Best Ramen in Oahu: Dive into a Bowl of Heavenly Delight!
Welcome, fellow foodies!
Are you planning a trip to Oahu and wondering where to find the best ramen on the island? Look no further because I’ve got you covered. As someone who has been exploring the ramen scene in Hawaii with my boyfriend for years, I can confidently say that we have found some of the most authentic and delicious bowls of broth and noodles around.
But let’s be real here – finding good ramen can be tough. With so many options out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or even disappointed by your choice. That’s why I’m here to help ease your pain and guide you toward a satisfying bowl of goodness.
As an experienced foodie with a passion for all things ramen, I’ve spent countless hours researching and taste-testing various restaurants throughout Oahu. From hole-in-the-wall joints to more upscale pan-Asian eateries, I’ve tried them all. And now, based on factors such as flavor profile, noodle texture, authenticity, ambiance, and price point – I’m excited to share my top picks with you!
So sit back (or slurp away) as we take a journey through some of the best ramen spots in Oahu.
Warning: You may end up craving this savory dish long after your trip is over!
Let’s go have a delicious bowl of ramen from Oahu!
Wagaya – The Best Ramen Restaurant on Oahu
A favorite spot for locals and Asians in Oahu, Wagaya serves the best ramen, prepared in a rich broth with lots of delicious sides. However, it’s a small eatery and gets packed during lunch, so try to grab an early meal from here.
Order their three-piece gyoza as a starter that’s a house favorite and super light. Next, try their famous Tonkotsu ramen, packed with chicken and pork flavors, and Garlic Ramen with a rich broth topped with a soft-boiled egg – umami in a bowl!
Wagaya also serves terrific tsukemen – a cold, thick broth for dipping noodles that’s perfect for cooling down on a hot summer day. Pair your ramen with a karaage chicken bowl and char siu pork for an all-around delicious meal.
We’re fans of the food at Wagaya and often come here for a quick meal, as they make some of the best ramen in Oahu. Here’s why you’ll agree:
- Gluten-free folks and vegetarians will love the ramen, which you can get in sweet potato noodles and a veggie broth.
- You can custom order your noodles with firmness, spiciness, and salt.
- They have an app for ordering which makes the process smooth and easy.
Address: 2080 S King St, Honolulu, Oahu.
Junpuu – New Ramen Eatery in Honolulu
A relatively new eatery on King Street, Junpuu has quickly garnered fame as a terrific ramen spot in Honolulu for its flavorful broths prepared by Chef Eiji Kato. Unlike most Asian restaurants, you can find room for a nice sit-down meal at Junpuu without feeling too crowded.
The restaurant specializes in making its ramen noodles from scratch and prepares the broth with fresh produce every day, so you can expect high-quality ingredients in every dish.
From their handful of ramen flavors, try the delicious Tantan Men, made with an authentic tonkatsu broth, slow-cooked for 16 hours to bring out the rich pork flavors, and topped with an egg soaked overnight in a special sauce and cooked for precisely 7 minutes.
Also, try their chicken and beef ramens, which are equally delicious as the tonkatsu, especially when paired with the garlic gyoza.
You’ll love the menu and comfortable environment at Junpuu, and keep coming here because:
- Their menu has unique tomato ramen, a must-try for fusion food lovers.
- They also serve delicious meat sandwiches with hand-cut fries.
- Service is friendly and efficient here.
Address: 1010 S King St Ste 108 Ste 108, Honolulu, Oahu.
Golden Pork Tonkotsu Ramen Bar – The Best Ramen in Honolulu
Another new name on the ramen front in Honolulu, Golden Pork Tonkotsu, makes a mouthwatering broth for their noodles and only serves a handful of ramen flavors. Despite being a small eatery, they’ve become quite famous and stay packed, so you’ll have to wait to get seated here.
From the three ramen flavors, get their signature Golden Pork, made from a shoyu and miso broth with the most authentic ramen spices that are beloved by all palates. However, if you love a kick of spice in your noodles, try the Spicy Red Miso Dragon flavor, made with hot minced meat.
My boyfriend and I love their Black Garlic ramen with homemade black garlic oil topped with crispy garlic chips. No matter what you order, get a side of the Golden Pork Buns that are great on their own or for soaking in the ramen broth.
We love Golden Pork Ramen Bar for its minimalist menu and unmissable flavors, as they make the best ramen in Honolulu. Here’s why you have to try them:
- You can adjust the spiciness of your ramen with three spice levels.
- You can request the noodles to be cooked firm or very soft.
- Their prices are reasonable at just $10 for a big bowl.
