Palace Saimin

Found this place last minute when I was around the area. I'm so glad I did! Hole in the wall, local gem, mom and pop shop. The food was so delicious! I got the Wongton min, that one comes with noodles. The wonton soup just comes with wonton only FYI. I also got a bbq beef stick. The day I went, it was really hot, humid I was craving for something cool but stumbled on this place cuz I was craving noodles. The broth was so good and really just soothed my soul. Everything was amazing and I wish I got the larger bowl. The follow day I took my friend and she said this was the best wonton soup she had in a very long time (since her mom passed). We both really enjoyed this place and recommend, will be going again next time we visit Oahu! This place is small and parking is limited but ppl don't stay long. The ppl who work are really nice and this place is always busy so be patient if they don't sit you right away, even if a table is open. They got you, they know what they are going if they have been in business for 79 years! 😬

I ordered the wonton udon extra large for $11.25 with a barbeque stick for $4 and I was so full after barely finishing. The soup was so good to the last drop and the udon was so chewy and tasty. The barbeque stick was a real solid beef steak with a very nice terry sauce, just perfect. The price is really cheap and the service very friendly. This is definitely a gem even after 79 years.

Absolutely delicious. The saimin, the wonton min and the saidon were all good. The saidon is saimin with saimin noodles and udon noodles mixed together. The barbecue sticks are very good as well. Some things to note: no AC, so, if you need AC, you may be uncomfortable. Also, I think they soup stock includes dried fish or other dried seafood. The smell is very strong, so some who dislike that may want to avoid the place. We all loved it.

AMAZING. Simply put you come here NOW and you EAT the food please! Best food I've had all week. The tap water is very clean and really really good. We all ordered Wonton Min (Sm $8.75) and here's one of the bowls Wonton Min (Lrg $9.75) I ate.

Must get the saimin!! The noodles have a great chew to it, and the broth is clean and savory. And must get the bbq sticks!! Service is great and everyone is super friendly!

A friend brought me here as their spouse loves them. ATMOSPHERE: The parking lot fits about 6 cars and smells like urine. The "restaurant" reminds me of eating in an old Hawaii home's wash house, complete with the lack of decor, mess, and smooth cement floors. The place seats about 12 comfortably, so we did have about a 20 minute wait. There is no climate control, the kitchen is right next to the dining area, and the breeze blows the heat and smoke from the grill into the dining room and out the front door. Yes it was hot and yes we came out smelling like we barbecued our own food. FOOD: Won Tun Saimin I got the large size which is comparable to other places. The noodles were slightly overdone, there were about 5 or 6 won tun with pork filling, slices of char siu, and green onions. The clear broth tastes exactly like Zippy's saimin to me, which is a good thing, but it wasn't searing hot, just kind of hot, which was disappointing. Pricing was very good for the portion. Barbeque Stick A single skewer with marinated teriyaki meat. I'm not a fan of teriyaki meat but this was really good. Very tasty (sweet & salty) and tender. SERVICE: It's first come, first served. If the inside is full, wait outside until a spot opens up then go right on in. There's a simple menu on the side walls and they come to you to place the order. Our male server was patient and friendly. This is a mom & pop kind of place so don't expect full-restaurant service. When you're done, the window left of the kitchen door handles payment (cash only, I believe.) OVERALL: Good food, great prices, but the parking sucks as well as the comfort while eating there.

This humble noodle shop is my most frequented restaurant on the island. The quality is consistently excellent, and the food is truly affordable. Their service is prompt and thorough. I can be in and out in 30 mins with a full belly! Though their noodles are the main attraction, don't miss out on the BBQ sticks; those are to die for.

This unassuming, family-run hole in the wall joint isn't flashy, if you are not paying attention you might drive right past it. But oh boy, does it serve up some great local comfort food that you definitely should try. The atmosphere here is like stepping into a time capsule, with old school benches in front of each side of the tables, walls adorned with menu boards and maneki nekos . Love the texture of the noodles and the subtle flavors of the warm broth. My only complaint is that they don’t sell rice because that and just the broth would be perfect for when feeling under the weather.

