Karen’s Kitchen

Be very careful when you order side meat for your breakfast because it might be more expensive then your plate, the side sausage is so expensive and it wasn’t even that good so beware

Gosh what can I say… Don’t have plans for the rest of your day if you’re going to eat here. Probably one of the largest loco mocos I’ve had. So large to the point that I just was tired at the end of it. But it was pretty delicious. Gravy was pretty tasty and the eggs were cooked well. My one knock was the patty tasted a bit… Bready? You can tell the patties were homemade, but could have benefited from a bit more grilling. But you really can’t complain about this one, unless you’re like me and have to go to work after lunch.

Had the turkey & stuffing today, the Stuffing was!!! NASTY!!! Turkey was rubbery, wouldn’t recommend this dish!!!, There Bake SPAGHETTI is da BOMB!!! Automatic 5 STARS, brings me back to school lunches. Mac Salad ahhhh ok not the best, tried the hamburger steak very nasty, breakfast is ok, breakfast at LOCAL BOYS CAFE or JOE’S GRILL is the best breakfast place hands down!!!

Only place that i know serves elementary school kine baked spaghetti. I usually bring home lunch but today i needed to buy. Unfortunately it was a disappointment. Something has changed from my last visit 5 months ago. New cook, new recipe, cutbacks. Who knows? When i first walked in and seen the spaghetti, it just wasn’t right. Imagine chef boyardee spaghetti dumped in a pan with cheese on top. That’s exactly how it looked and tasted. Too saucy, too tomatoey, bland, frozen meatballs, etc. Lunch fail! I think I’m better off making my own at home.
Todays food was not picture worthy. The pic below is from 5 months ago

Update: 09/​09/​2015
Hubby and I returned this afternoon for hamburger steak and an order of their mochiko chicken. The single, medium-​sized hamburger steak patty was smothered in brown gravy and had a wondefully natural ground beef flavor as well as a hearty, meaty texture. In other words, they probably don’t use much filler in their recipe. For a little over $ 8, it would’ve been nice if there was a bit more protein on the plate, but at least the taste and texture made up for the small portion. As for today’s order of mochiko chicken… read on!
Dear Karen’s Kitchen,
Why O why do you serve your customers refried mochiko chicken from a previous mistake order? Don’t you know that sliced pieces of mochiko chicken become dry and hard like rock after you refry it in an atttempt to avoid waste? Do you realize you risk losing future revenue because the recipient who unfortunately paid over $ 10 for the inedible take-​out food cannot turn around and drive back after they’ve reached their destination? Are you aware this is how you lose customers? Not only are we thinking about not returning, but we will most definitely caution our friends, acquaintances and anyone interested about your unwise practice of re-​serving mistake orders to other customers.
08/​20/​2015
While this eatery is conveniently located in Kakaako and has three parking stalls fronting the establishment, it’s been more than several years since we’ve patronized Karen’s Kitchen. For starters, there’s been a growing number of plate lunch places popping up all across town with a more gourmet flare to their offerings.
On this visit, we ordered their Ranch Chicken and Tripe Stew mix plate, as well as their Mochiko Chicken. Our plates came with white rice and iceberg lettuce salad with bottled ranch dressing. The rice was cooked perfectly, but the salad and dressing were definitely forgettable.
RANCH CHICKEN
Ranch? What Ranch? You mean like chuckwagon days when you’re out on the range with no seasonings or cooking options except for a cast iron pot over the camp fire? Cuz dis chicken is as bland and dry as a bone! Never again. On a positive note, the Ranch Chicken could be considered one of the more healthier options on the menu since it’s not deep fried and you end up eating less because it’s not very appetizing.
TRIPE STEW
Although this tripe stew contains tomato in its base, it was perfect as it’s not overly tomatoey and not too tripey-​innards-​gamey tasting either. There was a fair amount of tripe, however the portion could’ve been a bit more tripe with a lot less gravy and carrots.
MOCHIKO CHICKEN
The Mochiko Chicken saved the day! It was tender, moist and flavorful. Not too salty. Not too sweet. Not over cooked. Yay! We would order this again if we were to return.

Great deal if you go for the early bird special (before 1030 am)! The food was nothing special but for 4 bucks you can get rice, eggs and your choice of meat.
FYI Cash only!

I come to Karens at least 3 times a week, and I do have my favorite dishes.
There is parking in front and a small parking lot adjacent to the lot.
If you think portions are too big then ask for mini, some items they will do a mini and it is a dollar less. If you are like me and can’t make a decision, them do a combo for $ 1.50 more. I love to eat but trying to be wiser in my choices, so I ask for toss salad. They give a lot of veggies.
When they give toss salad, they will ask if you want dressing. For me, the Italian is too vinegary so I ask for less dressing.. The other two salad dressings are okay. For the dressing, most of the time it is the italian that they use, but sometimes they have other flavors.
The food here reminds me of my moms cooking, especially the hamburger curry and hamburger stew. I love their chicken adobo, meatballs, tofu dishes, etc. For me, this place is where I can get comfort food… fast… sit down, relax and slowly enjoy my food in an airconditioned environment.
They do have a website where you can check the daily specials.
The ladies here are very nice (a little on the shy side), just remember they want to keep the line moving so they may not make small talk. One time I forgot to bring money, the cashier treated me (remember I’ve been coming here for years, at least 3 times aweek).
I give the 5 stars based on my years of coming here and enjoying the establishment.

