I'll never stop raving about this place…read more Minasa is a restaurant serving a variety of comforting and nostalgic Filipino food -- appetizers, entree, desserts and drinks. The space is cozy and welcoming, with limited amount of seating but ok for holding intimate events. Service is always great, food always comes out fresh and hot, and they always get our orders right. My personal favorites would be: * Kare-Kare (Beef Peanut Stew), which reminds me of my mom's cooking; and * Calamansi fried chicken + noodles, the noodles are very nostalgic for me as it reminds me of my "merienda" (afternoon snack) when I was growing up (in the Philippines). They usually change up their monthly specials (which I always look forward too) so make sure to check out their Instagram page @minasahawaii. Plenty of shared parking space in the shopping complex where it's located (Tropicana Square).

We first heard of Minasa while we were with friends who says it was a modern twist on filipino food…read morewe know and love. They talked it up and hyped it up so my wife and I decided to try it out last October for our anniversary. We showed up and they were closed for an event. Since then we've tried to eat here multiple times with it being booked or not open. It's been elusive. Last weekend was the weekend we finally were able to eat here being in Waipahu and the wait finally ended! We ordered the chef's special, salted egg fried rice, ube churros, and banana lumpia sundae. The dishes were colorful and vibrant. Everything tasted good but we were looking for that twist that was hyped up to us and there was nothing unfamiliar to our taste buds. Though we left full and enjoyed our meal, the "new" flavors didn't stand out. Overall we were quite underwhelmed especially with all the hype that was given to us over their food. Maybe I ordered the wrong things? Not sure but we'll likely give this a second shot when we're in Waipahu again at the right time.

Went there twice in 1 week. That should say a lot about their food. Highly recommend for good sisig!read more

Man, it's been a while since I had some of Sw8 Dada's (I believe it was May of last year). Last…read moretime I went was when they were still a food truck by Waipahu festival marketplace. It was sure good to be back, and I am happy for their business to have its own place where customers can sit, not just takeout. They are now located near West Loch station by Mickey D's and Seafood City [the shops West Loch station). I live in Honolulu but it was sure worth it to take the rail to satisfy my sisig craving. I ordered their pork sisig with rice, and it sure was still delish! Pro tip for the business is using calamansi instead of lemon (but still good!). My order seems like it is for just one person but honestly, if you share it with another person, you'd still be satisfied because it is stomach-heavy! If you didn't have much to eat throughout the day, you could easily demolish the sisig dish I ordered. For drinks, they have canned sodas inside for $2.00 but I decided to get some smoothies at Hang's just doors down the place. As the parking spot may fill up, you can always drop a buddy off to pick up some to-go order. I have yet to try some of their other dishes such as their beef pares noodles. So--if you are craving ramen--try switching it up and get some of their noodles! I also recommend getting bulk orders for parties! Mahalo and I hope this business continues to reap success!

Thelma's Filipino Restaurant -- Pure, Real, Home‑Cooked Vibes…read moreAs authentic as it gets -- fresh Filipino cooking straight from Nana and all the indai working hard in the kitchen. They never miss. Every plate tastes like it came from someone's home. Big thanks to Omi and Ang for the good company. We smashed all the favorites: Pancit noodles, Pork Guisantes, Sari Sari soup for cold days and the legendary Thelma Special -- the true star of the night (iykyk). Flavor, comfort, and heart in every bite. Always a solid choice when you want real Filipino food done right. Marie

Picked up lunch for my Co workers on a Friday around 11:30. It wasn't busy & had others picking up…read moreorders. They have disclaimers posted about consuming raw food, refund policy, and take out being your responsibility after it leaves the restaurant (must've explained that too many times - but hey they covered themselves)! Also a notice of 3% surcharge if paying with a credit card. Payment was easy (used debit) & staff was friendly. It looks like a comfy place to relax & get down on Filipino grindz. We got pork adobo (tender & flavorful), pancit mix (too lemony & lil mushy that day), Thelma's special (too salty, they wished I got regular lechon), Shanghai lumpia (ok) & adobo fried rice (good but small portion). The prices are reasonable but not as big portions as I thought would be.

I am so happy I came here for lunch. The prime rib was top tier paired with the garlic mashed…read morepotatoes and a side salad. The 8 oz portion was huge. My friend ordered the pork adobo with side rice and she loved it! I also had the banana lumpia with ube ice cream as an appetizer. It was crispy, sweet, and worth every bite! Nicely presented too! Thanks Tiano's and team. I will definitely be back.

Went by today (Saturday) at 1230 (90 min after opening) and wanted Sisig, they were already out! 90…read moremin after opening!!! Very disappointed.... Everything else ordered was broke da mouth. But I needed a Sisig fix. They were not busy. They said they had "just run out" but if the three other tables there no one else had Sisig on the table.

Craving authentic Filipino comfort food in Honolulu? Hit up Shay's for a mix plate featuring…read morepancit, dinuguan, monggo, and veggie lumpia - spot-on flavors that hit all the right nostalgic notes. The pancit was a standout: bihon noodles perfectly stir-fried with green onions and subtle seasoning, light yet satisfying as a side that balanced the richer dishes without overwhelming. Dinuguan brought that deep, savory pork blood stew richness - tender meat in a chocolatey gravy with a vinegar kick, way better than average and not overly gamey Monggo (mung beans) was hearty and comforting, simmered smooth with malunggay or bittermelon options for that homey veggie depth - grows on you with each bite. Veggie lumpia delivered crispy perfection: fresh fillings, not greasy, and a great crunchy contrast to the stews. Generous portions at fair prices, quick service, and that lechon nearby if you want to level up next time. Solid Waipahu/Honolulu Filipino spot - will return!

