Nanding's Bakery
Long-running Filipino bakery in Kalihi known for early hours, low prices, and snackable breads and pastries. Best for a quick breakfast stop or takeout box of rolls.
- very early opening hours
- budget-friendly
- takeout-focused
- fresh breads and pastries
Nanding’s Bakery is a long-running Filipino neighborhood bakery that stands out for exactly the things many travelers need most: early hours, low prices, and a case full of breads and pastries that work just as well for breakfast as they do for an on-the-go snack. In Kalihi, it has the feel of a true local institution rather than a polished café, and that is a big part of its appeal.
What it does best
The strongest draw here is Filipino-style baked goods, especially Spanish rolls, ube pastries, ensaymada, pandesal, and other soft breads and filled buns. The food is built for simple pleasure and easy buying: warm, snackable, inexpensive, and well suited to picking up a box for the road. This is the kind of stop where the pastry case does the heavy lifting, and the best items are the ones that feel fresh and just-out-of-the-oven.
Prices are a major part of the story. Nanding’s is firmly in budget territory, which makes it especially appealing for families, early risers, and anyone trying to sample a few different pastries without spending much.
The experience
Expect counter service and a no-frills setup. Nanding’s is more practical than picturesque, with the energy of a busy neighborhood bakery rather than a linger-over-coffee brunch spot. That stripped-down approach is part of what gives it character: the focus stays on the bread, not the décor.
The bakery’s history adds to that identity. It was started by Fernando Paez, who came to Honolulu from the Philippines and began by selling baked goods to Filipino hotel workers before opening under his nickname, “Nanding.” That origin still shows in the bakery’s grounded, community-oriented feel.
What to know before you go
The best time to visit is early in the day, when the selection is strongest and the breads tend to be at their softest. Freshness matters here. Later in the day, some favorites may be sold out or not quite as pillowy. Parking can also be tight, so this is better treated as a quick stop than a leisurely detour.
Nanding’s is a great fit for travelers who want an inexpensive, distinctly local breakfast or snack run. It is less ideal for anyone looking for a sit-down café, a big brunch menu, or a place to settle in for a long meal.
