A tiny Filipino-Hawaiian bodega is making a big splash in Chicago, drawing hour-long lines of eager customers along Damen Avenue.
The brainchild of partners Julius Tacadena and Francis Almeda, Kanin opened on Saturday, March 8—and sold out the same day.
Since then, fans haven’t been able to get enough of the counter-serve spot’s Spam musubi, ube banana pudding, and other mouthwatering treats.
Inspired by Tacadena’s childhood on the island of Kauaʻi, the bodega reflects his memories of stopping by local corner stores for quick snacks after school, the co-owner told Eater.
Kanin takes a no-frills approach to Hawaiian comfort food, with dishes like umami bombs and chicken tocino skewers earning rave reviews.
Beyond its house-made specialties, the bodega also offers a curated selection of Asian snacks rarely found in the U.S., including exotic Kit Kat and Oreo flavors.
After a whirlwind opening week, Kanin is now open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 5131 N. Damen Ave. Whether you’re craving a savory bite or a sweet treat, this one-of-a-kind spot is worth the wait!