rice because that and just the broth would be perfect for when feeling under the weather. read more

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