Magical Manapua | Hawaii's Favorite Snack

[@lloydyukawa8899]

Hey Misty Thank You Sooooo Much For Doing A Manapua Segment For Me; N When l Was in Honolulu l Had The Same Problem With Royal Kitchen Very Rude ‼️But I’m With You Sing Choueg Wan; Down Chinatown has the best Manapua Only Problem is no parking unless you go in the Public Parking lot ; But Thank You So Much ; Lloyd From Maui 😊

[@FoodFiend]

You're very welcome Lloyd! And thank you for the suggestion! I'm glad we agree and have the same tastebuds. There is a City garage right across from them. I paid $0.50 for parking. It's very cheap and always has spots for next time you come. I'm sorry Royal Kitchen was rude to you as well.

[@Waynes-xt9gr]

chinese misty....CHiNESE!! sometimes when I worked and had a break, my chinese coworker and me started to chat nice, but when she started to criticize, I told her to stop and walked off...... i pity those guys who end up married to chinese.....oooh boy!

[@FoodFiend]

@Waynes-xt9gr well I don't like to put people in a box. There's miserable people everywhere whatever race. But yes most Asians that are not born in the US have very toxic traits. Negative, nothing is ever good enough especially with their kids. It's sad but part of the culture. Hopefully it changes with the newer generations.

[@martinquintana5837]

Having grew up in Kalihi and living in Lanakila housing we used to have an elderly Chinese man selling his manapua in two tin cans. He sold manapua, rice cake, pork hash. And finally I grew up on Libby's Manapua in Kalihi. Now that place was a 10 all day on all their food. Beside Manapua chow fun was the best. Anyways keep up the good work on your channel. Aloha from Kansas

[@FoodFiend]

Aloha Martin! Wow thanks for sharing you memories. I grew up on the Lanakila side but by then it was just the manapua man in a truck. Never had the chance to see one with the two tin cans. Mahalo for watching.

[@JPLTOA01]

yeah the bestest was manapua man going around carrying 50lbs. of manapua and pork hash on his shoulders, ringing his bell! i grew up on Akepo lane in the 60's and remember that old chiniese guy. WOW memories!

[@leightonpaet6071]

Lived on Kam IV Road and I remember old Chinese man with two tin cans with string and stick. Manapuas, pork hash and rice cake. Those were the days...

[@Jack-he3qm]

I live in Vancouver, Canada so there is quite a few Chinese bakeries here. Our version of Char Siu Bao has more sauce, chunks of pork (not shredded pork) and applies to both steamed and baked versions. Baked versions use the brioche type bun and with a top sweet glaze. Your versions have more filling. Manapua is too sweet for me. Manapua and egg tarts as both are difficult items to get right as everyone has their own interpretation of it. Thanks Misty for Manapua'ing for this channel !!!

[@FoodFiend]

Hi Jack! I hope you're safe but I know Vancouver is far away from the wildfires. I can't believe Jasper burned down! 😪 I'd love to try the different Chinese delicacies in Vancouver since you have a wide array of choices there. Some folks do that sweet glaze here but I haven't seen one lately. I think here you need to go to an actual restaurant for that glaze. I agree that it is too sweet for me which is why it is not one of the foods I care for. Mahalo and have a great weekend! 🤙

[@Jack-he3qm]

@@FoodFiend Thanks for thoughts but yeah Jasper of about 7 hours away and our wind currents usually comes off the pacific ocean. I don't eat Chinese food often as I grew up with it. Vancouver does not have as many good Chinese eateries as a suburb/city of Richmond does. The population % of Chinese in Vancouver is 30% while Richmond is 50%. Like your Chinatown ours is also shrinking and those childhood nostalgic eateries that served foods I grew up with have closed or moved to Richmond. Let me know if you ever come to Vancouver !!!

[@ganjahtron]

Libby's Manapua will always be the GOAT. RIP

[@jjx89]

Having grown up in San Francisco, I’m sort of picky about char sui bao - and similar foods. Up until a few years ago, I would always go to Char Hung Sut to get manapua (when I was visiting Oahu). Too bad they closed. The manapua I’ve gotten in various Waikiki shops and tourist spots never lived up to my expectations. But the manapua from U-Choice looks great! - Will definitely check them out since Don Quijote is a regular stop for me.

[@FoodFiend]

Aloha! Yes you guys in SF have amazing Chinese food. Waikiki is a tourist trap and I would never eat the manapua there. Maybe if you come back try Sing Cheong Yuan. Family owned business and they make other excellent Chinese pastries and confectioneries!

[@gailsiangco5599]

Aloha Misty ! I was amazed how we have differences in our "Manapua 's " You were so awesome in sharing ! I Love it ! Have a great Aloha Friday !!!

[@FoodFiend]

Mahalo Gail! Glad you enjoyed the manapua video! Have a great weekend!

[@honuhorizen]

😂😂😂 I thought the sound of cats was the neighbors kids! You crack me up! Good job Misty! I agree with your pick! Bakery for the win!

[@FoodFiend]

😹 I'm glad it made you laugh!

[@honuhorizen]

Oh I tried T&L and it was good! Closest thing to char hung sut flavor!

[@FoodFiend]

@honuhorizen aurite Sis! So glad to hear that! 🤙

[@EvilTheOne]

Yes, taste is subjective. Back in Kalihi, Island Manapua makes my favorite pork hash. And my favorite manapua is at a kiosk in Time's Supermarket Kamehameha Shopping Center location. It's made by a Chinese restaurant near Ala Moana, which very well may be U-Choice In. The Time's kiosk doesn't open until 9:30 a.m., and the person who runs it says that the restaurant that makes the manapua opens at 7:00 a.m., so it may very well be them. The best thing I like about this manapua is that I've never had a chunk of fat in any of them.