Address: 1279 S King St, Honolulu, Oahu.
Momosan Waikiki – Best Ramen in Waikiki
One of the most famous ramen spots in Waikiki and located across the street from Kuhio Beach, Momosan provides food with a view like no other. Momosan’s owner, Chef Morimoto, makes gourmet-style ramen bowls that are loved by diners all over the island.
Their most famous ramens are the Spicy Tantan, pork slices in a creamy red miso broth, and the milder but equally delicious Tonkatsu, made from a slow-cooked pork broth prepared over half a day.
However, their Spicy Dan Dan noodles are a must-try, topped with spicy red-chili oil and thin slices of garlic that complement the spices. They also serve terrific sides, so get the pork gyoza, shrimp tempura roll, and rib appetizer that are bursting with flavors.
We love Momosan’s gourmet take on ramen, and with unmatched flavors, they make the best ramen in Waikiki. Here’s why you’ll agree:
- They have a full bar with various Japanese drinks, like sake, to pair with the ramen.
- Momosan serves amazing fresh sushi, so try the crispy California roll.
- Their staff is super friendly and checks on you often during the meal.
Address: 2490 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, Oahu.
Goma Tei – The Best Ramen in Ala Moana
With five locations in Oahu’s major shopping malls, it’s only a matter of time before you try Goma Tei. Their specialty is the slightly thicker and creamier broth with sesame and slices of slow-cooked char siu pork.
If you’re shopping in Ala Moana, step into Goma Tei and order the classic Tan Tan Ramen, made with their signature creamy broth, thick slices of pork, and fresh handmade noodles. Other favorites on their menu are the Wonton ramen with shrimp and pork wontons, Garlic Ramen with crispy garlic toppings, and Spicy Tan Tan ramen with a nice kick of spice.
Their menu also serves delicious udon noodles and sides like gyoza, char siu, and tonkatsu, which are great to eat with the ramen or on their own.
Don’t miss Goma Tei when you’re craving ramen, as they make the best in Oahu. Here’s why you’ll agree:
- They have comfortable seating and quick service, so you won’t have to wait long for a hot bowl.
- Their ramen is priced very reasonably at $11 for a big bowl.
- You can request sides of your choice, like soft poached eggs, curry, or extra meat in your ramen.
Address: 1200 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, Oahu.
Manichi Ramen – Best Vegan Restaurant in Oahu
If you’re visiting the Ala Moana Center, go for a meal at Manichi Ramen after shopping, as they serve authentic Japanese flavors from Fukuoka. Their menu features a variety of dishes, but the most famous is their award-winning gyoza and tonkatsu ramen bowls.
Start with an order of gyoza, the classic, spicy shrimp and pork, and cheese flavors with a crispy base and plentiful fillings. Follow with their classic ramen that’s a house favorite, and the Manichi Special Tonkotsu-Shibori ramen made with a combination of black garlic oil and spicy miso.
My boyfriend loves their spicy Volcano Tonkatsu, and I go for the curry ramen, which has a great balance between curry and ramen broth flavors. In addition, their menu features other great items like donburi and udon, so you’ll have plenty of options.
Don’t sleep on Manichi Ramen when you visit Waikiki, because:
- Their authentic gyoza recipe has been passed down for generations.
- Try their garlic butter shrimp gyozas which are a local favorite.
- The service here is quick and friendly.
Address: 1430 Kona St, Suite 101, Honolulu, Oahu.
Winding Up: The Best Places for Ramen in Oahu
You’d hardly expect to find a Japanese classic like ramen with authentic flavors anywhere outside Japan, but Oahu has a knack for importing authentic cuisines. The chefs preparing ramen on the island bring their recipes and flavors from East Asia to Hawaii and serve them in mouthwatering bowls of ramen. As a result, you can find the best ramen, tsukemen, gyoza, and udon from Oahu’s best ramen places, each carrying distinct flavors that are equally delicious.
Looking for a classic ramen bowl? Head to Wagaya and Golden Pork Tonkotsu Ramen Bar.
Want to try a gourmet take on ramen? Don’t miss Momosan in Waikiki.
Need ramen with a variety of flavors and sides? Try Junpuu, Goma Tei and Manichi Ramen.
