Hana Lunch Place

They re opened under new management. My old high school classmate is the new owner. The food from what I tasted was OK. Not really a fan of plate lunch as use to be. LOL Now I have to eat more healthy. But for the price you can’t beat it especially in Down Town.

I went to the doctor, and good news is that it wasn’t food poisoning, but still, because the food was too salty or too bland, and knowing that they keep the food out in the burners for hours since lunchtime, I still won’t be buying from them during early dinner hours.

The aunties behind the counter are very generous. A mini plate (one entrée, rice, and salad) is always enough for two meals for me for only four bucks. This is one of the places I go to when I’m strapped on cash and my health isn’t into consideration. When I’m hungry and broke, this is the perfect place.
The food is geared towards the Filipino palate but the local fare is good. I usually get the beef stew, comfort food for two meals for only $ 4. Yum

Remembering the times when their food was delicious and satisfying.
Now, its bland and oily with too much salt leaving you with a guilt and remorse that is not easily remedied until it makes its digestive pass.
2 stars because they used to be good. Cutting corners when it comes to food may save you on costs, but you lose revenue by disappointing former customers.

If you work in Downtown Honolulu, there is a plethora of food options to choose from to satisfy your lunch time cravings. If you’re like me who has worked in the area for years, I bet you’ve already found places that you «must have» and ones that you avoid at all costs. So when I have that desire to satisfy my plate lunch fix, one of my options that I usually like to go to is Hana Lunch Place.
This tiny place is tucked away in the Union Mall (area that is parallel to Fort Street Mall, closer to Bishop Street), amidst the busy bus stops on Hotel Street. It has limited space for eating in, but it’s primarily a takeout type of establishment. The food selection is limited as opposed to what you could get from L&L, but what this place does offer is Filipino and local type foods with a lot of flavor. The food reminds me of home cooking vs. from an industrial kitchen. Aside from the plate lunch menu, this place also offers some Filipino desserts to finish off your meal.
Prices are $ 6.00 + tax (mixed plate — 2 choices), $ 5.00 + tax (regular plate — 1 choice), and $ 4.00 + tax (mini plate). I’m a mixed plate kind-​of-​guy, so I don’t mind forking out the $ 6 every time I come here. Portions are generous and they even serve brown rice! The «must-​have» macaroni salad that comes with the typical plate lunch is a given; however, they do offer tossed greens as a healthier alternative.
Some of the things I’ve tried and liked:
* Miso Chicken — Yum!
* Corned Beef and Cabbage — Don’t forget the mustard.
* Chicken Curry — Tasty!
* Beef Stew — Delicious!
* Pork Lau Lau — Maybe from Costco? But still yum.
* Pork Guisantes — Almost as good as my mom’s. I love mom!
* Tripe Stew — Ono! But this is when I used to eat it. A coworker reminded me what tripe is, so that ruined it all for me. But that’s beside the point.
So if you’re tired of the typical Chicken Katsu Curry, Loco Moco, or whatever plate lunch food that you usually eat during lunch, I’d suggest that you give this place a try.
My four star rating may seem a bit hyped for a small plate lunch place like this, but the tasty food, generous portions, the minimal wait, and of course the nice and helpful Filipino ladies make it all worth it. FYI, method of payment is CASH ONLY.