Cheap eats at Palama Market

The L&L of Korean food

By Mari Taketa
Special to Metromix

Aigoo, who’s not on a budget these days? If you’re like us, jonesing for kalbi, but can’t face plunking down $17 at a restaurant, try out the eats at Palama Market. The new Palama Market on Makaloa Street is bigger and brighter than the original in Dillingham Shopping Plaza, and it has way more food. Other pros and cons:

Parking: Dillingham — more stalls, less insane

Hours: Makaloa rules! Dillingham’s takeout counter closes at 6 p.m. (hel-lo — ever hear of dinner?!); Makaloa’s is open until 8 every day, including Sunday

Choices: Dillingham has one takeout counter + pre-packaged takeout inside the supermarket. Makaloa has a food court: one takeout counter with a bigger menu, two small dessert counters (one with mandoo and noodles) + pre-packaged takeout inside

Seating: Dillingham has about four tables. Compared to that, Makaloa has tons

Prices: Same

That gives the edge to… Makaloa! But we still have to check out the taste. Can Makaloa edge out Dillingham?