Imperial Chinese Restaurant in Aiea
I really like dim sum. And for those like me, there are two new places to go to in Aiea.
The first is Golden Lion in Waimalu (by City Mill and Safeway). I went here once for dinner several weeks after they hired their new dim sum chef. It was pretty good, but a bit cramped inside. The waitress we had was really nice though.
The second place in Aiea, the one I’ve been back to about 3 times already, is Imperial Chinese Restaurant. This one is located in Westridge Shopping Center (across the street from Circuit City and Anna Miller’s, near Central Pacific Bank).
Here are my photos from my very first visit…
Dim sum plates are either $2.75 or $3.75 and there is a picture menu. There aren’t any carts here, they are all made to order.
Bean Curd Roll
Steamed Char Siu Manapua
Half Moon
Mochi Rice with Chicken
Chicken and Vegetable Chow Mein
And of course for dessert…Custard Tart.
One other item that I’ve ordered on return visits, and that I really enjoy, is the fried taro, also called taro puffs at other places.
And the best part about this place (for me at least) is that they serve dim sum all day from 10:30 am to 9:30 pm! I like to sleep in on the weekends so this is perfect! Typically we get there around 1:30 or 2:30 pm.
My favorite items: Mochi rice with chicken and the noodle dishes
My husband’s favorite items: Taro puffs and custard tart
I won’t say that it’s as good as Legend’s or some of those other places…but the food is good, the restaurant is clean and spacious, the workers are really nice, and it is super convenient if you are around Pearlridge when you get a craving for dim sum!
Imperial Chinese Restaurant
98-150 Kaonohi St #C115, Aiea, Hawaii 96701
(808) 484-0188
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11 comments - December 8, 2008
I wish they had steamed char siu manapua here, the char siu here isn’t sweet.
Hey kat,
What I like about this type is that the white part is so fluffy and soft!
I will just have to sit here and sob because any chance of getting dim sum is simply non-existant. Loved that second image of the menu! So jealous!!!!
Mmmmm…the dim sum looks good. Which of the two restaurants would you recommend? I’ve been looking for a good dim sum restaurant. I’m from the Moanalua area, so Pearlridge is close to where I live (well, where my parents live).
Hey rowena,
Too bad we can’t occasionally trade places for the weekend. You can get your dim sum and I’ll go play in the snow!
Hey lauren,
I would recommend Imperial Chinese Restaurant. Take out at Golden Lion is pretty good, but I had some issues with their food when they were at their old location that I can’t seem to get over.
Wow, everything looks so delicious
How great it all looks, I need to eat out more!
Hi Herbal Remedies Girl,
We did really enjoy everything!
Hey noble pig,
I think in my case I have to eat in more!
hello lori!! i just found my way onto your site, and am a bit bummed i didn’t know about it earlier. i’ve been living on my own in southern california for almost half a year now and have just started cooking on my own (after being spoiled rotten by my mom and aunt living in SF and tokyo). thanks for all the yummy recipes and i’ll definitely try out some of these local joints the next time i hit up hawaii!
Hi dean,
I’m glad you found your way here and enjoy the site! Being spoiled with food in SF and Tokyo sounds great!!
Hi Lori,
I did try out both places and I would also recommend the Imperial Restaurant. I did try out the Golden Lion by ordering take out, and I was a little disapointed cause it tasted old and the shrimp taste like it’s been in the freezer for awhile. So, my vote would be Imperial…I went there twice with my sisters.
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