Honolulu Chinatown: Food Tour with Markets & 13+ Tastings

Summary

Walk Oahu’s historic streets tasting poke roast duck pandan cake and more

You’ll wander through Honolulu’s Chinatown with a local guide, tasting everything from smoky manapua buns and Filipino desserts to fresh sashimi and Hawaiian poke. Expect lively markets, unexpected flavors, and stories you won’t find in any brochure—all with hotel pickup included.

What’s the experience like?

We started right in the thick of Honolulu’s Chinatown—honestly, I’d never have found half these places on my own. Our guide, Li, waved us over to this old Japanese Shinto temple by the Nuuanu stream. Incense drifted out the door, sharp but somehow calming, and I got a little lost watching an old man bow before the altar. Then suddenly we were off again—Li kept us moving fast, but not rushed. First stop: manapua. It looked so simple—a soft bun—but inside was smoky pork that kind of hit me with nostalgia for something I’ve never actually eaten before.

I didn’t expect to try Filipino turon next (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin—probably butchered it). The banana inside was warm and sweet under that crisp shell. There was chicken adobo too—sour and rich at once—and then we ducked into this fish market where everything smelled like ocean and soy sauce. Chutoro sashimi—fatty tuna belly—just melted away. Someone behind the counter gave me a nod as if to say “good choice.”

By now I’d lost track of how many stops we’d made. We sampled roast duck (the skin snapped when I bit in), then Vietnamese pandan cake that was so green it almost glowed under the neon lights. At one point Li handed us slices of fruit I couldn’t name—tart, juicy, sticky fingers after—and explained which ones only show up certain times of year. It felt like being let in on a secret locals don’t really talk about out loud.

I’m not sure what tasted better—the spicy ahi poke or just standing there with juice running down my wrist, listening to someone argue about prices in rapid-fire Cantonese nearby. There wasn’t much time to sit but honestly, I didn’t mind; you’re too busy looking around or chewing or laughing at some story Li tells about growing up here. Even now, days later, flashes of flavor come back at random moments.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Oahu's Chinatown food and culture

• Visit 125-year-old Japanese Shinto temple
• Taste local Manapua pastries
• Try Turon Filipino fried banana dessert
• Eat Chicken Adobo Filipino dish
• Sample Hawaiian raw Opihi or seafood
• Enjoy fresh local exotic fruits
• Visit Oahu Fish Market for sashimi and poke
• Taste roast duck or pork meats
• Try Vietnamese Pandan Cake
• Eat Hawaiian style seasoned raw poke

Top questions

How long is the Honolulu Chinatown food tour?

The walking food tour covers less than half a mile but includes 6-8 stops and lasts several hours.

What foods are included on the Oahu food tour?

You’ll try manapua buns, turon (banana lumpia), chicken adobo, chutoro sashimi, poke, roast meats like duck or pork belly, Vietnamese pandan cake, fresh fruits and more.

Is hotel pickup included for this Honolulu food tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for Waikiki/Honolulu area hotels.

Are drinks provided during the food tour?

You’ll get local juices such as lilikoi or lychee juice or bottled water during the tour.

Can vegetarians join this Chinatown food tour?

The tour features many meat and seafood dishes; vegetarians may have limited options so it’s best to contact before booking.

Is seating available during the Oahu food walk?

The group stands for most of the tour; seating is arranged whenever possible but isn’t guaranteed at every stop.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health due to standing/walking requirements.

What is the main keyword for this experience?

The main keyword is "Hawaii off the beaten path food tour."

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Waikiki or Honolulu areas, all tastings—from fresh chutoro sashimi to roast pork belly and local fruits—plus drinks like tropical juices or bottled water along the way. A local guide leads you through each stop in historic Chinatown before returning you comfortably at your hotel.