Same today as it was 80 some years ago! Great noodles & bbq meat sticks that fulfill my noodle comfort food cravings. Meat sticks put that protein punch into the equation! Service fast & friendly! Simple sit down or take out! Wish they had more hours to visit! Five Fabulous Stars!

Couldn't resist not paying a visit to my one and only favorite local kine SAIMIN STAND in Kalihi the "Palace Saimin Stand" ~ Because I live so far out in EWA Beach, miles from downtown Honolulu and Kalihi, it takes me having a visit to see my vascular surgeon at Queen's Medical Center / Physician Offices that provides me with the opportunity to always drop in to have a steamy hot bowl of SAIMIN and a Barbecue Steak Stick or two at the Palace SAIMIN ~ I've been eating there for years and have extremely fond memories of the many hot bowls of old-fashion kine saimin each time I ate there ~ Of course the "prices" have increased from $2.50 for a small SAIMIN, $3.50 for a large to $5.00 for a X-large and now to today's current prices ~ Today's meal which I ordered was a Large SAIMIN and a Barbecue Steak Stick was $14.00. Here's the very odd thing about my experience there lately ~ I've always preferred to order just a plain Large SAIMIN but I always get instead a Large Won Ton Min and instead of the one Barbecue Steak Stick I always get "2" (I refer to their barbecue sticks as "STEAK STICKS" because they're large chunks of Beef Steak not thin shabu Shabu style slices). And finally I always try to pay my bill with the exact change ~ So when I tallied up my payment for this afternoon's meal it should've been at least $16.00 but after paying with a $20.00 dollar bill I instead received $6.00 in change (which was more than I expected back) ~ I always leave $3.00 or more dollars for a "tip" because it's my favorite and only SAIMIN Stand left on this island that I enjoy ~ If you visit this restaurant you will see very faded aged photos of all the past STAFF members of this iconic eatery throughout the years ~ All the ladies I personally recognized from the hundreds of visits and steamy bowls of delicious SAIMIN I consumed there

8/6/25 My favorite "Old School Style Saimin" restaurant Been coming here since the '70s I always have the Small Wun Tun Min w added chili pepper powder Pieces of Charsiu n green onions made for a simple but tasty dish Don't forget to order a side of Teri BBQ Sticks... So Ono! Yes it was a Hot Sticky "Kona Winds" day but always worth it!

This was my first stop for food. It's definitely a comfort food. I'd gladly come back!! Not only for the food, but for the wonderful customer service. I felt welcomed and cared for and I truly appreciate that. I see why they've been open for almost 80 years!!! I'm excited to come back for that bbq stick. So delicious! The menu isn't terribly extensive, but it's perfect. The whole process is quick and easy.

My friends know that Saimin simply does not impress me. I grew up eating S&S saimin in the freezer, sometimes get da styrofoam bowl from McDs. It's a cheap and easy meal, and all the famous places I've tried so far have been letdowns. Until now. I'm told Palace has been around for decades, feeding generations of customers. It's a landmark hole-in-the-wall that Joe Moore himself visits. However, the hours have been shortened down to 8pm, close Sun-Mon. I ordered the small won ton min ($9.25) and two BBQ sticks ($4ea). Next time I'll have to try the udon, or the combination, which has won ton, saimin, and udon. The broth has an inexplicable depth of flavor, beyond the simple saltiness of S&S. There's a unique, savory shift that I did not experience at other renowned saimineries while sipping. The noodles had a perfect bounce - springy yet toothy, with a mild eggy flavor that complements the broth. The wontons are hand-made and full of flavor. A nice little meat treat of freshness, garnished with green onion and kamaboko slices. It only gets better with the BBQ sticks - super tender, juicy skewers of beef. The sauce is light, more a whisper than a statement, allowing the natural flavor and quality of the beef to speak for itself. You'll also find subtle notes of the smoky, charcoal-grilled technique that keeps the meat moist. It may seem a bit daunting at $4 a skewer, but trust me, you won't want to miss out. The aunties working the counter were super nice and had great rapport with the public. It's good food, good people, and honestly, I can't wait to go again.