No beef in the beef stew!!! Where’s the beef??? it appears their price went up and the quality and value went down
No beef specifically after I asked about it since looking at the pot– there was NO BEEF
It’s my understanding Karen’s Kitchen does catering for some school. Maybe she should stick to that because their kitchen cannot keep up with the food orders…
$ 9.37 for my meal with NO BEEF. Shame on Karens Ktichen

I usually come here for cheap breakfast but today was different. I came in around 7:50AM on a Wednesday. I usually get the breakfast special which is about $ 3.95 before 10:30AM, but today I wanted to try the French toast and link sausage. Much to my surprise, the cashier asked how I wanted my egg. So that was new to me. Then when she rang it up, it was $ 7.28. Like whoa, what happened to the cheap early bird price of $ 4.95? I figured they might have raised the prices but that jump was a bit for me. That’s what caught me off guard. Besides from the price jumps, the service is usually quick in the morning. There are lots of indoor seating as well. Parking stalls are on the scarce side though. Overall, my visit today was just like any other day except for the non-​early bird prices. The quantity to price ratio & parking is what gives this place 2 stars off.

You come to Karen’s Kitchen when you’re hungry and want to eat for cheap. The food is heavy and made to fill you up. The Lau Lau I ordered was dry and flat in flavor. The Meatballs tasted store bought and the gravy tasted
Iike it was from a mix.
Karen’s Kitchen is open for breakfast and lunch with regular menu and daily offerings, most items are pre-​made so staff can pump out food quickly. Know what you want by the time its your turn to order, service is brisk, eat there or take out, and cash only.

Karen’s Kitchen is yet another spot I would not have found if not for my coworker. That being said, I’m pretty sure that the staff of Karen’s Kitchen doesn’t give a crap if you find them or not since the staff there truly has the demeanor of the scary lunch ladies of years past when you were in school and simply asking for milk that hadn’t expired three years prior.
The gruffness of the employees aside, this place is hit or miss with the food. I’ve eaten here three times and nothing has blown me away, but nothing has been bad enough to keep me from wanting to return. I’ve had the shoyu chicken, mushroom meatballs and the baked spaghetti. My favorite has been the baked spaghetti, not because it was delicious, but because it reminded me of my grandmother’s cooking… mushy spaghetti with some of the wrong cheeses mixed in, comfort food at its best.
The prices are reasonable and the portions are big, and you gotta respect a place that truly doesn’t seem to give a f’ about customer service… gangsta. Since my favorite plate lunch place by work is gone, this is now my go to… so I’ll be back…
(Cash only)

Today I ordered Portuguese Sausage and eggs and rice. See photo. It was nothing different, nothing special. It wasn’t worth $ 7.95

I’ve been here for lunch and it was O.K.
Breakfast on my mind this time so, I thought why not.
Should have not. Haha
The service was cordial. Nothing more, just cordial. They also have free self serve water station and the place is clean.
Breakfast menu was eh, so-​so
I love corned beef hash and the patties looked homemade and large. Yup, large but mostly potatoes … and dry.
I also love fried rice. But, I was not impressed.
I guess if you working in the area and hungry this place is ok. But, don’t go out of your way. In other words … don’t waste your time.

I’ve been here for breakfast a few times because it’s super cheap. It is $ 3.99 for the breakfast schedule which includes sausage, 2 eggs, rice and luncheon meat or ham. Not really crazy about that combo meal tho.
I’ve also had their French toast which is OK. Their pancakes are huge! The pancakes are a little bit too thick for me but my kids love them. I prefer my pancakes light and fluffy. The food portions are huge so I always feel like I’m getting my money’s worth when I come here.
The staff here is great! They also bring you your food at your table when it’s ready.

Since Karen’s is located close to my office I’ve been here a handful of times, usually when I’m tired of New Queens or if the weather is too hot for ramen (I love ramen).
The serving sizes are HUGE, especially the baked spaghetti. By the time I’m taking my lunch break (1ish) the workers look exhausted and ready to go home. With what little energy they do have, they try to crack a smile, nice yes, friendly… meh.
The food here is bland. It looks and smells delicious, yet lacks in flavor. You have lots of food to eat with little taste. Be sure to add some salt and pepper or better yet do as I do, for all you spice lovers… add lots of tabasco!

NEVER thought I’d rate any place on Oahu with one star… but it’s happened. The garlic chicken was SO SALTY!!! The sauce was SO GROSS (pure vinegar…). I couldn’t finish it and for the first time ever, dumped an almost full plate of food.
I’m hoping that I just ordered the wrong thing… but for now this place is off my list of places to eat.

