Korean plates lunches are plentiful around the island but I'm partial to either Yummy's (a chain...but a good one!) or Gina's BBQ in Market City. However one of the cheapest (and tasty) Korean plate lunches with respect to size is found in the "Snack" section of Palama Supermarket. The market has a shop in Kalihi (er, Palama if you will) and another near Ala Moana. I find the meat and produce in the Kalihi location better as turnover appears to be much quicker. But if you come just for a plate lunch then there's really no difference between the two locations. Our family comes to pick up kimchee by the pound and raw kalbi and cow tongue (so good simply seasoned and cooked on the grill!) We rarely leave without a plate lunch.
Today I ordered the Fish Jun Plate ($5.00) - no tax! :). The plate came with five large pieces of egg battered pan fried fish, 2 mandatory scoops of rice, mac salad, kimchee and bean sprouts. The fish is always a bit on the greasy side, but still enjoyable. There's just something about that egg and fish combo that's so appealing(or egg with anything! Which reminds me - I need to find some good oyakodon...) If you come to think of it, many Korean dishes fall on the oily side. But who cares? That's why we have kimchee, and plenty of it! The kimchee here is much more spicy and salty than both Gina's and Yummy's.
In addition to the basic options of kalbi, bbq beef or pork, meat jun and spicy chicken, they also sell premade snacks/side dishes. Pictued is fried mandoo, kim bap (korean sushi filled with beef, cucumber, carrots, and shitake mushrooms) and vegetable omelet.
The food at the "Snack Corner" is far from superb but is always consistent and realiable. Plus it's a good break after your exhausting Korean grocery shopping trip!
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