Palama Express

The express store was right there next to subway on Alakea Street. Very open concept. It looked empty. They do have hot foods in the warmer food case with for fair prices. Portions are fair. Food was good! I love Korean food. Satisfied for price, taste of food, nothing special about the Korean food, and so convenient for those who work in the area.

My internal monologue acts up sometimes. Today, as I crossed Alakea street it went, "wait, do you see people in there? THERE ARE PEOPLE IN THERE! Let's go where the people are!"  Okay, it didn't say/sing that last part because my internal monologue isn't that of a Disney fan waiting for the little mermaid live action to come out. Not sure where was I going with that because that definitely went sideways.Any who, Palama Express looks like it has finally opened with temporary hours of Monday to Friday, 7 am to 4 PM. They're still clearly setting up as not all of the display cases and shelfs are completed and there's plenty of empty shelves. They do have a wide assortment of snacks, baked goods, and drinks. More importantly, they have kimbap, the various type of mini bentos such as spicy pork, bbq chicken, tofu, chicken katsu, and fried mandoo among others. They do seem more expensive than their other locations with a 50 cent increase likely due to downtown rent. Where's that NYC guy when you need him yelling "THE KIMBAP PRICES ARE TOO DARN HIGH!"They also have banchan, seeweed salad, pickled vegetables, Teagu, and more.The store is clean, newly renovated and well lit, which is a stark contrast to the darkness that was the former tenant, Starbucks. So if you're looking for an affordable and relatively healthy lunch that isn't a sandwich, stop by Palama Express's newest location.

Business is located at Central Pacific Plaza in former Starbucks location. I saw a video posted on Instagram by Eat Play Photo around this place. She really did a good job.

I've seen a Palama Express convenient store at Aloha Towers and I thought what a smart idea to serve HPU students. And now there's another one that just open right behind CPB bank on King street. It's actually a small building that's connected to CPB bank right next to Subway on Alakea street. So far, I was able to browse around. Basically it's like Korean 7 Eleven. You can get those Korean bentos when you come during lunch time. Don't expect a full blown Palama store.