Service was fast and friendly. Their ordering system worked well today. I was fith in line, and it took only five minutes to get my order. MY wife wanted to eat Lup Chong manapua. So we had that with a few pieces of pork hash. Note there Lup Chong manapua are baked. Enjoy read more

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Royal Kitchen is another one of the businesses along River St in Chinatown. We came to purchase some of their baked manapua which is the Hawaiian version of char siu bao. This is not just a bakery though as plate lunches were also available. White rice, fried rice, chow mein, or chow fun could be selected as a base with the addition of one to three proteins. In one corner of the suite was a heated glass cabinet displaying roasted meats like duck and char siu. The menu board listed around ten varieties of manapua on a rotating basis. The lup chong was sold out which unfortunately was going to be one of my picks. The three that I selected were the char siu, Portuguese sausage, and kalua pork. At $2.29 each, they were large, however the ratio of protein to dough was not balanced. More meat was needed inside each manapua to make it a better product. I also bought a couple of dim sum items that were on display, the pork hash and half moon. The first was the equivalent of pork siu mai. This version had a skin that was thicker than I preferred. The second was a dumpling with a dough that was rolled into the shape of a half moon and then filled with a spoonful of savory pork. Again, my issue was that the wrapping was too thick and chewy. The lady at the service counter threw in an extra half moon on top of the two that I had purchased. The nice gesture may have been due to the fact I was ordering in Cantonese. If the products I tasted could be improved as I suggested, then rounding up my 3.5 star rating of Royal Kitchen would certainly be in order. read more

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The best baked manapua anywhere, even after all these years. Sketchy area of Chinatown, but worth the danger. LOL

Think someone forgot to flavor the chow fun...Soooo bland. No taste except for the onions and few slivers of char siu. Has it always been like this and I just don't remember? Luckily pork hash still has taste...even if I don't think it's as salty as before... read more

I come to HNL a few times a year to work with a local company's salespeople and I always like to bring a snack with me when I come. It's rude to show up someplace empty handed, so in the spirit of aloha, my go to was Leanard's Malasadas. Solid for sure. Last trip, and on my last day, I overheard someone mention the Mana Pua from Royal Kitchen and made a mental note. This past trip, I stopped here for 4 mornings in a row and now I feel like family. The ladies that work that counter are exactly who you want. All business, very efficient and no mixed words. They take AMEX, which is much appreciated for expense purposes later and there's free and easy parking in the building. The payoff was walking in to the store with Royal Kitchen. Everyone knew them, was excited for them, and devoured them. This is as authentic as it comes, delicious mana pua made proudly with love and open super early. These hard working people putting out local product deserve all the accolades they get. read more

Really good food, awesome prices and they even have parking in their building. Aunty's are super nice and patient too. read more

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Solid place for dim sum! The baked manapua was good and the meat to bread ratio was okay. The pork hash was solid, and the char siu was moist but needed a little more char. Overall a classic in downtown for manapua and dim sum! Service was quick and efficient and parking like the rest of down town was a pain. Will def be back! read more

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This is the hole in the wall gem when it comes to Chinese Manapua, Pork Hash, Half moon, Noodles, Rice cake, etc... I've been going here for years, since the 70's and the quality is always the same. It's located in downtown Honolulu China Town. Parking is available or there is street meter parking. It's not someplace to sit down and eat. It's all "take out" food. I do believe you can find a table next to the river, but I wouldn't recommend it. Sorry no pictures because I ate it all too fast. lol There is always a line but no worries, the line moves really fast. Oh, you might wanna grab a number when you get there to hold your spot in the line up. Because the line moves fast, start looking to see what you want to order while you're in line. It will make ordering much smoother. Happy eating!!! read more

Always always always a must stop when we in the area! Fresh and ono! We opted to wait for a fresh batch of pork hash and it was with the 10 min wait! read more

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Absolutely recommend. This is out go to place when we take omiyage to the outer island. Food is delicious, service organized and it always smells wonderful!! read more

Tried and true. Royal Kitchen is the go to for Chinese food, delicious and traditional local dim sum and baked manapua. The workers are so hard working and thoughtful. Its consistent and still of great value. You can always count on Royal Kitchen to be thr hit of any potluck! read more