[@FoodFiend]

Interesting. Someone else said that they confirmed the Times manapua at Kam Shopping Center is from U Choice. So good to know people don't have to drive as far to Kaheka if they live west of Don Quijote. 🤙

[@EvilTheOne]

@@FoodFiend I recently retired, and back when I was working, I used to take their manapua to work for my fellow workers. The kiosk worker mentioned that if I wanted the manapua at an earlier time, then I would have to go to that Kaheka location, but didn't say the name of the restaurant. Thank you helping everyone put one and one together. Have a great weekend!

[@FoodFiend]

@EvilTheOne have a great weekend too! And enjoy your "everyday is Saturday" life. 4 more years for me. 😫

[@EvilTheOne]

@@FoodFiend An early congrats on your upcoming retirement! When I was working, I never thought that I would enjoy retirement, I felt that I would miss work too much. After all, I was doing what I loved for 39+ years of my life. Although three days into my retirement, I closed the work chapter of my life and moved forward with a sigh of satisfaction. And yes, I agree...everyday is Saturday!

[@spang9782]

@00:18: Mrroww! Hey, that was naughty!! LOL! Thanks for reviewing the harder to find steamed manapua these days! Great historical facts BTW! I miss my ATF place, Libbys!!

[@FoodFiend]

😹

[@nelsonfong8101]

I enjoyed your video! Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery has the best manapua in my opinion. If Char Hung Sut was still in business, their manapua would be the best.

[@FoodFiend]

Mahalo Nelson! I agree with you.

[@classyfiftynine8208]

As an old expat.... I remember buying Cha-Siu Bao from an old Chinese man outside the Civic auditorium. He carried two baskets secured on the ends of a pole. My preference... is the mainland version, very similar to those in Hong Kong. DougK

[@FoodFiend]

Aloha DougK! I wish I could've seen that but never seen it myself. Only had manapua vans when I was a kid. Great history about it. Love the story of how it became popular here.

[@Hi4maga3404]

I was caught off guard by the cat meowing. 😂 Das some fresh Manapua dare. 🤙

[@FoodFiend]

@@Hi4maga3404 🤣 Are you related to Reggie Manoa?

[@Hi4maga3404]

@@FoodFiend not that I know of Thanks for your videos. Made me so hungry I had to eat early dinner tonight.😂

[@Guy117]

Miss Char Hung Sut, especially the pork hash. Nowhere on the island has been able to duplicate that pork hash. Sing Cheung Yuan to me has the best manapua. Great video Misty!

[@FoodFiend]

Mahalo Guy! Yes they were the best for sure. Such a loss.

[@Guy117]

@@FoodFiend I ran into Terrance today at Sam’s Club. Told him how much my wife and I enjoy your channel. 🤙🏾

[@FoodFiend]

@Guy117 Aw how wondeful! Terrance is a great guy! Thanks for letting me know and thank you so much for you and your wife's support! ❤️

[@Guy117]

@@FoodFiend We both said the same thing about Terrance, seems like a good guy. I’m glad I stopped to say hi, super friendly.👍🏾

[@jlewsf]

a great comprehensive review of manapua. Being a hong konger I've never developed an appreciation for manapua. but still, enjoyed your vlog on it. thanks.

[@FoodFiend]

Thank you. Yeah not my kind of food either. 🤙

[@JonIchinaga]

Nice video, Misty! When I have manapuas, I prefer the more savory and those Ive tried here are sweeter than I prefer. U-Choice sounds perfect and Ill give them a try. I love the way your channel is evolving. These comparison videos like this one and the pizza ones were very informative and fun to watch. I know they must be time consuming but maybe you could reduce the number of places you try to five to make it easier. But as always thanks for the work and effort you put into them. Congratulations on hitting 20k subscribers!

[@FoodFiend]

Mahalo Jon! I'm glad you like the compilation videos. I try to include them all even though it is hard work because there's always people that say "How come you didn't go here?" It's not so bad as I do a few in a day and just out them all together. Thanks for acknowledging the work. It is hard but I've found a system to be quick and efficient as I learned throughout this KZbin journey. 🤙

[@baitken766]

I miss libbys

[@MarkFromHawaii]

I've heard also that manapua is a contraction of mauna pua'a - mountain of pork. To me Aiea Manapua was better in the past - the filling was better. I'm surprised of the grouchy service at Royal Kitchen. I haven't been there in years but they were always nice in the past. I went to Sing Cheong Yuan a few weeks ago after the downtown outage to support them. Probably went overboard on the order, lol! Everything was super good and the ladies were nice. This was a few minutes after 7 on a Saturday. That's the time to go. Three words: Ma Tai Su! Ono!

[@FoodFiend]

The girls at Sing Cheong Yuan are amazing! The lady at Royal Kitchen was an old grouchy Chinese lady. The other ladies seemed friendly. I read on Yelp some interactions with this particular lady. They need to get rid of her...Mauna pua'a makes sense too! Too bad it's not manapua'a today. Pork power! 🐖✊️🤣

[@hawaiianaf2308]

Royal Kitchen usually has good service you just have to know exactly what you want beforehand and not stall. Not saying that’s what happened. My grandparents taught me this as a kid when going to Chinatown with them. Think of it like the Soup Nazi from Seinfield. Lol.

[@FoodFiend]

Yeah that is actually a good comparison - the Soup Nazi. 🤣 thanks.

[@ryden7114]

Hi sista. Debbie remembers the manapua man going through her neighborhood. The truck had more than manapua, he had other Hawaiian treats. He only had the steamed ones, so ono. Thank you sista. Have awesome night.

[@FoodFiend]

Aloha Mark! Yes the manapua trucks sell everything from manapuas, rice cakes to cigarettes 🤣 well...back in the day. Manapua trucks were amazing. I did a video on manapua trucks but they're definitely not the same as the ones I experienced in childhood. Less choices now.

[@titasmom678]

Never been to Island Manapua, T & L , and U Choice for manapua. Awesome places you went to on this one. Now my sister and I will have lunch plans for a couple of days. Lol. Hoping the membership grows and grows.