This place is the spot for saimin, hands down, no contest. Every time I'm on the mainland hunting for good ramen, this is what I'm craving but can never find. Too bad they don't have a location up there they'd absolutely kill it in the winter. This is one of the last true old school saimin spots standing and has been a cornerstone of the Kalihi food scene for generations. There aren't many places I actually remember eating at as a little kid, but this is one of them. And honestly it hasn't changed in decades, and that's a good thing. Still the same layout, same menu on the wall, still only about eight tables and five parking spots, and the aunties working here? Still rocking those warm smiles while making sure tables turn over fast. The saimin? Still legendary. The noodles have that perfect chewiness, the broth and diced char siu are magic, and the beef sticks? They got better over time and thicker....just tender, flavorful beef with zero fat nonsense. But this is one of those places where the saimin is best eaten fresh at the table. Something about the steam, freshness of the noodles, and the broth just hits different when you're sitting there. Pro tip - go past lunch (2-3 pm) or early because parking is a battle (with only five spots) and seating is super limited. But it's worth the effort. My husband declared his won ton min the best ever, and honestly, I can't argue with him. And let's talk price, $8 for a large saimin? In this economy with this inflation? Seems like a steal. I'm just grateful this place has survived until now, serving up the same Saimin I grew up on.

Palace Saimin...old school local family restaurant didn't disappoint. Ordered the combination, which was the udon/saimin/and won ton min. Noodles were perfect and chewy, and dashi was oishi and came out piping hot. Saidon (saimin/udon) was equally oishi. BBQ sticks were good. Wish they were a little more marinated with a stronger teriyaki taste, but enjoyed it. Server...I think owners daughter, was so friendly and nice. Highly recommend, and definitely love supporting local. *Small parking lot, but perfect timing, and found a space.

All the comfort of a steaming bowl of saimin without the bougie frills. It's saimin done quick and done right. How do they pack so much umami into every spoonful of this delicious broth?! And the noodles are cooked perfectly. Neither mushy nor underdone. What a little gem. Popular among locals. Mmmmm!

I loved the saimin here! The soup came piping hot and the noodles had a good chewiness. It's a simple dish done well. I liked adding the chili powder and mustard in the soup. The bowl is affordable and I could see myself coming here often if I were in the area. The teri sticks were a bit tough and bland, so I probably wouldn't get them again unless I wanted some meat on the side. Very small parking lot and is a bit of a hole in the wall. Service was efficient and friendly.

Old school saimin at local no frills joint. We are the only non-locals in the place and of the few who are not seniors. All to say, that this is a local lovers spot that has a loyal following. We had the classic saimin and the saimin with won tons. The noodles had just the right chew and the broth was comforting and flavorful. The portion size was decent and prices were fair. Ambiance is minimal, clean and all that you need it to be. Service is friendly and a bit abrupt as the few working had full tables, plus a short wait and to go orders as well. I was really looking for a memory of my childhood and I found it here.

It's been a staple in my life growing up. It's a small mom and pop store with a simple menu, but it always hits the spot whenever I go there. The beef stick has changed over the years, but still definitely tasty. I am a bit sad their hours changed. I remember coming here late at night or during the weekends, but now I have a hard time making it over to them while they're open.

Affordable comfort food. Soothing to my soul... and stomach. Very mom and pop style. It's small so you may have to wait when it's crowded.

This place is a pillar in the Kalihi community. It's family owned and has been around for nearly 75 years. They hand make their own dumplings (I've seen them making them by hand in the back). I love that this bowl of Saimin is so tasty, a lot of food and still very cheap despite it being more expensive over the years. The small won ton min is still under $10! Service is always great because this local family appreciates the support. It's a tiny hole in the wall spot with no AC, so don't expect something fancy. Amazing business, menu, food and workers. It's my go-to Saimin spot!

Had to bring my grandchildren to Palace Saimin. I want them to experience the old school Saimin stand and there's no place better than Palace. Love the good old Saimin with dashi and bbq stick. Got their cool t-shirt. Wish they had children sizes toon Everyone loved it. Thank you Palace Saimin for being here

I am so happy their hours have changed to the weekends. Simplicity at its finest. Reminds me of my childhood, having Saimin with my Dad. Comfort food that will make you smile throughout your meal. Saimin, Udon, and BBQ sticks are on the menu. That's it, and I love it!!

