Best Places To Eat In Chinatown Hawaii 🍜🍱🍚

Discover the Best Food in Chinatown Hawaii

Hawaii is a paradise for foodies, and one of the highlights of any trip to the islands is exploring the local cuisine. If you’re looking for a unique dining experience, Chinatown in Honolulu is the place to be. The vibrant neighborhood is home to a diverse array of restaurants, cafes, and street vendors serving up delicious dishes from all over Asia and beyond.

In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary tour of Chinatown Hawaii, highlighting the best places to eat and drink in the area. From authentic dim sum to Hawaiian fusion cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this historic district. So come hungry and get ready to taste your way through Chinatown Hawaii!

Introduction: A Brief History of Chinatown Hawaii

Before we dive into the food scene, let’s take a moment to appreciate the rich cultural history of Chinatown Hawaii. The neighborhood was originally settled by Chinese immigrants in the mid-19th century, who came to Hawaii to work on sugarcane plantations.

Over the years, Chinatown grew into a bustling commercial district, serving as a hub for Chinese, Japanese, and Filipino immigrants. Unfortunately, the neighborhood was devastated by a massive fire in 1900, which destroyed most of the area. It was rebuilt in the ornate architectural style of the time, with narrow streets and multi-story buildings.

Today, Chinatown Hawaii is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood, home to a diverse community of artists, musicians, business owners, and food lovers. Let’s explore some of the best places to eat in this historic district!

Best Places To Eat In Chinatown Hawaii

1. Lucky Belly 🍜

If you’re a fan of ramen, Lucky Belly is a must-visit spot in Chinatown Hawaii. This cozy restaurant serves up steaming bowls of handmade noodles in a rich, savory broth, topped with everything from pork belly to soft-boiled eggs. The menu also features a variety of creative small plates, like Korean fried chicken and crispy brussels sprouts. Be sure to arrive early or make a reservation, as the restaurant can get quite busy.

2. Pig and the Lady 🍲

For a taste of modern Vietnamese cuisine, head to Pig and the Lady. This hip eatery offers an innovative take on classic dishes, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes frequently, but highlights have included their famous pho French dip sandwich, chili crab noodles, and crispy whole fish. The cocktails are also worth trying, with inventive concoctions like the Punch Drunk Love and the Liquid Lunch.

3. Fook Lam 🥟

If you’re craving dim sum, Fook Lam is the place to be. This bustling restaurant serves up a variety of steamed and fried dumplings, buns, and rolls, along with other classic dishes like congee and crispy pork belly. The atmosphere is noisy and lively, with carts rolling by your table piled high with steaming baskets of dumplings. Be sure to try their famous shrimp har gow and siu mai dumplings.

4. The Pig and the Lady Bakery 🍪

For a sweet treat, head to The Pig and the Lady Bakery. This charming little shop offers a variety of freshly baked goods, from croissants and bagels to macarons and cookies. Be sure to try their famous li hing mui shortbread, a local specialty made with dried plum powder. The bakery also offers a variety of savory items, like sandwiches and quiches, if you’re in the mood for something more substantial.

5. The Manifest 🍹

For a great cocktail and a lively atmosphere, check out The Manifest. This funky little bar serves up creative drinks made with fresh ingredients and local spirits. The menu changes frequently, but highlights have included the Honey Badger (made with honey, lemon, and ginger) and the Smoke and Mirrors (made with smoked pineapple and mezcal). The space is cozy and dimly lit, with a friendly crowd and eclectic décor.

The Best of the Rest: More Great Places to Eat in Chinatown Hawaii

6. Little Village Noodle House 🍜

This cozy restaurant serves up classic Chinese dishes like chow mein, Kung Pao chicken, and hot and sour soup. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it a popular spot with locals and tourists alike.

7. Kekaulike Market 🍴

For a taste of authentic Hawaiian food, head to Kekaulike Market. This bustling indoor market features vendors selling everything from fresh fish and poke to laulau and kalua pig. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, like lomi salmon, haupia, and poi.

8. Bar Leather Apron 🍸

For a more upscale cocktail experience, check out Bar Leather Apron. This stylish speakeasy serves up classic drinks like Manhattans and Sazeracs, as well as creative signature cocktails like the Smoked Maple Old Fashioned and the Okinawan Sour. The bartenders are knowledgeable and friendly, and the atmosphere is intimate and sophisticated.

9. Golden Pork Tonkatsu Ginza Bairin 🍛

This cozy restaurant specializes in tonkatsu, a Japanese dish made with breaded and deep-fried pork cutlets. The meat is tender and flavorful, and the portions are generous. Be sure to try the deluxe tonkatsu set, which comes with miso soup, rice, and a variety of sides.

10. Tchin Tchin! 🍷

This charming wine bar offers a variety of vintages from around the world, as well as a small menu of French-inspired dishes. The atmosphere is cozy and romantic, with dim lighting and plush seating. Be sure to try some of their unique and hard-to-find wines, like the orange wine made from white grapes fermented with their skins.

11. Lucky Star 🍡

If you’re craving something sweet, head to Lucky Star for some shaved ice. This classic Hawaiian treat is made with fluffy, finely shaved ice topped with your choice of flavored syrups and add-ons like mochi balls, azuki beans, and condensed milk. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable.

12. The Hawaii Times Building 📰

This historic building houses a variety of businesses and restaurants, including some great spots for food and drink. Be sure to check out Scratch Kitchen and Meatery, which offers creative takes on classic American comfort food, and Livestock Tavern, which serves up innovative cocktails and a lively atmosphere.

13. Artizen by MW 🍴

If you’re looking for Hawaiian fusion cuisine, head to Artizen by MW. This trendy restaurant offers a variety of dishes that blend local ingredients and flavors with international techniques and styles. The menu changes frequently, but highlights have included the ahi poke nachos, the kalua pork and cabbage, and the Kona kampachi crudo.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Eating in Chinatown Hawaii

1. What is the best time to visit Chinatown Hawaii?

Chinatown Hawaii is a lively neighborhood that’s bustling with activity day and night. However, if you’re looking to avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit during the weekday afternoons. Many of the restaurants and shops are closed on Sundays.

2. Can I find vegetarian or vegan food in Chinatown Hawaii?

Yes, there are several options for vegetarians and vegans in Chinatown Hawaii. Lucky Belly offers a vegetarian ramen, and Pig and the Lady has several vegan options. Fook Lam also offers a variety of vegetable dumplings and other meatless dishes.

3. What is the dress code for restaurants in Chinatown Hawaii?

Most restaurants in Chinatown Hawaii are casual and welcoming to all types of dress. However, some of the more upscale bars and restaurants may have dress codes or require reservations.

4. What is the parking situation in Chinatown Hawaii?

Parking in Chinatown Hawaii can be challenging, especially on weekends and evenings. There are several paid parking lots and garages in the area, as well as metered street parking. Be sure to read the signs carefully, as parking regulations can be strict.

5. Are there any food festivals or events in Chinatown Hawaii?

Yes, Chinatown Hawaii is home to several annual food events, including the Lantern Festival and the Eat the Street food truck festival. Check local listings for upcoming events.

6. What is the signature dish of Chinatown Hawaii?

There is no one signature dish of Chinatown Hawaii, as the neighborhood is home to a diverse array of cuisines and flavors. However, some of the most popular dishes include dim sum, ramen, pho, and Hawaiian fusion cuisine.