Daiichi Noodles Cafe
Aiea Shopping Plaza,99-080 Kauhale Rd, Bldg A, Aiea, HI, 96701
Daiichi Noodles Cafe Menu
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant menu details.
Visit below restaurant in Aiea for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Aiea for healthy meals suggestion.
Visit below restaurant in Aiea for healthy meals suggestion.
Sorry, we don't have Q&A for this restaurant.
Sorry, No Coupons available for this restaurant.
-
Address :
Aiea Shopping Plaza,99-080 Kauhale Rd, Bldg A
Aiea, HI, 96701 - Phone (808) 486-7432
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :10:30 am - 9:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : No
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : No
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
Looky Weed - Buy Marijuana Online
Looky Weed is here to help you navigate the maze of legalized marijuana. We provide you with a complete dispensary directory.
Bryan K.
Some places you find from just dumb luck. This is one of those places. Last year I came back home and wanted saimin. My dad drove us from the airport to a place he knew in Aiea but it was closed down. So we wandered aimlessly and found this ramen place. The noodles were chewy delicious and the shoyu soup was full of flavor. We got some other stuff but I could only remember the ramen. Flash forward one year and I'm back in Hawaii. I was thinking, well maybe I was delusional the first time, maybe this place is just okay. So I went back again..... (pause for suspense) And well... it really indeed was darn good ramen. I also tried the mochiko chicken, which is basically like karaage, good stuff. But go for the ramen, its delicious, oh so delicious. Take my word for it... you might be as dumb as me, but maybe you won't be as lucky!
(5)Gary Y.
I took my family to Daiichi for lunch on Easter. I ordered the ramen combo with tonkotsu ramen, gyoza and curry rice. The ramen and gyoza were good but the curry came lukewarm. My wife said that the cold noodles is the best that she has had. My kids said that their food was okay.
(2)T L.
Food, service, and atmosphere is awesome! Wide variety of choices for ramen and other food too including chicken katsu and curry. Highly recommended and family friendly place also for people with kids! A must try!!!
(5)Devon S.
Id have the agree with the previous poster about this place. One of my co-workers recommended this place to me a few night ago, as i was craving some really delicious ramen. Place was pretty easy to find and i have to admit, the ramen was very good. BUT, man, this place was not clean by a long shot. I, too, experienced the sticky table syndrome, which is an immediate turn off. Even the bottles of condiments were greasy and clingy to my hands. I mean, again, the food was good, but its really hard to enjoy it when you are thinking to yourself "if the tables are this dirty, can you imagine what the kitchen looks like"? I am giving it 2 stars just because the food was good. The cleanliness was DEFINITELY lacking.
(2)Cheryl M.
Mini ramen is good and simple. Gyoza is good.
(3)Natalie S.
I agree with Mark M. They have a large selection to choose from. I was here with a group of coworkers and we ordered different dishes: fried rice, chicken katsu curry, miso ramen, gyoza, fried shrimp... Their portion is always on the larger side. The service is friendly and welcoming which makes you want to come back more often. Prices are reasonable compared to others in the area.
(5)Jay D.
Oh, why did I not seriously consider the earlier reviews? When I found there to be a noodle house so close to my apartment, I had to try. Sadly, I received a sorry Chinese version of seafood ramen--ramen noodles soaked in egg-drop soup base. I so wanted a little fish cake and thin broth to slup the noodles with, but alas, it was not to be. The place is grossly understaffed and plan on waiting an extra 10 minutes for you food to cool to non-mouth burning temperature.
(1)Aim H.
I have come to this location several times before and service is usually always good. Tonight was a little different. There were 7 of us and it wasn't really crowded. We all ordered. Some of us got mini ramen combo with 2 choices, some got the chicken katsu curry, etc. Our food came out one persons order at a time. So, I got my mini ramen, I finished it before the next person got their food. Then the next mini ramen came out and they finished it before the next person got their food. And it kept going like this. Finally after everyone got their food, we got our 2 choices that came with the mini ramen. Luckily the food is always good. Maybe we just caught them on a bad night.
