Two-Minute Takeout: U-Kitchen Bento Shop in Kalihi

Enormous and reasonable bento plates plus Japanese sandwiches, inari bombs and musubi are the hallmarks of this hidden gem.

March 14, 2022

Thomas Obungen,

It’s a delicious landscape out there! We’re bringing back our Two-Minute Takeout video series with all-new episodes about dishes from new-to-us places and longtime faves.

Kalihi is a treasure trove of hidden gem mom-and-pop eateries and U Kitchen is no exception. Tucked away off Dillingham Boulevard near Yohei Sushi, this spot is worth dodging some serious potholes for. While U Kitchen labels itself as a Japanese bento shop, there’s more to discover once you step inside. Cold cases and shelves of $5 bentos, $2 musubi and more deals seem to jump out from every corner. You can grab spaghetti meat sauce or pesto penne pasta plates, Japanese-style white bread sandwiches and ahi poke bowls before reaching the cashier. Whatever U want, U can have it at U Kitchen.

I ordered two popular items off their plate lunch menu—garlic chicken ($12.75) and kakuni pork ($14.75)—and had enough food to feed four people. U Kitchen, U are delicious! Coming next month for the tiny shop: A second location in Waikīkī.

Open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., 565 Kokea St., Unit D-2, (808) 376-8104, @ukitchen2021