[@FoodFiend]

@titasmom678 aw thanks Carol! I hope it grows too, but at the same time I like the smaller group for more intimate interactions. I hope you can try the ones you haven't tried. Only problem with T&L is parking like most places in Kalihi. Mahalo for your support! 🤙

[@titasmom678]

​@FoodFiend Thanks for always replying back all the time. I always look forward to your replies. Update: since char hung sut closed, we have been looking for a new place for pork hash, so this video gave us the perfect opportunity to go exploring while we tried the manapuas. We went to Island Manapua and T&L Market this morning ( lucked out with the parking). The manapuas were ok, but were not for us, and the pork hash didn't do it for us, but the people there were very nice. U Choice is our next place to try. We do like Sing Cheong Yuan for manapua.

[@FoodFiend]

@titasmom678 you're very welcome Carol. Aw see we have different tastes lol. But I found Sing Cheong Yuan's the best out of all. We agree on that at least LOL. Hope your adventure to U choice is better

[@ripleylv426.]

The meows 🤣🤣🤣!!! Not the biggest fan of manapua either since it's hit or miss when i've had it. But your list should be really helpful 👌. Very detailed review covering every nuance of the manapua, including some history and paper warning. I know i've eaten some of that paper by mistake throughout my life 😜. I wouldn't mind waiting at Honolulu Kitchen while Uncle talks story with his customers and is the kine to feed the homeless. Those kinds of folks remind me to slow down and practice kindness, makes the food and visit even better 🫶👍!

[@FoodFiend]

@ripleylv426. lol glad you liked the little meows. 🐈 Glad you also share my tastebuds. Honolulu Kitchen has great friend manapuas if you've never tried them. Great as a dessert. He is super kind and has a wonderful heart for sure. 😊

[@paulafriedmanalohafrommaryland]

Aloha Misty. I have a lot of catching up to do with your videos (both the ones for members and the regular ones). You know I always enjoy your videos and your honest reviews. Things have been a bit hectic with Mom and not receiving any support from my sisters so I'm like a chicken with it's head cut off, though I got some concerts in to give me a break for an evening! I hope you're doing well.

[@FoodFiend]

No worries Paula. I'm sorry things are hectic. Hopefully things get less stressful for you and your mom gets well. At least you do get to see all your awesome concerts!

[@michellejosefoodandtravel]

Happy Aloha Friday Misty!! We enjoy manapuas in general and prefer steamed when it’s been steamed well but do enjoy baked ones just a tad bit more. So many places to get manapuas and ones that we hadn’t heard of. In the Philippines we have something similar called siopao (sho-pow) with a more savory pork filling. It’s always steamed and never baked. Of the places we’ve had the chance to try so far, Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery is one of our faves. Mahalo for another foodie adventure as always!!🤙🏽

[@FoodFiend]

Mahalo Michelle and Jose! Oh I definitely want to go to the Philippines and try their siopao and shumai. Looks so good when I watch the street food videos over there. I'm glad you guys enjoyed Sing Cheong Yuan! Can't wait to catch up soon in the coming months. Take care and have a wonderful weekend!

[@michellejosefoodandtravel]

@@FoodFiendwe can’t wait to catch up as well!! 🤙🏽

[@kylerdad123]

Aloha Misty: You did a great job on this vlog! I am having a good memory if my grandfather treating us to manapua from the original Lin Fong Bakery when we visited Chinatown! It is interesting to see the variety of fillings and choice of steamed:baked -in my days, only steamed ones! 😀. I have to checkout the deserts one when I return home. I am looking forward to next weeks blog! Take care and best wishes!, fellow 🐯! 🤙

[@FoodFiend]

Aloha Bill! My friend just talked about the New Lin Fong Bakery. I've never been to the original or new one. Wonder if it would taste the same to you. Definitely desserts. I like Jin doui (sp?) And Jung. Grabbed myself a Jung at Sing Cheong Yuan too. Had that for breakfast today. Have a wonderful weekend Tiger!

[@kylerdad123]

@@FoodFiend I have tried the cookies at New Line Fong, and they are similar to the original Lin Fong. I like jin-dui and jung, also - these were treats during the Chinese holidays, and my mom used to make them. I am glad to know that they are available at Sing Cheong Yuan, and I will be getting those when I get to Chinatown during the next trip. Take care and much 🤙🏼!

[@Patrick-nv5ug]

I remember a small shop in Hanapepe Camp Kauai that had a canned tuna manapua that was pretty good. The tuna was sweetened with cane sugar and some finely chopped vegetables.

[@FoodFiend]

@@Patrick-nv5ug that's very unique! 🤙

[@MsBernieb00]

Aloha Misty, new subbie here from Kaneohe. This review of Manapua’s was awesome! Happy to see U-Choice In came in #2. It’s my go to place when I get a craving for Manapua! It’s always a hit for parties, meetings, and family gatherings. Never misses that people ask me where I bought the manapua. I gotta head to Chinatown to try the #1 place now. Stay safe! 😊

[@FoodFiend]

Aloha Ms. Bernie! Mahalo for subbing! U Choice was really good to me. Yes try em and let me know what you think. It's across the Maunakea Municipal Parking Lot. Have a great week!

[@straybox]

Fun video! 70s early 80s I was a regular 25 cent manapua connoisseur :) I would not pay over .35 cents the 50 cent ones was to much! Shout out to Dan the manapua man in his van in Salt Lake! I now live in Los Angeles they average $3 each mostly baked so many flavors to choose from never the same. Thanks for the video!

[@FoodFiend]

Wow that is super cheap! Dan the Manapua man I know! Always parks by the HECO station after school by Ala Ilima. Yes about $2.50 to $3 here too. Mahalo for watching!

[@alant.541]

So lucky. Your 7-Elevens have lup cheong and pizza manapua. I've only had Royal Kitchen. Thanks for your top pics for the "cat morsels." 🐈

[@FoodFiend]

You're welcome. Hope you find a meow-na-pua you like. 😺

[@nrmnnk4057]

Thank You for going to all those different locations, I have only tried a few of those that you visited. I will have to try a few of those other locations, I am very interested now. There are so many other locations which sell Dim Sum on island. My go to place has always been Happy Days in Kaimuki, or Nice Days in Kalihi.