Growing up in Hawaii we all know that manapuas are a staple food. Royal Kitchen is at the top of that list with the best manapua on the island. They specialize in baked manapua of many different fillings. They have everything from the classic char siu to sweet potato to kalua pork. While majority of the people come here for manapua, they also have other items like noodles and other Chinese dishes for plate lunches. Being that they're so popular, it can get pretty crowded with lines out the door. It is best to come early in the morning to avoid this. They're also really good about accommodating last minute large orders. The last time I went I heard a guy ordering 200 manapuas and she said it would be ready in 30 minutes. That's awesome for those last minute events. Parking is located off River street. Card and cash is accepted, but there is a credit card transaction fee. read more

Don't waste your time at Royal Kitchen. You'd think being in business for 500 years they'd have a better system. Went to get manapua. Waiting, waiting, waiting, waiting. Went to ask what's going on and the lady said "no moa, coming out" Tell me it's going to be half an hour before I waste my time SMH read more

My favorite place to get pork hash and baked Manapuna lots of different fillings Kalua pork, chicken curry, sweet potato, char siu, plus old school plate lunch items free parking ( validation) read more

With the Chinese New Year festivities coming up, I was reminded of Royal Kitchen. I waited until they opened this morning and was the first one in. I picked up some treats to share at the office. What can I say, the manapua was as good as I remembered, and I also enjoyed the pork hash, etc. https://www.facebook.com/groups/hawaiikorea/permalink/1824311734609843/ read more

Royal Kitchen - Pork hash, half moon, mochi rice ball - Dim Sum Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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If I was better at checking in at Royal Kitchen I swear I would have the dukedom badge by now! I am here at 530am in the morning to pick up fresh baked Char Siu Manapua and pork hash before flying out on early interisland flights. I am here before I attend potlucks and I usually bring the half pan of Chinese chicken salad because of the amazing dressing they use that everyone loves and the portions are generous and the salad is delicious trust me! My BF also loves their spongy rice cake and tea cookies! Overall just love royal kitchen because it's been there forever and it's nostalgic for me. Their prices have gone up unfortunately but I'll still go. The service may be a little slow at times and sometimes its hard to get through on the phone but these ladies in the front work hard and I appreciate them! It's not a fancy sit down place and that's fine. I'll still go for the manapua, half moon, pork hash, rice cake, and their Chinese Chicken salad is still one of my Go-Tos for potlucks! Oh and parking is convenient and free for first 30min. Love supporting local;) read more

Frequent this place for their baked char siu bao, siu mai & chow funn. I love how they top your chow funn with the char siu. Enjoy the casual, but efficient vibe. My Mom used to love it so I used to visit often. Just park on side, metered stalls. Doesn't take long. read more

I bought 24 manapuas and I was "inadvertently" charged 27 manapuas. I wonder if this is a common practice that the business practices. If it is, shame on them! Where their pos system machine is placed. It is very hard to see since counter is high and there is a glare on the screen. Make sure you check your receipt before you leave. read more

Royal Kitchen - Very disappointed on overcharging 3 manapuas today! - Dim Sum Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Ladies behind the counter are always pleasant. Typical of a mom and pop kind of establishment.

Amazing dim sum restaurant parking is on the street so after church we saw Royal kitchen delicious as you can see there is so many choices to decide as shown in the pictures read more

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Open early, fast service, one of the "legendary" manapua places in Chinatown. Located in the Chinese Cultural plaza, this place serves up delicious baked manapua. Everyone knows about their manapua, but I found something else there. Nestled on top of the counter was a dessert looking "round thing". I heard people asking about it, but after my order was done, my wife asked what it was.... I said "I don't know". She said, "get one". I did and in fact I enjoyed my chow fun and manapua and pork hash (the pork hash was especially good this morning!) before I even looked at the round thing! Then I took a bite of the dessert looking round thing and man.... WOW DEEP FRIED FLAKY GOODNESS!!!! Not a dessert but a savory, flaky, crust with "stuff inside". Pork, water chestnuts, 5 spice????, like a delicious half moon but way better. It's filling!!!! Eat 2 of these and call it a day. SO DELICIOUS! p.s. Parking is basically free for a half hour, $1 for 30 mins more. read more

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I love old school Chinese dim sum spots and Royal Kitchen is that kind of spot. In Chinatown where the gong gongs are gambling along the river spending their days living their best life. I love the manapua(pork bake baos) and the pork hash(pork shui mai). Both are delicious. If you want to take trip back to your childhood and you're not close to San Francisco check them out. read more

