Royal Kitchen

I settle for roasted chicken here since nearby Nam Fong sadly closed. ATMOSPHERE: Royal Kitchen is part of the Chinese Cultural Plaza and located along the west side of the property along the river. They're a small takeout spot only. Parking in the plaza's garage is validated. FOOD: Roast Chicken Comparing this to the Shoyu Chicken at the now defunct Nam Fong, doesn't even come close. While it was still good, and around $10 for a whole chicken that was nicely chopped up, the flavor is just boring. Salt. While that does allow you to realize the natural flavor of the bird, it needs something more to give it some life. That something was the sauce that came with our Roast Duck which we picked up from Nam Fong that day. That made it a whole lot better. Or, find a dipping sauce you enjoy. Manapua This is what they're more known for. I like the steamed version with char siu filling best. Soft bun and tasty center = winner! Pork Hash Mmm my favorite at any Chinese eatery and a must have. Their version comes in a white wrapper and stuffed full with delicious pork. SERVICE: Damn, I thought I was impatient. These ladies are pushy, but that's how they are. Overall service was friendly. Hurry up and buy lol! OVERALL: Fresh roasted chicken, very good manapua, excellent pork hash. Buy as early as possible if you want some!

Start off by saying 30 minutes free parking. Better sometimes to just call it in because the line gets long. Check out the menu before going, unless you know your norms. I got chick curry, charsui, kalua pig, sweet potato and coconut manapua, with pork hash and side char sui pork. The pricing is great! The char sui pork was pretty good, at first I tried to get an 1 item entree for $9. But they don't allow the char sui pork for that, so I have to get a side. Pork hash was pretty good. So far they all taste great. Very much worth the wait in line. They also take cash or credit. Super happy and it s go back for me. Also, apologies for not taking picture of the food I demolished it faster then the brain could think.

Still my favorite baked manapua and pork hash shop. Pork hash is pretty huge and flavorful. Something about the baked char siu manapua is better than the steamed manapuas. They have several other choices as well, but these are the only 2 things that I always buy. Staff is friendly and fast. All business at this place so no be talking stories and holding up the line lol. Parking is either in the paid parking garage located on Maunakea Street or you can park on the nearby meter street parking. Be mindful of the area and your surroundings because there are some crazies or homeless people around.

I heard about this place on my most recent trip to Oahu. Big Koa on Island 98.5 was talking about this place on the radio. My family and I decided to try their manapua's. Everyone in my family loved their manapua's. We also tried their pork hash. Everything was delicious, fresh, great prices and great customer service. We had their kalua pork and Portuguese sausage manapua's. They are baked and definitely better than the steamed manapua's we have tried at other places here. We will definitely be back for our next visit on Oahu.

When a friend texted me that she was stopping by my house to drop off a box of Manapua that she & her mom had gotten for me from Royal Kitchen, I’m pretty sure my eyes were sparkling. It’s been awhile since I had their manapua but I remembered exactly what it tastes like because they’ve been around a long long time. I’m normally a steamed manapua lover but at Royal Kitchen they have my favorite baked ones. Very flavorful, the bun is pillowy soft, the filling is on the sweet side but I like it that way because I can get other types of savory ones they have available. Thru the years, iconic places to get that nostalgic flavor of manapua have slowly disappeared but Royal Kitchen along with a handful of other places are still around. They have a menu full of other delicious items that will leave your tummy happy. Support Local!!

Royal Kitchen is one of the original go-to spots for Chinese dim sum in Chinatown. They open early, making it convenient for those looking to pick up food for the office, events, or gatherings. You can place an order ahead of time for your event or simply walk in and buy on the spot. The shop has no indoor seating—it's a simple grab-and-go setup. You get in line, place your order, pay, and head out. If you prefer to sit and enjoy your food, there’s outdoor seating available nearby along the river. (Not recommended, sometimes you find homeless hanging around) The service is friendly and patient, but when the shop gets crowded, they may push you to place your order quickly to keep the line moving. Royal Kitchen is my go-to for baked manapua, pork hash, crispy gau gee, and half moons. The taste and quality of these classics haven’t changed in decades—and at these prices, they’re absolutely worth it. For under $100, I picked up 2 dozen manapua (char siu, lup cheong, and chicken curry), 12 pieces of half moons, and 12 pieces of pork hash. It was more than enough to feed an entire crew of contractors.

I was riding my electric scooter and ended up at this place and ordered 2 entrees plate for $12. It included a choice of fried noodles or fried rice and 2 other entrees. So I got the pig feet and sweet & sour spareribs, which tasted very similar. It was okay as it tasted good. I came at 10 am so I did not have to wait long, but as I was eating I did notice that their line was getting longer and longer. This seemed to be hot spot as their food is good and they give a lot and charge very cheap.

The ladies working behind the counter were friendly and helpful. I got my food to-go. The two entrées and two carb options were only $12 and very filling. I also tried the dumplings and buns. Altogether, I got a lot of food for just a little over $20—definitely a great value.