[@FoodFiend]

You're welcome! Thanks so much for watching.

[@jhash9554]

This is the best place ever! I hope they stay in business

[@FoodFiend]

@@jhash9554 which one?

[@dennistani1986]

Thanks for your manapua restaurant tour! In California where I'm from, we call them port buns. They are tasty, but not as good as the Hawaii ones. I now live in Okinawa Japan. Our pork buns are different, the pork inside isn't char shue , but regular steam pork. Take care!

[@FoodFiend]

Wow thanks for sharing! Interesting how there is so many styles of pork buns around the world. I saw a man selling them in Vietnam, but it was a breakfast thing and the Filipinos have their own version. I would love to go to Okinawa one day! You're so lucky to live there. So beautiful. Have a great week!

[@robinkomoto5573]

I always refer to Char Hung Sut as Char Siu Hut

[@motorheadforlife9431]

Hi there, Misty. I enjoyed this manapua episode of yours. Over here in my country, they're called siopaos. I usually order for the siopao bola-bola cause the meat inside are all in meatball form plus some sliced boiled eggs are mixed in with the meatballs, also. LOL @ those meows. 😂 That ol' cat meat joke regarding siopaos/manapuas is still mentioned over here sometimes especially between the old folks. Hehehehe. Thank you again for another interesting video. Nice shirt there, by the way. 🤘🏼

[@FoodFiend]

Haha I'm glad you liked the meows and have the same joke. I'd love to try siopao. Philippines right? One day I'd love to visit there and try all the food! I love Filipino food. 💗

[@kshinokevin]

at the Times Supermarket grocery store, in Kalihi (at the Kamehameha Shopping Center), I have seen the "Sio Paos" in a box being sold in the frozen section; the "pork hash" too, under the "Magnolia" brand; they are known for their desserts ("halo halo" (mix mix)... So Good ! Even the "Golden Coin" restaurant sells their own version of the "Sio Pao" (char siu bao); a variation of it was Curry Chicken. If I called it Kam Shopping Center; it feels like "Shao Khan," a Mortal Kombat character. I changed a Hawai'ian guy (Kamehameha) into a Chinese/Chinee ("pake") guy (Kam).

[@motorheadforlife9431]

@@FoodFiend- Yup. The Philippines alright. Yeah, you should visit here sometime and try the food here. You might find the huge malls over here entertaining as well. Man, I miss Hawaii. Me and my folks lived there way back in 1977 for around 7 months before my Dad was stationed to Yokosuka Naval Base so we had to move to Japan. Have a good day, Misty. 👍🏼

[@motorheadforlife9431]

@@kshinokevin- I didn't know Magnolia also sold siopaos. Glad it was good.

[@davyf7620]

Thanks!

[@FoodFiend]

Mahalo Dave but no need pay! God bless!

[@davyf7620]

Nah small kine, you work hard to make your vids Misty!!

[@FoodFiend]

@davyf7620 thank you so much. 🙏

[@pikakerose]

thanks for going all around looking for manapua i miss char hung sat n libbys but yes sing chong bakery i like the jung n half moon n shrimp har gao but havnt gone to u choice in a long while we even tried making our own char siu bao lol better to buy

[@Waynes-xt9gr]

Royal is VERY lucky that Char Hung Sut and Libbys are history......I can guarantee you that folks WILL drive around blocks to find parking for CHS......as well as around Kalani St or Hart Sts to walk to Libbys.....

[@FoodFiend]

I agree it is hard work to make your own. Better to buy. If you make your own you are also stuck with a lot. Unless you have a big family or are going to eat manapua all week, no thanks LOL

[@brendanakamoto8598]

My sister and I agreed that U Choice was the best so far. We especially like their half moons 👍🏼

[@brendanakamoto8598]

Sorry I forgot to add…hi Misty! 😊

[@FoodFiend]

Hi! Yes I really enjoyed their manapua. I'm glad I went there finally. I need to try the half moons next then! 🤙

[@brendanakamoto8598]

@@FoodFiend Oh yeah, hope you’ll like ‘em!

[@KaeoQuilit]

there is a great manapua store in aiea , i think it's called aiea manapua & snacks 🤙🏾

[@FoodFiend]

Yes it is in this video. I didn't like it. But I'm a weirdo and don't like it too sweet. 🤣

[@AussieAngeS]

Hey Misty I hope all is well. wow those Manapua look huge 😍 I want to do a manapua tour also lol. Have you done a malasada tour yet ?

[@FoodFiend]

Aloha Aussie Ange! Yes I did a malasada tour video a couple months ago. 🤙

[@_DrSPAM]

Yessah

[@FoodFiend]

🤙

[@carolpohina3798]

Every time I get 711 Manapua, it's soggy on the bottom. 😒 You know, there is a ration 1 Manapua to 2 Pork Hash😊 I love to dip mine in hot mustard sauce. Mia ono- very delicious Chun Wah Kam has a bunch of flavors. I prefer steam vs baked

[@FoodFiend]

Yay to team steamed! My 7-11 one was surprisingly not soggy on the bottom this time.

[@carolpohina3798]

@FoodFiend I've been ono for Manapua/pork hash. I think I'll stop by some place on the way home today. UChoice sounds ono

[@FoodFiend]

@carolpohina3798 everyone saying the U Choice manapua is sold inside Times Kam Shopping Center. Not sure if they have pork hash though. Just mentioning it because it is closer for you. Not sure if it is the same taste.

[@carolpohina3798]

@@FoodFiend I will call them and see. I'm in Kailua

[@carolpohina3798]

Yes, they do!