This is one of the hidden gem that I wasn't expected but was very pleasantly surprised. It's not an easy place to find because its store front is quite inconspicuous and there is not a lot of parking in front of it. The owner was extremely nice and the food was delicious! This is the first time we tried Saimin and we ordered Wonton min and Saidon (Saimin and Udon). The Saimin noodle was al dente and the taste of the broth was clean. Wonton is packed with meat and it goes well with the noodle. The best part of the whole meal was the barbecue stick! It was so delicious that we re-ordered again. All in all, this is one of the highlights of our Hawaii trip and I would definitely be back again for more. Highly recommended!

Palace Saimin has now become our go to spot for Saimin. This was a small joint with a few tables that served just Saimin and skewers. I don't recommend sitting next to the ice machine as it was pumping out hot air on the nearest table. Simple decor but focused on delivering satisfying saimin. All staff were quite friendly and checked on all diners quite regularly. We ordered the standard wonton min and combo with udon. Portions were generous, both types of noodles had nice chewy texture, broth was delicious but it was the tasty wontons that sealed the five star rating. They were that good.

My boyfriend & I got the won ton saiman for our visit and it was both delicious and cheap (in pricing). The service was very friendly.

I would not eat hot soup when it's hot out unless it was from Palace Saimin. The saimin with wonton was incredibly flavorful. The bbq stick also hit the spot. Service was friendly and attentive but be warned the place is hard to miss, the parking lot and restaurant are small and toasty.

CODY arrived when they opened at 10am CODY timing was good cause small parking lot filled up, so did the diner CODY ordered large saimin with BBQ stick CODY food was tasty CODY servers were friendly and speedy CODY small dining area was clean, with bench seating, oldish fixtures CODY will return to order more food

Palace saimin never disappoints, best comfort food, so tasty!!! Best bbq sticks ever!!!

This place is a staple. It's survived, Covid, economic down turns and its still in the same place it was 40 years ago. This is a testament to their quality and service. Highly recommend this place even though it's very small, no AC.. the food even on a blasting hot day is worth it. No line, great service, great food. Lots of memories here and I hope it's around in YEARS to come. The only regret I have of this place is that I didn't support it and review it sooner.

So so so good. I saw saimin in some Hawaiian youtubers' vlogs and knew I had to try it here. We both got the wonton saimin and the broth was so flavourful and light. The saimin had a nice bounce to them, and the wontons were generous and meaty! We each got a bbq skewer and I liked them too. The server was very nice and they had really refreshing ice cold water. Highly recommend if you're looking for something light, tasty, and cheap!

Classic. It's so popular. I'm not a min person so I would opt for the wuntun only... no min. The bbq sticks are not soft and juicy as in the past, but die hard loyal customers keeps this place busy.

This is Saimin. No frills, no wasted time or ingredients, this is your Webster Miriam textbook definition of Saimin. I always have to grab some and my dad who spent some time growing up in Oahu loves it too. Service is straightforward and quick. They're often busy and the place is hot, ambiance is lowkey but you just know it's a beloved spot in the community. The parking lot is small but you can park nearby or just wait it out. Prices are still decent given inflation and the popularity. If you're looking for some cousin of fancy ramen, a well balanced broth using organic proteins and question whether MSG was in it, this isn't the place for you. This is Saimin that brings you back to your childhood and warms your bones in a good way even when it is hot and humid outside. 4 stars only because my last two visits the fountain sodas needed more syrup and it's just something I feel like they should be on top of a bit more.

Been coming here for a long time. Everything is always super ono, old school style saimin. Their bbq sticks are actual pieces of beef, not the thin slices that you normally see and the sauce ... oh that sauce is gold.

Awesome spot. You know a place is good when you have to walk through the kitchen to get to the bathroom. First time having saimin. I love the noodles. Super bouncy. The broth is nice and warm. Be careful with the mustard, it has a kick.