Dined here a couple times about 9 years ago and really enjoyed my experience. I wish I could say…read morethe same for my experience last night. My family and I were craving Filipino food and walked in hoping to get our fix. The restaurant was empty with 2 people dining in so we thought we avoided the dinner rush. Upon entering we were approached by a middle aged woman who points us to a chair and tells us "over here is fine". No greeting or acknowledgement. Even before we could get to our chair, she shouts out about 5 dishes they were out of with her back turned to us. This lady was cold and absurdly rude. We left and ended up just getting dinner from Foodland. I would've loved to have spent my money on a Filipino owned restaurant but it seemed that lady didn't want the business and never cared to help anyone that came through her restaurant. Such a very disappointing experience. I rarely drop 1 star reviews but I walked away stunned at the lack of customer service this lady displayed. Do yourself a favor and go to Elena's. They actually care about their restaurant and the people who spend their hard earned money there. I'll never be coming back. I'll also be sharing my experience so others are spared their time and money.

Bebot's is a humble carry out affair but their menu is popular and pretty good. Service is great,…read moreportions are generous, and the place is friendly.

My new favorite spot for Filipino Foid here on the West Side. Bebot's is located in Waipahu next to…read moreHonolulu Kitchen and I have to say I was very impressed with the Food here at Bebot's . They have quite a variety of Menu items to choose from and I got the Two Choice Plate which comes with All Rice or All Pancit or you can get Half Rice and Half Pancit. I got the Lechon Kawali with Tomatoes and Onions and the Beef Shortrib Nilaga. The Lechon Kawali was delicious with big chunks of Lechon and there is no dipping sauce needed because they toss it and season it just right. And the Beef Nilaga is the perfect contrast to the Lechon with Big Chunks of Beef and loaded with Cabbage and other Veggies. The Broth from the Beef Nilaga is so Light and Refreshing it goes perfect on White Rice. For the $18 price tag it may sound steep but i have to say they are very generous with the portions here. It like having a bartender that pours you a drink without a snifter. The Sweet Aunty in the front loads up the plate right in front of you and that takes the sting out of the $18 price tag. I also got another scoop of White Rice on the Side for $1.25 more because I needed that Extra Rice because you can never have enough rice when eating Filipino Food...LOL So happy they have a Brick and Mortar once again. Their Menu Selection changes daily here at Bebot's so you might want to follow them on Instagram to see what they have for the day. This is my new go to spot for Filipino Food and they don't disappoint. I've been here twice in a week already.

For our dinner we were served with the following dishes: Snails simmered in coconut milk, green…read moremango slices, pinakbet, garlic butter prawns, Insalada with bagoong na isda, Lechon kawali, grilled Hito, Bulalo soup, pork barbecue on a stick, freshly fried Turon, Biko and Karioka. We were spoiled to the max! The owners and their family run the place and in true Filipino hospitality, they served us buffet/family style and entertained us with their stories from their humble beginnings to what they are today. The food was the best I've had in the Island. Hands down. Everything tasted nostalgic because the technique used in cooking each dish tasted like a handed down recipe from a grandma's kitchen from back home in the motherland. If you're ever in the island of Oahu please make your way to Waipahu and sample as much of their offerings as you can and I can guarantee you will not be disappointed! 10/10 recommended coming from a humble cook who rarely raves about Filipino food because I myself learned from my paternal grandmother.

Stumbled upon this place because had to go get a haircut for my nephew at the Waipahu plantation…read moremarketplace. They're located on the corner and once you see a tent & smell bbq, you're at the right spot. This restaurant gave karinderia vibe to it! Karinderia is basically like those food stalls they have in the Philippines, where they have a bunch of dishes and you sit out to enjoy the food. Home cooked & affordable eats. They have everything from bbq sticks, adobo, lechon, kilawan, lumpia and more. I got the bbq stick & chicken inasal plate. The bbq stick was packed with so much flavor! The chicken inasal was more on the huli huli side & was served with Filipino dipping sauce. They also offer free sabaw with your meal. Ordering was a little complicating, they have a menu outside with food and also more food inside. The bbq items were cooked by order and the inside food had more of the Filipino dishes like (adobo). But next to the cashier, you could also find other fried dishes as well. So a little complicated. You also have the option to sit outside under the tent or inside the restaurant with AC. For this type of place, if you're dining in, you order & eat first then pay. Like any karindera. Overall, this place was VERY good & SUPER AFFORDABLE. If you want to experience a true Filipino experience with great food, this place is for you.

Came here for the first time in a long time. Ordered the pork adobo and pinakbet plate and a side…read moreof pork guisantes. For dessert, we ordered halohalo, casscaron, banana lumpia, and bico. Everything was pretty delicious. The pork adobo was super fatty, but delicious and tender. The pinakbet was flavorful, but I wish there were more squash and meat. The pork guisantes meat was pretty tough. The halohalo was huge, but I wish it was a bit sweeter. The casscaron and banana lumpia were amazing. Staff are super friendly. Lots of table to dine at and a decent sized parking lot. They don't have a menu and they only serve 1-2 choice plates, no more, but you can order side dishes as well. They said the 2 choice plates are under $20.

I was craving breakfast longanisa with egg and rice. I was reluctant to order because of how some…read moreof the food was displayed. Some were in the steam table and some were simply placed on the counter on a plate with no heating underneath. There was a full spread of Filipino food straight from my childhood but what I was looking for was biko and bud bud and that I found! Those two items were only about $10. It was exactly like I expected. The bud bud was colored purple. It was perfect dipped in sugar! The biko was also very good. I always get transported back in my mind to days when my mom would bring me to Filipino potluck parties where I got to enjoy food from my culture. I'm glad this place exists and I'll be back to give them another try.