[@bigedhaaheo]

Royal Kitchen is still my go-to place as far as Baked Manapua, & yes some of those old ladies are rude lol... But once I went in, about 10 minutes before closing & the young lady who helped me was very kind & gave me an over abundant of food in my plate I ordered. Then I asked to purchase a baked Manapua & she gave me (3) extra. So I guess It depends who helping you as far as service goes & as far as extras depends on the time of day....lol

[@FoodFiend]

I heard the younger lady is the new owner. The old owner used to donate food to our workplace all the time. The owner needs to get rid of that lady. The rest of the workers were friendly.

[@uisguexjack]

I went to a Summer school session at Punaho. At lunch a old Chinese lady would ride up on her tricycle rigged for holding a steam vat selling warm fresh steamed ones.... Smaller about the size of a jelly dough nut. They were a bit red inside and wonderful. Summer of 73. I enjoy your vlog, know a bit bout food.

[@FoodFiend]

Mahalo for sharing your story! Wow! I wish I could've experienced what you did. I did read about the original manapuas being smaller and bite sized like you described. And then as time went on they got bigger. Thanks so much for watching!

[@Keliiyamashita]

Fook Lam has the best baked manapua hands down!

[@FoodFiend]

That's good to know!

[@DoubleOTEN]

Wow Island Manapua is still at that same spot .. I thought it was gone…They still got plate lunches? …

[@FoodFiend]

They have some bentos with char siu and some other meats and chow fun. But no actual plate lunches to my knowledge.

[@chadsshow2010]

Manoa Island Manapua is a better place. 😊

[@l82nite]

A few places buy their manapua. I think chinatown express, in windward mall, gets theirs from sing cheong. Best manapua on island. price is getting kind of high, so don't eat it much anymore. everything so expensive these days.

[@FoodFiend]

Yes things are expensive nowdays. Hopefully things get better. Can only think positive about the future.

[@beegee3136]

Great video! My favorite was Patti's in Ala Moana when I was a kid. Team Steamed for me! Love the ...And Justice For All shirt! My favorite Metallica album (unpopular opinion lol). Blackened is my fav track.

[@FoodFiend]

Oh wow that's a throwback. Never had Patti's manapua. Wow. Only had the plates and miss the noodles. I agree! ...And Justice For All is my favorite album from them. That album was the first songs I could play on guitar (I do rhythm not lead or solos). Used to know how to play Blackened, Harvester of Sorrow, One and And Justice For All. Have you ever tried James Hetfield's new whiskey called Blackened?

[@kshinokevin]

Patti's Chinese Kitchen ?; I remember places, like: called "Crack Seed Center," "Spash !" "Woolworths," "Sears (with an auto body shop)/Zippy's/Napoleon's Bakery" and the "Paniolo Store."; Ala Moana Shopping Center artwork: next to the DMV (the old California Wok space), there is one of two old-school statues: by Assagio's = Waiola (Living Waters) by George Tsutakawa (street level 1 / Diamond Head wing) est. 1966); Manu Lewalani (Birds Aloft) by Bumpei Akaji (level 2 / Ewa Wing; est. 1966) by Moncler store

[@FoodFiend]

@kshinokevin don't forget Watamuls, the Ritz, Liberty House, House of Adler (If youre not buying your diamonds from yhe House of Alder youre paying to much), Honolulu Book Store, House of music and when you could see Foodland from above at McDonalds! I'm actually doing an old school walk through for the paying members later on.

[@kshinokevin]

@@FoodFiend - Yes ! I remembered seeing a Watamull's next to a restroom (by the Centerstage area; there is a building in Waikiki that said "Watamull's"); an island landmark like Reyn Spooner or Tori Richards; Waldenbooks; I think there was a Dave's Ice Cream between Sears and Woolworth's (between 2 escalators going up to the second level of Sears (the Old Navy location, in the present day); the House of Music place; the Adler jewelry, Pacific Diamonds (watch exchange) & Indich Collection (this latter store is located, somewhere on North Nimitz Highway) commercials; the Slipper House (you have "Island Slipper"), Sam Goody's/the Wherehouse; there was a Cove Bar in the Makai Food court area. I wonder if Ala's had a Thom McCan shoe store (like the one in Kam Shopping Center). The "O" Lounge became the Republik; I think there was a Chinese restaurant right next to it. On the bottom floor, there was an Antiques Alley shop, next to Bar Seven (which became into The District nightclub) and V-Lounge/Inferno Pizza. on Piikoi St., there was a Records Hawaii, next to a Jelly's Records and Books (now Idea's). there used to have three: Pearl Kai Shopping Center; one on Hekaha St., one in Market City Shopping Center (I think); one on Auahi St.). Ward Center: I miss Borders Books and Music (Bed Bath and Beyond); there used to be one in Kahala Mall (Ross Dress For Less).

[@kshinokevin]

Kam Center or Kalihi memories = my cousin said that Kam Center used to have a "Holiday" movie theater; where Kaybee Toys & Hobby store was (by Long's)/Gamestop. I remembered Radio Shack (T-Mobile), Bobby's Barber Shop (Infinitea), Red Baron's Pizza (next to Times Supermarket aka Star Market); Blockbuster Video (where Honu's Bakery / where the new Kamehameha (union ?) bank was), Silver Dragon Chop Suey (it is called Liu's now); Payless Shoes (where Spectrum/Oceanic Cable is); the Kenny's: Restaurant / Deli takeout Okazuya (Kam Bowl), Burgerhouse (McDonald's). Kam Bowl = a Walgreeen's branch. Nissan dealership on North King Street: Kalihi Bowl. Dillingham Shopping Center: Sizzler = Goko = Bob's Big Bear; next to an old bank. There were many other Sizzler locations (Pearlridge and maybe one in Salt Lake Shopping Center). Dillingham or Boulevard Saimin. Servco Mapunapuna = Gibson Shopping Center; with restaurants, like Jumbo's, Bob's Big Boy, 99 Ranch Market (by a Olelo public access TV studio branch), Sears distribution center, Hopaco (like Office Depot or Fisher HI), Henry Loui's restaurant, Ilima's take-out; I saw an 1970's or 1980's photo of a "skyslide" for the old "Checkers N' Pogo (on the go)" show, in Gibson's. There was a shave ice place, a music store and an El Pollo Loco restaurant.