Wonton min was delicous and soup was hot and tastyyyy! Bbq sticks were sooo good and don't forget to get it with extra sauce. May have a wait as this is a hole in the wall place, inside dining is a small booth style restaurant. Service was speedy. Our waitress was nice and very talkative with all the customers. Must try saimin spot in Honolulu

I was so ono for Saimin and we were near to Kalihi. You got it!!! Palace Saimin!!! If you're a visitor of the islands, Saimin is an Asian local Hawaii food that started during the plantation days. Most of Hawaii local favorite foods are from the plantation days when the different nationalities got together for lunch and shared their food. That's where plate lunch was born. Palace Saimin has takeout or dine in, a real "hole in da wall" kinda place. There's parking just enough for eating there and for a fast takeout to eat at home. Service is always fast and a lot of people wanna eat so no talk story for too long. I know a lot of locals who haven't eaten here. What are you waiting for? As for the visitors, enjoy one of Hawaii's favorite food and no forget order the Barbecue beef stick!!! Enjoy my friends!!

just went there tonite after paddling at mauliola (sand Island) with my friend whose grandpa lived down the lane next to the restaurant and therefore, sheʻd always eat at Palace Saimin in her youth. i love the place, clean, cozy, love the furniture, but most of all the saimin broth is delicious, flavorful and worth checking out. The saimin is cooked perfectly also, with a nice spring to it when you bite down. i would defintely order at least the large, or xlarge bowl if youʻre and adult.

A great hole in the wall that is a must visit every time. The service is quick and they're very friendly. It's great for any time of day and the food is very well priced. Everything is extremely flavorful and I will always recommend this to anyone that's in the area!

Ambiance was Quaint and the service came quick while the Menu was Simple. No one stays in business long with a menu so short, without perfecting what they serve. Definitely a place to visit for BBQ skewers Saimin/Wontonmin..

I ordered the wonton udon extra large for $11.25 with a barbeque stick for $4 and I was so full after barely finishing. The soup was so good to the last drop and the udon was so chewy and tasty. The barbeque stick was a real solid beef steak with a very nice terry sauce, just perfect. The price is really cheap and the service very friendly. This is definitely a gem even after 79 years.

I don't know what the hype with this place is but the saimin reminded me of the saimin I would have in middle school, there's nothing to write home about. Very overrated.

The Best Saimin on the Island ... the dashi is served piping hot & stays hot thru the meal. ... w/ the best BBQ sticks ever. ..... parking & tables R limited

Parking is limited as is seating. Service is fast and friendly and correct. Prices are reasonable.

You can always get a good sign in there along with their barbecue sticks late night snack. I only wish we had one on the Windward side.

the Saimin in Hawaii with some BBQ Sticks the Soup has the tasteful salt it feels Shige saimin spot and the Aiea saimin shop in the 90's

Classic saimin - large - was just as I remember it. BBQ sticks use excellent quality beef, but they are expensive at $4 per and I suggest a longer marination time so the flavor is infused in the meat and the char isn't the only flavor note. My family ordered won ton mein, large and x-large and I had a try of the wonton. Also highly recommend it.

My sister eats here every time she visits from California. I eat here probably every 4-6 weeks. You just can't go wrong!

My last visit was in 2016, and due to food quality and service, I never returned. On 6/5/24, as I drove by, I all of a sudden got Ono for Saimin. I decided to stop in, and I'm glad that I did. As we walked in the door, we were greeted with a hello and a "shaka" by the young man waiting tables. We sat, and he immediately came over and helped us. We asked the difference between a small and large bowl, and without hesitation, he went in the kitchen and got the two bowls. This is outstanding customer service. Keep up the good work, young man. Da food - Hooooo was sooo Ono, and just like I remembered from small kid time growing up in Kalihi. Everything was PERFECT with our Saimin with wonton. Broth was spot on. I'll be back, and that's a promise. Mahalo

Best won ton min I had during my last visit! I will definitely go there again the next time I am on the island!!! The restaurant is small and no AC. It's not a fancy place but good food, efficient service.

Everything was done to my specifications. Awesome service and staff were all very friendly and nice. I'd recommend going if you can any to get your Saimin or Udon fix. Will go again.

