Deep Fried Manapua from Honolulu Kitchen

While doing some Christmas shopping at Waikele the other day, I was thinking about what to eat while on that side of the island. The deep fried manapuas from Honolulu Kitchen came to mind, and so I hopped in my car and within 10 minutes, I arrived at Honolulu Kitchen in Waipahu.

It took me a while to decide what to order, after all, there are over 30 different flavors of manapuas, both savory flavors and sweet. 

I decided to get the char siu, Teri chicken, and lilikoi cheesecake manapuas.  Thankfully they mark the manupas with a different shape/color for each flavor, and they write it down on the outside of the container so that you know which one is which.

I love these deep fried manapuas because of the crispy outside and soft/chewy interior.  And the  manapuas are generously filled with flavorful fillings.  

Manapuas can be either steamed or deep fried, and they are all made to order, therefore you should call your order in ahead of time if you don't want to wait at the restaurant for your order.  Here's a sample of their offerings and prices (subject to change at any time):

HONOLULU KITCHEN

94-861 Farrington Highway

(808) 671-5241

 

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Honolulu Kitchen

On our way back from an event in Kapolei, we stopped at Honolulu Kitchen to redeem a prize that I had won from them on Instagram - a dozen manapua!

Right at the entrance is the manapua menu. Today there were 24 flavors available - some savory, some sweet. Thank goodness there was a line of people ahead of me, so that I had some time to figure out what I wanted to get.

As I waited, owner "Unko" Steve came out with a tray of manapua and invited us all to try a sample. They all have little markings on them so that you can tell what's inside. The slightly pink-ish ones in the back with no markings is the classic charsiu manapua.

It wasn't long before my number was called, and I decided to get (6) char siu, (4) honey chicken, and (2) kalbi. 

All manapuas are available either steamed or deep fried. I almost ordered them steamed because that's the healthier option, but since they are known for their deep fried manapuas, I opted for deep fried, and I don't regret it one bit!

The deep fried manapuas are crispy on the outside, and surprisingly they hold their crispy pretty well after an hour or so at room temperature. Each manapuas as a nicely sized serving of filling. It is hard to eat just one manapua, because they're so tasty!

Since all manapuas are made-to-order, I ordered a plate of food while I was waiting - Pancit and two types of chicken. I could probably stretch this out to three meals - their portions are really generous.

They also have some ready-made items in the display case ...

Thank you Unko Steve for running so many contests on Instagram - you are so generous and your manapuas rock!

On a side note, Honolulu Kitchen can customize their fried manapuas with a message, company logo, your favorite sports team mascot, etc.  Call the kitchen for more information!  These are perfect for graduation parties, baby showers, weddings, or for no special reason at all - just because!  And there is no minimum limit on the number you need to order either!

HONOLULU KITCHEN

99-861 Farrington Highway

(808) 671-5241

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Honolulu Kitchen

It's been a couple of years since I first visited Honolulu Kitchen, and this time I returned with the family so the kids could pick out exactly what kinds of manapua they wanted.

So many choices!

Ube Lemon Custard

Spicy Pork

Chocolate

Spicy Crab Cream Cheese

OREO PB

Hot Dog Manapua

Garlic Chicken, Orange Chicken, Fried Rice, Fried Shoyu Udon

Mongolian Beef, Minute Chicken, Hot Dog Fried Rice, Fried Noodles

The kids ended up choosing ready-made Hot Dog Manapuas, and sweet deep fried manapuas from the available selections.  The different flavors on the manapua board can be steamed or deep fried, and since Honolulu Kitchen is known for the deep fried manapuas, we opted for deep fried.  They are fried to order, so they are not soggy, and we were told they would take about 7 minutes.  My husband opted for the spicy deep fried manapuas.  He enjoyed the fried outer bun, but said the fillings were not that spicy.

While we waited for the manapuas, we ordered a couple of regular lunch plates.  The plates come with a starch (you can do "half and half" for your starch), plus two entrees.  They sure don't skimp on the servings!  

I thought the garlic chicken needed more garlic flavor, and the minute chicken was a bit underseasoned, however, I really enjoyed the orange chicken and the shoyu udon from the lunch plates.

Prices are reasonable, and service was very friendly and helpful!


Honolulu Kitchen
94-861 Farrington Hwy STE A
Waipahu, Hawaii, 96789
(808) 671-5241

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Deep Fried Manapuas & More at Honolulu Kitchen

Honolulu Kitchen, located in Waipahu, has been popping up on my Instagram feed quite a bit.  More specifically, photos of their Deep Fried Manapuas are what I have been seeing most, and after running some errands in the area, I decided to go and pick some up, along with some plate lunch combos for the family.

From top left clockwise: Strawberry Cream Cheese, Char Siu Pork, Oyster Sauce Chicken, Pizza

Garlic Chicken, Orange Chicken, Fried Shoyu Udon

Pork & String Beans, Chicken with Zucchini and Mushrooms, Hong Kong Chow Mein

At just $1 a piece, the Deep Fried Manapuas are smaller (and cheaper!) than most steamed and baked manapuas, but the smaller size means you can just try more!

With over 30 different varities, it was hard to choose which ones to try.  Of the ones I bought, I really liked the Char Siu Pork and the Oyster Sauce Chicken.

The manapuas were not oily at all, and the fillings in each were seasoned well.

I personally prefer steamed manapuas, but I would choose deep fried manapuas over baked ones.

Whether you like sweet or savory, there are plenty of varieties to choose from!

The plate lunches are reasonably-priced, and they really give a lot of food!  Honolulu Kitchen offers a nice selection of starches and entrees - all sorts of noodles and rice dishes, as well as a variety of chicken, duck, pork, beef, and veggie dishes.

It did take a while for orders to be filled, as most of the manapuas were deep-fried-to-order, but overall the employees were very helpful and friendly.

If you're in the neighborhood and want some tasty and satisfying food, be sure to check out Honolulu Kitchen!

Honolulu Kitchen
94-861 Farrington Hwy STE A
Waipahu, Hawaii, 96789
(808) 671-5241

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