[@noelaraki]

0:18 LOLZ!!!! Great video FYI The origin of the red color for the meat probably comes from the use of fermented bean curd (lam yuh), which is used in some older Char Siu recipes. Also the name of that place in Chinatown is New Lin Fong (On Maunalea, between Hotel and Pauahi)

[@FoodFiend]

Ah! Thanks for getting the name for me. And oh yes I get it now. Just like kau yuk since it uses fermented curd. Thanks for explaining. You're the manapua connoisseur for sure!

[@Cruisingfoodies]

Love all the places you chose. I haven't been to a couple. We go to Honolulu kitchen bc it's close by a lot.

[@FoodFiend]

Yes that man at Honolulu Kitchen is such a sweetheart. I love their fried manapuas.

[@kenth2701]

All my favorites are gone! Libbys, Char Hung Sut, the place that used to be at Daiei in town. Now my go to is the one at Times Kam Sopping Ctr which I confirmed it's U-Choice. I prefer steamed over baked.

[@FoodFiend]

Good to know the one in Kam Shopping Center Times is U Choice. They have a solid manapua and you don't have to drive as far. 🤙

[@Waynes-xt9gr]

kent....besides the manapua and pork hash etc.....hows the plates? ginger chicken, roast pork, etc..........I live IN the valley and never yet go there to buy yet......

[@kshinokevin]

Daiei = Holiday Mart => Don Quijote. the evolution of a store; Liberty House = Macy's => Walmart (the one branch in downtown that had closed down). CVS Pharmacy = Long's (Drugs store) Star Markets (a five star experience) = Times Supermarkets. iykyk..

[@kenth2701]

@@Waynes-xt9gr The roast pork and char siu are pretty good. But my go to is Alicia's

[@jikotakuhaibin]

Oh my, so much work went into to this video! Personally I was pleasantly surprised by U-Choice, but have never tried the manapua from Sing Cheong Yuan. I also like the taste of steamed manapua, but I get full faster and can’t eat as much of pork hash, half moon, etc.

[@FoodFiend]

Thank you! It does take a lot of work to do compilations of different places. But if people like you enjoy it, it is worth it. I would totally binge on pork hash and half moons and skip the manapua myself. I also love Jung or Zongzi in Mandarin. So good!

[@stogiesister]

I’m with you, don’t really care for a sweet dish like that. I would rather it be savory for sure. Still, I would want to try a bite of some. Thanks for another review 🎉

[@FoodFiend]

Yay we agree! You're welcome! You'd probably like the bread part of it.

[@jaws7794]

Yea I walk pass U-choice also for years..only reason I pass, there is always a line already. Should do a rice cake or pork hash video next..These are the local favorite shops for manapua.🤙

[@FoodFiend]

I don't like rice cake or lunch cheong either. I am so weird! 🤣 but pork hash I can get down with! I'll put it on my list for a video. Mahalo!

[@soupbums]

Everytime i go to chun wah kam they never have half moon even a hour after opening

[@FoodFiend]

Sorry to hear that.

[@SakuraSpring]

I love steamed manapua. I just can't see eating baked 'cuz when you grow up with the steamed one, no like change. Did Honolulu Kitchen place have the white rice cake with a thousand holes? I like the fluffy, pillowy, soft steamed manapua. I don't like too sweet filling and no to the sesame oil. Glad Chun Wah Kam's bread is good. Gotta make that pitstop on the way to the airport. I understand if you call ahead, they will either refrigerate or freeze your manapua for travelling. When your list of places showed up, did a stray cat interrrupt your filming...thought there was some meowing going on! LOL

[@FoodFiend]

Lol yes meowing all over. I don't remember if they had rice cake. I know Garden Island Cafe in Wiapahu has rice cakes for sale.

[@pipperrytook2314]

The T&L Market manapua looks so ono! I always wondered if the 7-11 manapuas were good 😅 Miss Char Hung Sut 😢 They were so good 😭🩷 At the Sing Cheong Yuan Bakery, you can ask for a hot manapua ❤

[@Waynes-xt9gr]

Garens you going fall for 711.....their manapua is moist, not baked and fluffy!! and its HELL cheaper than manapua joints.

[@FoodFiend]

7-11 manapua is not bad at all considering it is a convenience store. The bread is soft and fluffy and it comes out hot. Thanks for telling me about asking for a hot one at Sing Cheong Yuan!

[@hanaleikamai595]

Howzit sista’h seen da’h hidden pork hash da best combo can’t wait to come home for vacation 🤙🏾🤙🏾

[@FoodFiend]

@hanaleikamai595 Howzit 🤙 yes the man at Honolulu Kicthen was nice and threw in gau gee and pork hash. Hrs so nice. He gave some ladies in front extra manapua.

[@royhi1809]

I miss CHUN WAH KAM!

[@JAMESFRIEDHOFF]

That’s a WINNAH!!

[@robertmikuni2794]

Great video Misty!

[@FoodFiend]

@@robertmikuni2794 Mahalo Robert!!

[@telawsonartzy6880]

Mmmmm cats🤤🤤🤤🤤🤤 I like manapua, and I do like it sweet. Everyone thinks I'm weird and it's pretty true. Great vlog I appreciate you making this vlog about manapua.

[@FoodFiend]

Ah! Then you'd like Chun Wah Kam or Aiea Manapua. My son loves sweets and said Aiea Manapua was the best of them all as I gave him the other half of all the ones I tried.

[@telawsonartzy6880]

@FoodFiend thank you. I've now saved that in the vault.

[@craigpagaduan6376]

@@telawsonartzy6880 meooowww…

[@reaganenglish]

I like your scoring system

[@FoodFiend]

Thanks.