Watching a travel show, I remember a scene at this restaurant where the host dined with two local chefs. Not sure whether it's good that the episode is so vivid in my mind. Driving here on a Tuesday morning and using the map app on my phone, I drove by twice before finding a space a half block east from here. I still couldn't find it and had to ask my local friend to stand in front as my landmark. We walked over before noticing the restaurant, recessed in back of a nondescript parking lot. I would later move my car here when a space opened here. This was one of my most anticipated meals on this trip, having never dined in a devoted saimin place. Seated at the rear table on the left, I had a view of the kitchen, the expediting counter, and and old style wall menu across the room. After a brief discussion, we agreed to order the same items, all three of us. We had the combination saimin (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=MvUnkl9n5GvmvR36m7GIMA&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q), which only comes in one size, large. As I expected, it was a bowl of comfort with the clean and clear broth, the acclaimed local made Sun noodles, shredded pieces of BBQ pork, and a baby fistful of sliced green onions. The two surprises were the addition of udon noodles (likely Sun made again) and a small saucer of hot mustard. Udon and saimin egg noodles? Yes, please... the contrast made this bowl that much more interesting. Talk about taking it back old school. This brought back food memories from my childhood, in a good way. We also ordered two skewers each of beef sticks (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Ii4tfXNAlKKZYeYjlTADQQ&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q)., another one of their staples. It was flavorful with a sweet sauce or marinade. Extra sauce is offered on the menu, but we didn't find it necessary. The dining room was about half full, all locals likely eating before going to work or construction workers having an early lunch. Our waitress was efficient and checked on our water cups periodically. As I went to use the restroom, I couldn't help but thank our chef/cook/owner for a wonderful meal. It was a pleasure meeting Ling (https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=nU8ep7GjndDewYr1UTdXmg&userid=saJuyv784apZzH--psHZ3Q).and reading about the legacy that she continues here. I'm looking forward to repeating this on my next visit and future visits.

Upon entering this small hole-in-the-wall, the smell of the shrimp (?) base stock filled the air. I had a funny feeling that I might not like the taste, but I kept an open mind. Ordered the wonton min and barbecue stick. Had to wait for a little while before the food came out. The wonton min came out hot and the barbecue stick followed a little after. As I suspected, the broth was (according to my taste buds) shrimp based. It's just not the same as what I'm used to. Of course, this is "Saimin" so the flavor profile wouldn't be the same as ramen. And it being "Saimin", the texture of the noodles is not the same as ramen. I didn't count, but I felt that the quantity of wonton was alight. You can't go wrong with dipping the wonton into the shoyu-mustard sauce. The barbecue stick fell short of my expectations. The meat was ever-so-slightly tough and the barbecue flavor wasn't as strong as I hoped it would be. On the good side, the employees were very nice and upbeat. For their customer service, I give them 5-stars. Unfortunately, because the food fell short, I can't give them the same. It's a one-and-done for me. Parking is also very limited. For the price, though, if you want a simple meal, you might want to check this place out. They are busy, so you may have to wait for a bit.

A hole in the wall for saimin! Where else can you get a meal for under $10. A tiny tiny place but fulfilling for a bowl of saimin and a beef stick. Loved my wonton min. Simple and just the way I like it. I wolfed the beef stick before I took a photo. Support this local institution for you saimin fix!!!

It's been years since my last visit, 15 years to be exact, lol. We got lucky and got a parking stall right in front. We were greeted by the staff and they gave us a choice of our table. It was such a nice comfortable feeling, very at ease, mom and pop style. We had the a small and large wonton min which looked a little on the small side but after stirring it up, it really was a lot. The broth was amazingly good just where they left off since my last visit. We also ordered 2 Teriyaki sticks that were lean, tender, and flavorful. The perfect combination. I actually ordered 4 more orders for take-out for the family at home. They all enjoyed it too. Im so glad, they're still around making it a revisited nostalgia feeling. Mahalo!

Been coming to palace since I was a kid never thought to write a yelp review till now . The broth and noodle texture is always just right. The service from the aunties are always the best, kind of like getting served by your own family members . The simple unchanged clean shop always brings back happy childhood memories of me slurping down Saimin noodles . Please keep on supporting this and all of our other local businesses.

Quick friendly service and huge portions. They been open for more than 75 years, definitely a local favorite. Parking can be a little tight. 10/10 for some old school local eats.