Top Ramen Spots in Oahu
| Restaurant Name | Description | Address |
|---|---|---|
| Wagaya | A favorite spot for locals and Asians in Oahu. Serves the best ramen with delicious sides. Offers gluten-free and vegetarian options. Has an app for smooth ordering. | 2080 S King St, Honolulu, Oahu |
| Junpuu | A new eatery known for its flavorful broths. Specializes in handmade ramen noodles. Offers a unique tomato ramen and serves meat sandwiches. | 1010 S King St Ste 108 Ste 108, Honolulu, Oahu |
| Golden Pork Tonkotsu Ramen Bar | Known for its mouthwatering broth and limited flavors. Famous for its minimalist menu and three spice level options. Reasonably priced. | 1279 S King St, Honolulu, Oahu |
| Momosan Waikiki | A gourmet-style ramen spot with an excellent view. Offers a variety of ramens and has a full bar with Japanese drinks. | 2490 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, Oahu |
| Goma Tei | Specializes in thicker, creamier broth with sesame. Offers a variety of ramen and udon dishes, and has comfortable seating. | 1200 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, Oahu |
| Manichi Ramen | Serves authentic Japanese flavors. Famous for its award-winning gyoza and variety of dishes. Known for quick and friendly service. | 1430 Kona St, Suite 101, Honolulu, Oahu |
Where to Get Ramen in Honolulu Oahu
FAQ
What is miso ramen and how does it differ from other types of ramen?
Miso ramen is a type of Japanese noodle soup that features a savory broth made with fermented soybean paste. Unlike other types of ramen, such as the spicier variant spicy ramen or the pork belly ramen, which uses pork belly as the main topping, miso ramen has a distinct umami flavor that pairs well with toppings like sliced pork, bamboo shoots, and green onions. Among the varieties of miso ramen, the spicy miso ramen is particularly popular for its combination of the rich miso flavor and a hint of heat.
How can I make delicious fried rice at home?
To make flavorful fried rice at home, start by cooking your rice in advance and letting it cool completely to achieve the right texture. In the culinary world, you’ll find innovative variations like spicy tuna crispy rice. For traditional fried rice, heat up some oil in a wok or large skillet and add diced vegetables like carrots, peas, and onions. Once the veggies are tender-crisp, push them to one side of the pan and crack an egg into the empty space. Scramble the egg until cooked through before adding your cooled rice to the pan along with soy sauce and any additional seasonings you prefer. Sprinkling some crispy rice on top can add a delightful crunch to your dish.
What sets Kamitoku Ramen apart from other popular noodle shops?
Kamitoku Ramen, a popular ramen shop in Kyoto, is known for its richly flavored broths that simmer for hours on end to extract maximum depth of flavor. This staple food shop also offers unique toppings like crispy garlic chips and oyster, which add extra layers of texture and taste to each bowl. You could also opt for a bowl of Goma Tei Ramen or enjoy a flavorful experience at Junpuu Ramen Bistro.
What makes for a truly savory broth when making homemade soups?
A truly savory broth starts with high-quality ingredients like fresh herbs, bones (if using), vegetables like onion or celery root (or both), and ginger root if desired – all simmered together over low heat for several hours until flavors meld together perfectly. For a unique twist, you might want to consider adding oxtail dumplings or a sprinkle of parmesan to your broth.
Why should I visit Lucky Belly instead of other local ramen shops?
Lucky Belly stands out among Honolulu’s ramen shops thanks to its creative menu offerings such as truffle butter shoyu noodles or kimchi bacon fried rice bowls alongside classic favorites like tonkatsu-style pork bone broth-based soups. You may also like to try scallop cone sushi or the increasingly popular spicy tuna dish here.
What is your experience with belly bowl ramen?
My personal observation of the belly bowl ramen was that it had a unique blend of flavors and textures. The broth was rich and savory, while the noodles were perfectly cooked. The pork belly added a nice meaty flavor to the dish.
Have you tried any beefy wild ramen dishes?
Yes, I have tried several beefy wild ramen dishes at different restaurants. Each one had its own distinct flavor profile, but they all shared a common theme of having tender chunks of beef in the broth.
What are your thoughts on black garlic tonkatsu ramen?
In my experience, black garlic tonkatsu ramen has a deep umami flavor that is enhanced by the addition of black garlic oil. The creamy tonkotsu broth pairs well with chewy noodles and tender slices of pork.
How does agu ramen compare to other types of ramen?
Agu Ramen has a unique taste compared to other types of Ramen due to its use of Agu Pork which is known for its tenderness and juiciness. It also has an earthier taste than most Ramen because it uses bonito flakes as one if its ingredients.
Can you recommend any good local ramen shops?
There are several great local Ramens shops in town that I would highly recommend trying out such as “Ramen Tatsu-ya”, “Jinya Ramen Bar”, “Kemuri Tatsu-ya” etc., each offering their own take on traditional Japanese noodle soup cuisine.”
Last Updated on August 13, 2023 by Brigitte