Rahat Market

Grocery shopping in Chinatown, Honolulu, Hawaii...Me: I'm going to Chinatown to get some ginger to make shoyu chicken. Need anything?Mom: a pineapple Me: Really?Mom: I'm going to cut it up and serve it next to your shoyu chickenMe: (internal sigh... Can't argue with mom... Trying not to roll eyes... Holding that poker face... Big pause...) Okay.Mom: just smell it! (Tip for buying a pineapple)Since I was early (around 8am on Tuesday) there was a lot of free street parking on King Street, near Kekaulike Market.I had gone to one grocery store to look for a pineapple - with no luck. I walked through the entire Kekaulike Market - still no pineapple. I stood outside the market and searched the stalls across the way. In the distance, I thought I saw some of those spiney fruits. Drawing closer, I squealed to myself because...Eureka! I had found some pineapples!Grabbing the largest one, I took a whiff and determined that it had a sweet fragrance. Placing it in a handy plastic bag (hanging from a roll at the end of the shelf), I moseyed in.Ah! It was nice, clean environment! The aisles were tidy and organized! I paid the pleasant cashier (cash - tax included) and went on my way! Yippee!Mission accomplished!Note: I also like their slogan, "Picked yesterday. Sold today."

Sometimes I enjoy the challenge when being sent on a goose chase for produce in Chinatown. Regardless Hawaii has a tropical climate with overall warm weather all year around, produce are seasonal and at times certain items are difficult to locate.Just this past week my colleagues were trying to figure out how to jazz up leftovers. We still had some steamed black bean spareribs with all of that yummy sauce and the question was: What would go well with these leftovers? One of my colleagues blurted out "Bittermelon!" Sounds like an easy task but in reality, not quite.You see, during my weekly visits I somewhat remember what's in season and what's missing in action. I didn't recall previously seeing bittermelon so off I went to Chinatown the very next morning.I initially went to my go to places on N King St and both vendors had none. I then went to some back up places on Kekaulike Mall and found a stall that had reduced, quick sale bittermelon that was either badly bruised or discolored. Next, I walked over to 2 other stalls only to have bittermelon missing from their display. I started to worry.I then walked into Rahat Market (RM), that is located near the Ewa side corner of Kekaulike St and N Hotel Street. I've noticed the change of ownership because several years ago they had Chinese staff just recently I've had Filipino staff assisted me. I walked down the aisle and there they had some discounted bittermelon, but it was in way better shape than the other stall. I came across some mildly blemished ones that I bagged up. I ended up with over 5 lbs of bittermelon and proceeded to the cashier.When I went to pay, I appreciated the fact that I didn't have to struggle in communicating with the staff. She spoke fluent English and was so clear. She confirmed I got the bittermelon from the reduced section and she pointed out the other side where they had premium ones, which were 70% more expensive. I was content with what I had chosen so I thanked her for informing me but declined the offer to switch out. I appreciated given the opportunity - - great customer service.I took my haul to work where I halved and seeded the bittermelon. I did have to do some minor shaving and peeling of the exterior but after soaking the cleaned bittermelon into a cold water bath, they perked up and the final product looked very good. None of my colleagues noticed that I had purchased discounted bittermelon for the employee meal that day.Overall, this was a very pleasant experience that got the job done. RM came through as I was losing hope in obtaining bittermelon. With great customer service I wouldn't hesitate coming here again for fresh produce.

Cool market in the heart of Chinatown selling fresh fruits and vegetables.I stopped in to purchase some Dragon Fruit. The other shoppers were hustling and bustling, and were so focused on selecting that perfect bunch of green onions or the best batch of apples.Two cashiers - both took customers quicker than you could say Hello.Cash only. Support local small businesses!

I shop frequently from this store. Noticed the change of ownership. Recently, in the last few months or so, everytime I bought cucumbers from them, one, two even half of cucumbers I bought have insect issue inside them The cucumbers look normal from the outside but when I cut in half, OH MY! (See photos attached). That never happened in the past. I let the store people know about the problem but they seem either don't care or (pretend) don't understand what I said Does anyone experience the same issue?

Meet Rahat Market, previously called Fresh and Green Market. The new owners are Vietnamese (previously Chinese) and carry more of their own produce and items. This store is located nearest to Hotel Street along Kekaulike next to Ying Leong Look Funn Factory.I must admit I haven't been to this produce store in a very long time because I didn't feel the vegetables were the nicest or freshest. However, they did have really good deals on certain produce. That was the previous store though, and with new ownership and a new name, the vegetables are nicer and fresher, but still better elsewhere. The store is at least well organized and maintained, and visually looks a little better, but there's still this strange dankness and clamminess inside that feels uncomfortable.Overall, there's nothing special about this place. Rahat Market is just like any other produce store. It sometimes have better deals than others and sometimes it is more expensive. So when in Chinatown, always do some scouting first!