[@janclimo2284]

🤣🤣🤣 the MEOWWW 🐈‍⬛LMFAO 😅

[@FoodFiend]

😹

[@janclimo2284]

@@FoodFiendThe meows at the end 🤣🤣🫨🫨🤪

[@FoodFiend]

@@janclimo2284 😹😹😹

[@brianhirose8866]

Meow bao video! Sing cheong is the Dragon lady’s (the CW) go to for meow bao and any other dim sum they have. As you can see i got off of being in KZbin’s time out…LOL Great video and looking forward to the next one! Aloha! And see you on zoom next week!

[@FoodFiend]

@brianhirose8866 lol at Dragon Lady. Yay you're free from YT jail! 🤣 see you next week.

[@tealorturquoise]

Char siu bao and manapua aren't the same. I wish they were but they are different in texture, taste and size and not just the bread but the char siu as well. Love them both as their own thing, but if you're from Hawaii you'll be disappointed if you order char siu bao thinking you're gonna get something like manapua. Was honestly a culture shock for me when I first moved to the mainland.

[@FoodFiend]

I've had it here at Chinese restaurants and in the mainland and it tastes similar to me. Just the size and meat to bread ratio is different. But I see what you're saying.

[@jasminegueco327]

The Kalihi shop comes close to what meat consistency of the Managua back then, chopped. Not as candy sweet as most fillings like todays taste. It was still warm out of the vendors large cannisters..(yes,back in the days with the shoulder bar and rope).....Calling out resounding "manapua"..."pepeau" down the lane. And it's taste wasn't as sweet, a hint Chinese 5 spice and the bun just seemed perfect for a 4 way split between friends 🙃 ❤!.....

[@FoodFiend]

I'm so glad you appreciate the non candy-like sweetness of the filling. To me it is just way too unappealing. Sharing manapua or candy with friends is such a nice memory of childhood. I miss it. 🤙

[@JamesRonstadt]

Yeah sometimes manapua and rudeness comes hand in hand. 🐈🤔 Binge watching your videos. 🌴😎🌈Aloha 🤙🏼

[@FoodFiend]

Aloha James! Thanks for watching the videos. Unfortunately they were the only ones that were rude. Everyone else was super nice. 😺

[@bolohead1]

I never buy manapua, too many customers buys it for us at work, I only buy it when I'm in Japan LOL.

[@FoodFiend]

LOL. I'd be tired of it too if people always brought it to work. Luckily at work people bring an array of things like malasadas, Nadings Spanish rolls...so at least we don't get tired of the same thing. There was a manapua man in Vietnam. Should've tasted it to see the difference but passed since it's not my #1 thing to eat.

[@bolohead1]

@@FoodFiend we always get Chun Wah Kam, Aiea manapua, Kams bakery, or Dunkin. I pass 80% of the time.

[@hallowed45]

Nice shirt. I saw that Justice tour in Kansas City with Queenryche opening

[@FoodFiend]

Nice! I don't like anything after And Justice For All. I have interestingly never seen them but saw Slayer, Primus, Type O Negative and all the other usual bands. Now I'm old and stay home. 🤣

[@hallowed45]

@@FoodFiend im with you.. i cannot listen to anything after justice. we saw them 3 times on justice tour..they came thru Kansas City once with Queensryche,once with The Cult and once on Monsters Of Rock with Van Halen,Scorpions,Dokken and Kingdom Come

[@hallowed45]

Remember Kengo's on Kapiolani ? I used to cook there back in the day

[@FoodFiend]

@hallowed45 wow yes I remember that and Flamingo's and Columbia Inn was also on Kapiolani. ❤️ do you still cook?

[@hallowed45]

@@FoodFiend when i moved back i didnt want to cook anymore..too much stress and bs and i drank way too much after work.now i cook for fun when i want and have maybe one drink a month

[@wendelld808]

I'm contrary to most when I say I like more bread than filling. In fact I would rather just have the bread. Especially the steamed one...

[@FoodFiend]

Yes I agree. I love the bao buns that cone with the roast duck that you fold. Same recipe, different shape. I could eat those all day.

[@TroyFujimoto808]

I loved the dim sum at Duck Lee Chinese Express Foods - Honolulu, HI 96826

[@FoodFiend]

Thanks for the tip Troy. I always pass by while in Market City, but never went in.

[@harrymiram6621]

Aside from regular manapua/pork hash & such...am also partial to lup cheong/brown sugar manapua. Too bad Char Hung Sut closed...they were my fave! Aside from 7-11, no can find ANY manapua Wahiawa/Mililani area..(Sigh/smh)

[@FoodFiend]

This part pake is super weird and also does not like lup cheong. Yuck 🤣 I know Zim strange. Yeah weird how there's no manapua places in Central Oahu.

[@nv0us]

1:50. Are you sure? It's all in the seasoning😉😂

[@FoodFiend]

@@nv0us meow

[@SamSung-pm5bw]

Team steamed!

[@FoodFiend]

Aurite!

[@hallowed45]

not for a job no. went up and cooked in oregon for 10 years. now only at home. kengos was good, slammed everyday, time flew there

[@st-4u]

😑slant eye 🤣 I prefer steam manapua 🤙🏽🌺

[@FoodFiend]

🤣

[@starhawk4855]

steamed

[@lindaakana2774]

I Watch ur channel but disappointed I wish u would show the menu on each of the places...so can see the prices...to see if it is affordable n I’m a senior on a budget cz I like dim sum very much n it would be nice if u video the inside of the restaurant or what ever place u show kinda incompleted

[@FoodFiend]

I don't show prices anymore because a lot of people always complained it was too expensive or had nothing nice to say so I stopped a couple of months ago. Sorry for the inconvenience but you can always look at the menu on Yelp.com or Google Reviews. I'm not necessarily a cheap eats channel so most places I go to are not cheap.

[@deerasta44]

I’m more of a steam manapua😊😊😊

[@FoodFiend]

😊👍

[@Nalaniikaleomana]

Baked us mine…. there’s other places that sell two…😂😅😂

[@FoodFiend]

@@Nalaniikaleomana team baked for you 🙌

[@CoggieCarol]

I hate manapua, because it's sweet & often artificially red (🤮) when IMO it should be savory with maybe a hint of sweet...& my brother told me once that it was 🐈 😺 meat (I believed him 😅). Thanks for taking one for the team.

