My Favorite Manapua



There are dim sum places in Honolulu that are really good,
but I prefer heading over to the manapua shops.

Manapua is similar to a steamed bao
with bbq pork, but not found in
dim sum restaurants.

There are many manapua places,
such as Char Hung Sut, Royal Kitchen, 
Island Manapua Factory, or
Chun Wah Kam Noodle Factory, just to name a few.

All are good, most people have their
favorite place, mine is
Libby's Manapua Shop in Kalihi.


See What Jay Eats...

Pork Manapua, Pork Hash, and Half Moons 

 The Pork Manapua is a steamed bun with a
sweet pork filling, just like a Chashu Bao.

 Pork Hash are steamed dumplings filled 
with a denser pork filling, similar to Shu Mai.



 Half Moons


Half Moons have a Ha Gow type of skin,
filled with the same filling as the pork hash.
(Hawaii friends please let me know if
I've got this one right) 


No styrofoam food containers here,
old skool style box...

Don't forget the Chow Fun Noodles!
(sorry no pics)

Libby's Manapua is a takeout only place,
you even help yourself by filling small
cups of soy sauce and spicy mustard.

I usually pick up some manapua on the
way to the airport for the flight home.


Libby's Manapua Shop
410 Kalihi Street
Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 841-2253

Wednesday - Sunday
6 am - 2 pm
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays


If you're leaving Oahu and heading
to the airport, Libby's is on the way
off of Nimitz Highway.

The have their own parking lot too...
(I'm from LA, easy in and out access)



Photos by Jay Terauchi
Jay Eats

Comments

Harry Covair said…
In Cantonese "Half Moon's" are called Gok Jai. The "Elephant Ears" are called Har Gau. Most times the fillings for both are the same. The difference is just the shape of the rice skin.
January 11, 2014 at 2:33 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sticking to What You Do Best...

Last week, I was invited to celebrate National Hamburger Day at The Counter in Studio City. I had been to The Counter before, but today was special and met a fellow tweeter who was a first timer. The menu is easy to follow and you actually build your own burger, well at least on paper. First you select the protein, then the cheese, other various toppings, a side sauce, and last is the type of bun you want. If you’re having a hard time deciding, don’t worry, they have signature burgers and sandwiches to choose from. Too many choices make me crazy sometimes. I get so confused when I see other restaurants trying to be everything to everyone. The food at these restaurants are usually horrible and thus end up closing. Would you be surprised if the pizza at a seafood restaurant wasn’t good? Doesn’t make sense to me. Attention Restaurant Owners: Pick something and do it really really well. In-n-Out hasn’t added anything to their menu in years and they’re still in business and GROWING! Being i
Read more

Hidden Little Tokyo: Cheap Eats

Image
I usually take the Metro Gold Line to Downtown Los Angeles.  Traffic is usually bad and then I have no idea where to park.  Although some of my friends who know I'm downtown a lot, think I know where all the places to park, this is why I take the Metro.  As I was heading into town on this trip, overheard 2 guys talking about only having $5 and wanting to get something to eat. I know there are places in Little Tokyo where you can get something to eat in the $5 range, here's what I've found: See What Jay Eats... Half California Roll and Half Spicy Tuna Roll (includes miso soup) $3.95 Little Tokyo Sushi This is a grab and go kiosk inside the Little Tokyo Market Place.  They have a variety of sushi combinations ranging in price from a $2.50 hand roll to $12+. Little Tokyo Sushi at the Little Tokyo Market Place (former Mitsuwa Marketplace) 333 S. Alameda St #100 Los Angeles, CA 90012 (213) 617-0343 Niku (Beef) Udon  $5.00
Read more

Recipe: Ahi Masago Poke - May 2012

Image
Where do you get good poke in Southern California? If there is a place, I haven't found it yet. I'm really picky when it comes to poke, so I make my own. Having competed in the Sam Choy Poke Festival on the Big Island in 2003, I got to try all kinds and some with imitation crab and tofu. But, I prefer the simple kine, like in my Ahi Poke recipe. Ahi Masago Poke This is my version of Alicia's Market "Wasabi Ahi Masago Poke" Alicia's Market is my first stop in Honolulu after I leave the airport. First Stop Honolulu: Alicia's Market Yellowfin Tuna I start with 1.5 lbs of chopped sashimi grade tuna My Ingredients Low Salt Soy Sauce White Sesame Oil I start with 4 TBS of soy sauce and 2 TBS of white sesame oil. As you mix in, the tuna will absorb the liquid, you can add more in later. Add in a sweet white onion and green onions The secret is washing the onions with water a
Read more