Steamed Pork Manapua (white bun) .85 cents and Baked Charsiu Manapua (brown bun) .95 cents *open image in new window for full-size view
When it comes to baked Manapua, Island Manapua Factory is the first place that comes to mind for many. I must admit, I prefer the traditional steamed white bun variety, but when it comes to IMF, the baked version can’t be beat.
The Charsiu filling taste slightly sweeter than the pork in the steamed version, with an adequate filling-to-bun ratio. It also has a hint of spice that I can’t really pinpoint, but it’s there.
The bun is soft with a slight chew and mild “crusty” flavor on the outside. It’s yellow color makes one think it’s “buttery”, but it’s actually just a slightly sweet, mostly neutral flavor.
If pork/charsiu Manapua isn’t your thing, IMF also offers a variety Manapua filling options such as Curry Chicken, Black Bean Shrimp, Vegetarian, Lup Chong, Breakfast and Custard to name a few.
They also have the other usual Dim Sum such as Pork Hash, Rice Cake and Half Moon (.50 cents/ea.), plus many more Chinese favorites available for catering and take-out.
Island Manapua Factory
Manoa Marketplace
2752 Woodlawn Dr. #5-113
(808) 988-5441
Kalihi
811 Gulick Ave.
(808) 847-2677
I needed to wipe up all the drool from my keyboard!! I am sooo ono for manapua and pork hash now. Auwe….one problem…I stay in the midwest!!!
Ohhh thanks for the wonderfull picture and post!!
i haven’t had it for awhile but my favorite baked manapuas are at Royal Kitchen at the Chinese Cultural Plaza in Chinatown…sorry can’t stand steamed white manapuas!!
Do you ship frozen manapua to the mainland? Dying for one chicken curry and pork manapua. Need about 3 or 4 dozen. Starving for da kine…
Hi Dani,
I’m not a distributor, just a food blogger. lol.
Try calling Island Manapua Factory at the number provided above and ask them. That’s a pretty big order, so hopefully they’d like the business and will do it.
If not, also try Chun Wah Kam who also has a Chicken Curry Manapua…
Chun Wah Kam Noodle Factory Inc
505 Kalihi Street
Telephone: (808)841-5303
Best of luck on your Manapua quest!
Pomai
I’m looking for the manapua shop in Pearl City on Kam Hwy in a strip mall about a mile(ish) past the mall. Anybody know the name of it? I’ve been on the mainland for a few years and I’m screaming to da kine home grinds!!
Hi Nalani (Carolyn),
The shop’s name you’re asking about is Chun Wah Kam Noodle Factory in Waimalu Shopping Center (across the former Tony Honda). They’re also famous for baked manapua with many different flavored fillings to choose.
Here’s a Star Bulletin Bulletin Article on them..
http://starbulletin.com/2001/03/01/features/eater.html
Aloha,
Pomai
Does anyone know of a delicious duck with taro under the skin!?!??! Maybe from northshore or somewhere?! It’s soooo delicious and I’m not sure where to find it! Ate it at someone’s dinner a number of years ago…
Mahalo!
Farida
Gahh… shopou! I was droolin’ about looking at all this food, but… pork buns!! Time to favorite.
People think living in San Francisco I got lot of good chinese and Asian food to buy. Not really. I was born in Honolulu and missed Island style dim sums and sushis ect. Hawaii food have proud history and culture we should not take for granted.