Royal Kitchen - Front door - Dim Sum Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I love Royal Kitchen for their manapua. I will occasionally order pork hash, half moon, or sticky rice, but my reason for coming in is aways the manapua. On my way home from grocery shopping today I decided to swing by to grab some "brunch". There is a small pay for parking lot, but since it's a take out place you can usually get in and out without owing a payment. This tiny shop is usually busy when I go, but today I was only behind 4 others, so it went quick. The char siu is my staple although others are good. Today I also grabbed a few half moon and pork hash. I love the old school feel of this place and it's quick and efficient service read more

Royal Kitchen - Char Baked Cha Siu Bun, Pork Hash , Half Moon - Dim Sum Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

Definitely my go to stop for pork harsh, half moon, and manapua. And everyone is so friendly there. So many manapua flavors to choose from.

It's alright. Not the best, nor the worst. Had 3 pork Hash, & 3 half moon. Total was 9.xx. Came with mustard sauce variant, which i didn't care. Guess that's a Hawaiian thing. On mainland USA, dim sum is with soy sauce, or none. Fast service. I think there's parking specifically for Chinatown. Entrance is on N. Kukui St, on the left just before you reach River St. Free parking with validation, I assume. I parked at Safeway & walked over, as it's only half a mile away. To go only. No dining in. read more

Royal Kitchen - 3 pork Hash, 3 moon thingie - Dim Sum Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

This place is hit or miss. Got the dim sum plate again today w a curry chicken manapua, tasteless chow funn, rice cake, spoiled half moon and pork hash. The half moon was spoiled. Rancid. Possibly sitting out a day before or the filling went bad. They seriously need to taste the food before serving. The manapua, pork hash was okay and not spoiled. Manapua was freshly baked so it was good. Chow funn was tasteless as if there was zero seasoning. I'm mostly Concerned about how spoiled the half moon was. My mom got the same plate as I did and I asked her to try her half moon and hers was rancid spoiled as well....yikes people will get sick, read more

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Their baked manapua is top rated , no stream just baked and flavors great. The char siu is number #1. They have an array of Chinese takeout I think the only thing they to work ion is the chow mein it is dry and tasteless Service is outstanding b. read more

This is one of the better places to get a baked manapua. Located in Chinatown, parking can be difficult depending on when you go. I went early in the morning and the manapua was fresh and really good. It's good to take a few more home as they heat up well in the microwave the next day too. read more

If you asked me 12-13 years ago about Royal Kitchen, I'd instantly give it 4-stars and strongly suggest its variety of baked manapuas, especially its char siu, curry chicken, and Kalua Pork manapua. My mom would rave about the roast pork, and she's not even a big fan of meat! I even brought a couple of boxes for a class party and everyone loved it. Well, it's a totally different story now. It's a 1-star and strongly suggest to avoid it entirely. Royal Kitchen has been at the Chinatown Cultural Plaza for a really, really long time. I believe close to 50 years! This place is along the outskirts of the Cultural Plaza, near KC Kitchen, Kent's Drive In, and Heaven Chinese Noodle and BBQ Cafe. It's a tiny, fast food, takeout place serving Chinese roast meats, baked manapuas and other local style dim sum (half moon, pork hash, etc.), and scoop and go style plate lunches. The prices are on-par with the other places in Chinatown, perhaps even a touch higher. This place was quite busy with a small queue out the door, but most of them were just waiting for their food. I swear more and more people are unaware and oblivious to their surroundings and other people, or they just selfishly think about themselves and stand in the middle blocking everyone's way. Social distancing and customer capacity not enforced, not cared. I ordered two baked manapuas, curry chicken and char siu, because I remember them being very good. It's $2.15 each plus tax, which comes out to $2.25, which seemed fine at the time, but not when I opened my bag to see them. The buns were so small! Not even close to manapua size. They're supposed to be huge and filling. The plantation workers back in the day would be greatly disappointed at the miniature manapua and small amount of filling. The manapuas were cold, which was surprising since it's inside a warmer? Or it doesn't warm up anymore? I don't ever remember it being cold. Wasn't even room temperature... The bun was not fluffy or soft, which was very disappointing. It was flat and dry. The Curry Chicken was awful. The chicken was tough. There was pretty much zero curry flavor, and almost zero taste as well. It was honestly difficult to eat. The Char Siu was even worse. I have no idea what's going on, but the char siu filling was SWEET. It was sugary sweet!! Very, very odd and bizarre. The consistency was weird and dry. This was even more difficult to eat. It's like they added double or triple the amount of sugar. So gross! I don't like to waste food, so I just finished them. That was a mistake because my stomach felt a little queasy afterwards. Overall, it's too bad the manapua has fallen to such a low. It really feels like they're cutting corners here and there just to reduce cost, but you'll lose customers and business if you're going to provide bad products. Sorry, Royal Kitchen, never again. Maybe in 12-13 years. I just hope the manapua isn't the size of a quarter at that time. read more

