Senior Moment?

[Paul SL]

Studying up on chow-worthy restaurants before our visit to Oahu, I read of an old-school Chinese joint in Honolulu that's been there forever and has barely changed over the years, either in menu or decor. Now that we're here, for the life of me I can't find the name or a listing for such a place. Does this ring a bell for anyone? Now, where did I put that AARP application?

[Paul SL]

Well, as it turned out, we just blew through Chinatown on our way somewhere else, so we stopped for a quick bite at Royal Kitchen in the Chinese Cultural Plaza. In its own way though, it was a delight. The very nice lady behind the counter helped us fill our plates with all kinds of goodies, which we enjoyed at a table outside. We loved Honolulu and our stay on the North Shore (with the possible exception of the night of the tsunami), and hope to return soon for a longer visit. Thanks again to all you HI Chowhounds. I'll be happy to assist you next time you're in Chicago or NYC.

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Chinese Cultural Plaza
Honolulu, HI, USA, Honolulu, HI

Royal Kitchen
Chinatown Cultural Plz, Honolulu, HI 96813

[KaimukiMan]

Yum... baked char-siu-bao.

[Paul SL]

Thanks to all for your helpful replies. We're going into town today or tomorrow and will check out some of these places. Even if I don't find the restaurant I read about, it seems there are lots of other great choices.

[macaraca]

I think russkar meant Little Village, which has been in Chinatown for maybe 10 years, but not "forever." Previously they were Chan's in Mo'ili'ili. Legends has been there longer, and both are probably your top choices in Chinatown.

As Kaimuki Man says, most of the old-time places are gone, including Lau Yee Chai, Wo Fat, McCully Chop Suey, and Maple Garden (name and owner change, see current thread).

Other names that have been around a while are Hee Hing on Kapahulu, which for reasons I could never understand is often highly rated by locals (but not on this list!), Kirin on S. Beretania (one of my faves) and On-On on McCully.

Hope you find something you like.

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Maple Garden Restaurant
909 Isenberg St, Honolulu, HI 96826

Hee Hing Restaurant
449 Kapahulu Ave Ste 101, Honolulu, HI 96815

[KaimukiMan]

Hee Hing used to be right across rainbow drive in, typical chop suey house. The new Hee Hing is a very different place and was very good when it first opened. Its been downhill ever since.

Lau Yee Chai is still open for lunch m-f.

I don't know why Kirin is not on my radar, i think it was just overshadowed by Maple Garden for so many years. It has been around for a long time now.

also gone is China House at ala moana, and that big chinese restaurant that used to be at the harding side of the Kaimuki parking lot.

[Bill Hunt]

Wo Fat's would have been my guess, but that IS going back a bit too much. Signage on the building is still there (or was), but they are long gone.

Now, Indigo's has been around for about 15 years, but does not fit the "bill."

Hunt

[garrett]

Legend Seafood Restaurant or Empress Restaurant in the Chinese Cultural Plaza?

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Chinese Cultural Plaza
Honolulu, HI, USA, Honolulu, HI

Legend Seafood Restaurant
, Honolulu, HI 96813

[KaimukiMan]

Lau Yee Chai?
Pahoa Chop Suey?
Waimalu Chop Suey?

Royal Garden?
Panda?
Duk Kee?
Mini Garden?

Most of the big old chinese restaurants are gone or have renovated in the last decade or so.

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Waimalu Chop Suey
98-020 Kamehameha Hwy Ste 117, Aiea, HI 96701

[curiousgeo]

Tasty Chop Suey?
Golden Duck?

[russkar]

Ming's?
Little Noodle?