Already lots of reviews so my thoughts in abbreviated form:
1) the $ 3.99 breakfast special is great! Choice of two eggs, sausage, luncheon meat or ham, two scoops rice. (till 10:30am each morning)
2) school kine oven spaghetti — the best in the state.
3) friendly servers, always a smile!
4) parking in the front and on the mauka side. Yeah, lunchtime can be crazy.

«AUNTY» KAREN’S KITCHEN!
I’ve known «Aunty» Karen for well over a decade!
Gosh! I’ve been saying that about a lot of people & places lately! Maybe I’ve been around the block one too many times?!
Eh, no shame. I live life to the fullest!
KAREN’S KITCHEN IN KAKA’AKO:
«Aunty» Karen’s Kitchen…
Y’know one of those places you sometimes forget all about. I mean the food’s good, and heck you get a mountain of food, but…
Just one of those places that slips on by.
I’ve been coming here «on and off» for awhile. Gosh! Darn!
The type of place you can easily put in the back of your mind, unless working or driving through the Kaka’ako area.
Small parking lot in front marked «Karen’s Kitchen” — only about 3 or 4 stalls, so lunch hour can be tight. Typical Kaka’ako street & meter parking is another option.
Inside is your typical local lunch spot… Soda & Hawaiian Sun display on the right side. Hot Table straight ahead with full menu on chalk board. Eating room to the left side. Lot’s of area to grub your Kau Kau. No one really lingers here, so tables clear fast too. Eat, digest or to-​go environment.
KAREN’S KAU KAU:
«Aunty» Karen’s Kitchen is nothing fancy. Just ONO local plate lunches that give’s «BIG BOY» sizes. Y’know the typical 2 BIG scoops rice, Mac Salad (or toss greens w/​dressing), and choke Entrée.
«Aunty» Karen’s Kitchen has both, a «hot table», which changes daily, and a handful of «made-​to-​order» entrees. For example:
Hot Table: Pork Guisantes, Beef Stew, Teriyaki Chicken, Sweet & Sour Spareribs, Palehu Ribs (my fav), etc., etc.
Made to Order: Pork Chops, Hamburgers, Katsu, Loco Moco, Breakfast Specials too. Entrée prices range from about $ 7 — $ 9, plus change. Breakfast less $.
Cookies, drinks, nibble stuff available. Complimentary water available too.
On my last visit, I had the Sweet & Sour Spareribs– so yummy! I went in josesing for the Palehu Ribs *drools*, but it wasn’t meant to be as it wasn’t served on this day *sad face*, so I «settled» on the S&S Spareribs, but it was ONO and I was pretty content walking out the door.
My cousin had the Puerto Rican Pasteles Stew. Not so sure if it was the right choice for her, but they did give plenty!
SHARING IS CARING:
Nothing fancy. Just good ‘ol local plate lunches for «BIG BOY & BIG GIRLS». Even if you’re manini or average size, you could probably eat a full plate if hungry or share it with another manini. Not the worse dilemma in the world!
Definitely worth a visit. Wave at «Aunty» Karen if you see her! She’s the stern Asian lady with wire-​rim eyeglasses, y’know that librarian «no-​smile» look, but trust, she’s a sweetheart. Enjoy your Kau Kau! K, BYE!
Unilocal REVIEW #167

Went back to Karen’s Kitchen recently… didn’t feel like the skool kine spaghetti today, so I opted for the Sweet Sour Pork.
I was a little bummed, as they ran out of brown rice… but I must say, they really do serve up a hefty amount of food! My sweet sour pork plate was MASSIVE, but after I had finished my plate, I saw all the oil floating on the bottom of my plate which kinda grossed me out. YUCK!
Did I just put that into my body??? Well, too late! Lol! I think I will pass on this dish in the near future… taste is there, and I like the little pineapple slices they have in the dish, but didn’t care for it, that it was so oily.
Again, this place only takes cash (no credit cards)…and I think there is a ATM machine inside now. Lots of parking in the private parking lot, and if they run out, there is ample street parking.
I’ll be back again… but not for the sweet sour pork, I’ll probably be back for the spaghetti, or for something else.

Apparently I’m the only one on the island who doesn’t know about Karen’s Kitchen. My coworkers decided on coming here for lunch after a very indecisive conversation about where to eat. Once Karens was mentioned, everyone was suddenly in agreement.
As a first timer, I couldn’t decide what to get so I opted for a two choice plate with tossed salad and white rice. Karen’s serves their food like a Pandas, food is already prepared and you make your selections at the counter. This makes for no wait time! Woohoo! They have weekly specials too, so there is always a different selection.
Spaghetti (the baked kind that reminds me of elementary school lunch) seemed to be the favorite… But I chose squash with chicken and roast chicken instead. Both were excellent and for less than $ 8, it was a lot of food.
Best of all, there is designated parking for Karen’s right in front of the restaurant :)