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1 out of 5 stars I've always supported local favorites and had high hopes when I picked up manapua from Royal Kitchen as a mahalo gift for Castle High School, where I just retired after years of service. But I was charged twice for the same order--over $75--and that left a very sour taste. I called as soon as I saw the duplicate charge. The person who answered said they "couldn't hear me," took my number, and promised someone upstairs would call back. It's now been two days. No follow-up. No resolution. No aloha. Mistakes happen--what matters is how a business handles them. Being charged double and ignored afterward is unacceptable. I want this fixed, and I hope management sees this and takes responsibility. Until then, I won't be returning or recommending this place, no matter how good the food is. read more

Hubby and I came here to eat. We were starving. No place to sit. There were benches outside but the homeless people hang there so we left and ate in my car. Anyway, it's a small hole in the wall place but the food was pretty good. I had the chow fun noodles and the green beans with pork. Both were delicious and the pork was soft and tender. I definitely liked that. We also got the manapua and pork hash. The pork hash was pretty good but a little disappointed in the manapua. The bread was thin and the pork inside was mashed up. Didn't quite taste the same as other places we have been to for manapua. Could be better but everything else was good. The ladies working here were very nice. I got a lilikoi drink and the guy was nice enough to give us ice in cups. Very nice. I love how this business operates. They take card and cash. Highly recommend. read more

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Manapua was amazing. A little tricky to find this location but it's hidden gym in a Chinese mini mall.

Many have shared some Royal Kitchen's baked manapua and dim sum with me over the years. I knew where Royal Kitchen was located because I used to buy lunch from Kevin's Drive-in and now Kent's Drive-in right next door. I don't think they are part of the Chinatown Cultural Plaza but they are right in back. When I first started to go to Royal Kitchen, I noticed they sold their ready made hot Chinese dishes, some dim sums and their meats -char su, roast pork etc by the pound. They have a dim sum box of baked char siu bao, pork hash, half moon, rice cake! It's a nice variety for lunch or to give to someone. About a year ago, my friend mentioned that Royal Kitchen had a really good Chinese chicken salad! I didn't know they had one of the better ones since it comes uwith chicken, won ton strips, mandarin oranges on a bed of chopped romaine lettuce & greens! The salad was so fresh and delicious and it was only $7.75! A half tray is about $15+!! It was so huge and a great size for office pot luck! What a deal! My recent discovery was their Minute chicken over cake noodles with the sauce and choy sum on the side! It was soooo good! The minced garlic on the minute chicken made it so tasty and one of the best. Generous portion of chicken! This dish was $9.35 each. A quarter extra if you want the sauce separated in a container. Few days later my mom mentioned that she really enjoyed the Minute chicken with cake noodles so it just reassured me how great the Minute chicken with cake noodles was! As I was writing this review, I was already thinking of getting it again soon! The chicken and even the cake noodles were pan fried which tasted so yummy with the sauce. They also offered minute chicken on chow fun dry or gravy style for less but I would suggest to get it with cake noodles. Seemed like a different dish with the dry chow fun. Few pieces of Minute chicken over prepared chow fun. They have new parking machine/system and no attendant on lot. The parking was free for the first 30 minute. No need to have the parking ticket validated. Just scan your ticket below the scanner. I just know you don't need to get a validation for the first free 1/2 hour! Best to call in your order so the wait time wouldn't be as long. There's also street parking on Kukui Street. Try their variety of baked manapuas, Dim sum box, Chinese chicken salad and Minute chicken on cake noodles. These are ones I tried and liked. There was also a $2 new dessert which kinda looked like a bread /scone made with apple & cinnamon. I saw it as I was leaving and decided to get it. Thanks for reading my review! =) read more

