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The food court at Maunakea Marketplace is a bona fide hawker center, and if you’ve been to Singapore or Malaysia, you know exactly what that means: cheap, glorious eats! Fresh, cooked to order, a smorgasbord of Asia stuffed in a squeeze-through space that transports you right back to the cities of the steamy continent.
But before you go foraging on your next lunch hour, here are some things to know:
• It’s hidden. Even though Maunakea Marketplace occupies an entire half-block, the main action is in the interior courtyard and food court, neither of which is visible from the street. The main entrance is on Maunakea Street — look for a wide entryway next to Pho 97, halfway between Pauahi and Hotel. Small signs mark two more entrances on Hotel Street, and you can also enter from the loading zone on Pauahi.
• The food court is air-conditioned — but just barely. It’s usually at least warm, and being surrounded by open kitchens and people slurping steaming bowls of noodles adds to the effect. Get your cold drink first.
• The 15 stalls are cash-only, no tax.
• If you see only pictures of food or menu boards, that means dishes are cooked to order. If you see trays of food on the counter, try asking for samples. Now on to the foodfest...
Click to see 10 delicious things at Maunakea Marketplace