[@FoodFiend]

Aloha CoggieCarol! Yes someone that has my tastebuds! 🤣 I can smash pork hash though. Love that stuff. And the cat thing makes me laugh. Someone made an excellent short film about cats running away from the manapua man. 🤣

[@localboyn2deep146]

Girl 👧 I love manapua 😊❤

[@FoodFiend]

😊 your name on KZbin reminds me of N2Deep the group. Now I got the song "Back To The Hotel" stuck in my head. 😹

[@localboyn2deep146]

@@FoodFiend yup!!! My old school jam, anything 80's 🤙🏼🤙🏼

[@FoodFiend]

@@localboyn2deep146 Aurite! That's the jam!

[@UmaNotaSo]

So not from "meow na pua" since you mentioned cats at the beginning.

[@FoodFiend]

🤣😹

[@Vince_F]

0:17 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😹‼️

[@FoodFiend]

@@Vince_F meow. 😹

[@taniner]

U Choice - Baked Chicken Manapua is my favorite. Get the halfmoon too... think its the best there.

[@FoodFiend]

Wow, that's an interesting manapua flavor. Thanks for the heads up on that and the half moon. 🤙

[@Jonathan-mp3ju]

Royal Kitchen has slipped in quality and service over the years.

[@FoodFiend]

Yes. The original owner was so nice and always donated the food to us at work at night. She retired and well...we can see the difference.

[@Waynes-xt9gr]

@@FoodFiend that wasn't the elderly lady with gray hair and glasses......I think after an interview on the news. She supposedly is the owner or owners daughter.

[@FoodFiend]

@Waynes-xt9gr no she had black hair but probably dyed in a hair net cap thing and was maybe in her 60s. The old owner we knew was nice and always donated food to our work place. She retired and who knows who took over...

[@wecanwatersports4151]

Man A Pua 🫵😊

[@uluasforlife]

Why’d you do a segment on manapua if it’s not your cup of tea?

[@FoodFiend]

@uluasforlife because a viewer requested it. I listen to my viewers especially long time ones.

[@lillygirl7238]

Hahaha…I’m just like you! Not my favorite cuz I prefer pork hash. Manapua has too much bread for me. I like T & L or mini char siu bau from Aiea Manapua. 💕🌺🍍🥷😎

[@FoodFiend]

Yes to pork hash! 🐖

[@JPLTOA01]

U- Choice in DA BESTEST! Royal Kitchen, DA SHITTIEST!

[@FoodFiend]

UNODAT! Yeah was shitty.

[@Waynes-xt9gr]

thanks misty..........thanks a LOT (sarcastically.......nah) I live in the valley and probably after this vid goes viral, I go on sunday for manapua or other things and SEE A LINE!!!!! DAMN MISTY!!!!! you let the pigeon otta da cage!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D..... maybe the fish meat they use comes RIGHT OTTA DA CANAL!!!!!!!!!!! eeeewwwww :)

[@jasminegueco327]

Manapua...Oops! ...

[@pkodani72]

The owner of U choice is a haloe LOL

[@FoodFiend]

@pkodani72 interesting as everyone working there was Cantonese. The lady was even in the background cleaning the big industrial mixer for the dough. As long as the people making the food is the ethnicity of the food it's authentic to me.

[@jhash9554]

I love island Manapua! It’s the best

[@davyf7620]

Great video Misty!! Too bad yeah no more Libby’s and CHS, I like the Libby’s filling, not dark red, more natural color. Did you ever think that maybe Libby’s used to use corned beef? I remember it had a different texture..But I guess for now, CWK and SCY will have to do… 😊

[@FoodFiend]

@@davyf7620 I'm not sure if it was corned beef. Didn't taste like it. Try U Choice. That one was not red and supposedly similar to Libbys!

[@davyf7620]

I will Misty! Keep up the great work!!!😊

[@ThuanHoang-fd3dx]

Wow that a big Bao, I prefers the white buns, have you try Vietnamese Bao yet. Misty thank you so much for sharing your video today, Have a great weekend. Peace

[@FoodFiend]

Aloha Thuan! I have not tried the Vietnamese bao but did see a man in Hanoi selling them in a steamer in the morning. Now I regret not trying it! Vietnam is my favorite country to visit so I'm sure I'll be back to try the Vietnamese version!

[@pkodani72]

Meeow L

[@YoboDiver]

Wait...it's not stray cat? WTF? I've been lied to my entire life!!! And when did they stop selling steamed? Maybe you went when they were sold out of the steamed ones (Royal) And How dare you not like Manapua? All of us at KPS laughed at this video. Go steamed or go home! For the record, UChoice by Don's is the best.

[@FoodFiend]

@@YoboDiver 🤣 😹 royal never had steamed. Do they still give free food to KPS? Tell the lady that their employee is a grouch.

[@YoboDiver]

@@FoodFiend Not that I know of. I think she retired and stopped a bit ago. This is one of your best vids yet. Laughed my ass off.

[@FoodFiend]

@YoboDiver yeah I can tell because she was nice to us. Now they're shitty with a shitty attitude. Glad it made you laugh my North Korean friend. 🤣 Take care Sir and be safe.

[@007jojobear]

If you don't like Manapua why do a segment on it, you should have done something else.

[@FoodFiend]

Because I listen to what my viewers want to watch.

[@vp3970]

Did you not hear her say a viewer recommended it? Chill😊

[@mymelt1770]

Thank you for punishing yourself for the cause😉🫶🏼

[@FoodFiend]

It's for science! 😹

[@mymelt1770]

@@FoodFiend nooo two places have the same breading right? Not w/ standing the mystery meats🤣😵‍💫🤙

[@ryden7114]

Thanks!

[@FoodFiend]

Brother, I appreciate your generosity but please save your money for Heidi and Debbie. ❤️