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Decided to try this place as I was in the area. There was a line to order and then lots of people wishing outside. You stand in line to order, go outside to wait until then call you, and then you pay and they give you your order. I was excited as the prices were good and the food displayed looked good. When I got home, I was disappointed as there was no hot mustard included. I asked for hot mustard when paying and the worker said, "There should be inside." My fault for believing; I should have opened the box and checked. Big disappointment as I love hot mustard with my pork hash and half moon. The cha siu bao was just okay (3/5). I liked the bao as it was a little sweet and fluffy. However I was disappointed with the cha siu filling. It was super sweet and mushy. There was occasionally a few stands of solid meat and some chunks of fat. Sort of reminded me of corned beef hash. Unfortunately I would've preferred the filling a little less sweet and a little more solid. The pork hash was okay. On the sweet side as well and a little mushy. I wish it was a little more solid. The half moon was good and was filled well (but I wish I had hot mustard to go with it - haha). Overall, I give this 3.5 for the food and a 3 because they didn't include mustard even though they said they did. Be sure to check for hot mustard before you leave if you want it! Or ask for them to put in the box when ordering. Parking: Park on the street or in the Cultural Plaza parking structure. Cultural Plaza parking structure is free if you're there under 30 min and $1 for over that. They no longer offer validation. read more

Royal Kitchen - Cha siu bao, half moon, and pork hash - Dim Sum Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

I decided to stop by here this morning since I had to drop off hubby for work. His work site is close by this Establishment. I just got a one entree plate with chow fun and 1/2 lb Roast pork. I also got 4 Pork hash to go with hot mustard. The Roast pork was delicious with crispy skin and soft meat. I didn't get any bao, half moon, mai tai siu, or rice cake today. I wanted minute chicken, but they didn't have it today. Next time I go there probably get the dim sum items that I was craving. I gave a 4 star rating because my chow fun didn't have any char siu and it was just ah and part of the noodles hard. The Pork hash was too cold. I think I might of went there too early around 0540am. I had to stand in line because a bunch of people were there. The line went down pretty quickly because there were a bunch of workers to help customers with their orders. read more

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I've been a patron here for over 40 years and the food is delicious and consistent. The service is hit or miss but the same staff been working there all these years! They get the job done but not much personality or customer service. Most of them speak Chinese as their first language but they are well adept in English. The only downside is that The prices have gone up so much! The packaging has improved for those who are traveling. They now have thicker hard cardboard boxes that hold up well for mainland or inter-island travel. read more

Royal Kitchen - New prices as of 11/16/24 - Dim Sum Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Been coming here for years, The rumors was that Royal Kitchen was the first to invent Bake Manapua. I'm not sure what happened if the cook is no longer there. It doesn't taste the same as I remember. Something is missing in the Charsiu Manapua. I think it had some sweetness to the taste, Now I don't taste anything , just plain. Maybe it's my imagination. The owner need to do something. A lot of people patronize this restaurant. Also the Pork Hash doesn't have any taste, Roast Pork and Charsiu too...Aloha, Derek read more

Royal Kitchen - Manapua Box - Dim Sum Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

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Royal Kitchen has my favorite manapua on the island. Here is the key reason that makes them my favorite: the perfect char siu filling to bread ratio. The manapua you get from other places like Chun Wah Kam always appear to have more bread than the filling itself. My two favorite manapua from Royal Kitchen are the char siu and sweet potato. I love how they have a vegetarian option - sweet potato and tastes absolutely delicious. In addition to the manapua, I also love their pork hash. They are big and meaty. And the mustard sauce is a must to pair with the pork hash. Their chow fun is special too. They make their chow fun light with simple ingredients (char siu and veggies). The flavor is simple but enough to please. I always prefer their chow fun over a heavy flavor beef chow fun. It seems like Royal Kitchen mastered their own recipe for success and knows how make food that connects with people. read more

Royal Kitchen - Dim Sum Near Me - Honolulu, Hawaii

The baked manapua was tasty and delicious and the pork hash was also tasty! The whole roast duck was tasty they only sell it by whole or half duck. Only thing they forgot to put in the mustard, chop sticks and the sauce for the roast duck so better to check before you leave the counter. read more

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The manapua is good!!! Food is good. We waited 30 mins to get food, the phone was not answered. And when we received our food , they got the order wrong!!!! Bad service!!!!!! The short woman with glasses was not helpful. read more