Mei Sum Chinese Dim Sum at 65 N Pauahi Street in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a small counter-service dim sum and manapua shop in Chinatown. It serves the Cantonese-style steamed and baked snacks that have long been part of Honolulu's Chinese-American food culture, and it is popular with residents who stop in for takeout boxes as well as visitors exploring the district on foot. The shop's reputation rests on freshly made, inexpensive dumplings rather than on a formal dining experience.
The menu is ordered at the counter from items on display. Pork hash, the local name for siu mai, is a staple, a steamed open-topped dumpling of seasoned pork. Shrimp dumplings, jai (a vegetarian dumpling or filling), and manapua, the Hawaii version of the Chinese char siu bao, are the other mainstays. Manapua can be steamed or baked and is a classic local snack that is easy to carry while walking around Chinatown. Many people buy a mixed box of several items to share.
The atmosphere is that of a casual neighborhood shop. Seating, where available, is minimal, service is quick, and there is no dress code or beverage programme beyond tea and soft drinks. The mood is brisk, with a steady flow of customers and the clatter of steamers behind the counter. It is better suited to a quick bite than to a leisurely meal.
Reservations are not taken, and cash is often preferred, so visitors should carry some. The shop typically operates from morning to mid-afternoon, and popular items can run out later in the day, so going earlier is advisable. Hours should be checked in advance, as days and times can vary. Typical spending is about US$10-20 per person depending on how many items are ordered. The location in the heart of Chinatown makes it easy to pair with nearby markets, bakeries and lei shops, and the Chinatown walk is generally best done in daylight hours when most businesses are open.
| Price | $ (about $10-20 per person; US$10-20) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Typically morning to mid-afternoon; check days before visiting |
| Reservations | Walk-ins only; no reservations taken; cash is often preferred |
| Address | 65 N Pauahi St, Honolulu, HI 96817 |
Signature dishes
- pork hash (siu mai)
- manapua (steamed or baked)
- shrimp dumplings
- jai
Good to know
- Known for
- Counter-ordered dim sum and manapua shop in Chinatown
Location
65 N Pauahi St, Honolulu, HI 96817
21.3118, -157.8630 View on map
Highlights
- Counter-ordered dim sum and manapua in Chinatown
- Pork hash (siu mai) and shrimp dumplings made for takeout
- Steamed or baked manapua, a classic Hawaii snack
- Inexpensive mixed boxes at about US$10-20 per person
Tips for visiting
- Carry cash, since the shop often prefers it.
- Go in the morning, as popular items can sell out by afternoon.
- Order a mixed box of pork hash, shrimp dumplings and manapua to share.
- Eat nearby or take the box on a Chinatown walk; seating is limited.
- Confirm days and hours before going, as they can vary.
When to visit
Morning is best for the full selection. By mid-afternoon some items may have sold out.
Accessibility
The shop is a small counter-service space with limited seating. Visitors using wheelchairs or mobility aids should confirm entrance and counter access on arrival.
Frequently asked questions
What is manapua?
Manapua is Hawaii's version of the Chinese char siu bao, a filled bun that can be steamed or baked. It is a popular local snack.
Does Mei Sum Dim Sum accept reservations?
No. It is a walk-in counter shop where orders are placed and paid for at the counter.
What hours does Mei Sum keep?
It generally runs from morning to mid-afternoon, though days and times vary. Check before visiting.