Ramen Dreams….

Here is an update to my “Ramen Dreams” post from 2014.
I’ve been in search of the best bowl of ramen on O’ahu. For me, it’s the combination of the broth, the noodles, and the chashu that makes it so magical. I think I’ve pretty much sampled all of the best shops on the island:

Paitan Ramen from Tenkaippin.
Paitan Ramen from Tenkaippin.
Miso Cha-Shu Ramen from Ramen Kai.
Miso Cha-Shu Ramen from Ramen Kai.
menchanko-tei kikuzo
Kikuzo Ramen from Menchanko-Tei.
Belly Bowl from Lucky Belly.
Belly Bowl from Lucky Belly.
Spicy Tsukemen from Kiwami.
Spicy Tsukemen from Kiwami.
Spicy Kotteri Tonkotsu Ramen from Agu Ramen Bistro.
Spicy Kotteri Tonkotsu Ramen from Agu Ramen Bistro.
Tan Tan Ramen from Goma Tei.
Tan Tan Ramen from Goma Tei.
kakuni paitan yotteko-ya
Kakuni Paitan Ramen from Yotteko-Ya.
Shoyu Ramen from Hokkaido Ramen Santouka.
Shoyu Ramen from Hokkaido Ramen Santouka.
Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen from Ramen Nakamura.
Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen from Ramen Nakamura.
Tan Tan Men from Gomaichi.
Beefy Wild from Kamitoku Ramen.
Beefy Wild from Kamitoku Ramen.
Tonkotsu-Shibori from Ramen Manichi.
Tonkotsu-Shibori from Ramen Manichi.
Black Garlic Original from Golden Pork Ton-kotsu Ramen Bar.
Black Garlic Original from Golden Pork Ton-kotsu Ramen Bar.
Tsukemen from Wagaya.
Tsukemen from Wagaya.
Tonkotsu Kakuni Ramen from Menya Musashi.

The verdict:
My fave bowl of ramen by far was at Japanese Ramen Kai on Kona Street. Unfortunately, the owner got homesick and moved back to Japan. So here are my current faves:

1. Agu Ramen Bistro on Isenberg Street. The Spicy Kotteri Tonkotsu (level 2 spiciness) is so flavorful and satisfying. Whenever I’m in the UH area, I always drop by. (Second location at Ward Centre.)

2. Kiwami Ramen on Ke’eaumoku. I am addicted to the Spicy Tsukemen Ramen (medium level spiciness, noodles served hot.) My current “go-to place.”

3. Wagaya is a new ramen shop in McCully. The Tsukemen was awesome. Their curly noodles have a great texture. Will be back soon.

4. Hokkaido Ramen Santouka at the entrance of Don Quijote. The Shoyu Ramen is savory and comforting. Part of a large chain, but still so good.

Not done sampling more places and more recommendations.
Always dreaming of ramen….

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