(3)Jeff T.
I ate dinner here with my buddy about 2 hours ago. Service was prompt and very friendly. Our ramen was delivered to our table quickly and it was piping hot. The portions were generous and the prices were very reasonable. I have no complaints. The menu and format for Chinese-operated ramen establishments like Daiichi appears to use a pretty standard template (similar to how L&L barbeque type restaurants are). Daiichi executes this better than most I have been to. I appreciate how they seemed to really care about food quality and cleanliness (not all of them do). I noticed on their menu that they have about 6 locations around the island.
(3)Michelle T.
I LOVE THE RAMEN. It was so good and definitely hit the spot with the cold winter weather. Soup was hearty and noodles not soggy or hard. Generous on the garnish too topped it off with the hook up in the gyoza. missionaccomplished. tummy full. NEXT ITEMS TO TRY ON THE MENU, IS THE FRIED RICE AND CHICKEN.
(5)Leon H.
Very good.. I really would recommend this place.
(4)Jennifer C.
I've fallen in love with the mapo tofu udon. I was wary about trying it because some reviews mentioned the wateriness of the tofu. Yes, it is more watery than typical mapo tofu that you would eat with rice, but there is still enough oomph in the tofu to keep the sauce together. If you mix it with the broth, it will get watered down, but it does not make it any less tasty. The portions are huge for what you pay. After a major hangover, I had the craziest craving for the udon. It is a carb fest. And it will leave you mighty happy.
(5)Zorba L.
One of the best Ramen I had in a long time. Great service and huge servings. Ended up here by mistake but there was no wait and the food came fast. The Ramen was very tasty and the Ma Po tofu was delicious. Will definitely be back after another football game at the stadium.
(5)Michael C.
The Back Up Plan. And certainly Daiichi is a favorable "back up" if craving ramen and not wanting, or just being lazy to drive into town to more well-known/popular restaurants (i.e. Goma Tei, Kiwami, Hokkaido Santouka). With all of this recent "cold" weather, my craving for ramen sort of intensified, yet I was too lazy to make my way to town. Enter Daiichi. Located in Aiea Shopping Plaza (near Young's Kalbee), there is ample parking available within their lot. The menu is diverse with offerings of noodles, fried rice, curry, and other sides. Combo meals are also an option. To satisfy my craving I chose the tan tan ramen, while my friend opted for a combo of fried rice and gyoza. The "back up" tan tan ramen was satisfactory for the most part. The portion not as large, the noodles not as fat nor the char siu as thick as you might find at other ramen restaurants (i.e. Goma Tei). However, it was certainly a welcome substitute on a chilly evening. My friend enjoyed his food as well, no complaints from him. Sauces and chopsticks readily available on our table as well. SETTING/SERVICE: Service also satisfactory. Seating is available at various tables or at the counter (near the kitchen area). We were greeted upon entering and directed to sit any open table. Server was friendly and attentive throughout the meal. BOTTOM LINE: A suitable alternative on the west side for ramen/noodles.
(3)Mr. W. K.
Great food, had Tan tan and gyoza. However, could use more staffing. Wait was long. Only one waitress, she did cashier too.
(3)Aly T.
My family has been coming to this Daiichi for years! We would go so often that the owner started recognizing my parents. We were so thrilled that they branched out, but we will forever love the original. Love the combos and deals! My sister and I love to share the miso combo. Great food for an even greater price!
(5)Audra T.
Kiddos love it here, their combos are a great deal! Their menu isn't extensive, but the amount of food you get for the price you pay makes this place a great option for a quick weekday dinner. With Chinese being their primary language, the customer service isn't always what you would expect. But they are genuinely nice, and your water is almost always kept full.
(4)Angela Y.
Love their chicken katsu curry. It's so ono. This is a place to go if your around aiea area. When you walk in its a nice atmosphere. You can see them cooking from where you seat. If you go anywhere between 2:30-5. You'll get a free gyoza. However I got a kau kau card that also gets you free gyoza. Tons of other shop around this area so that means there's tons of parking.
(4)Paige A.
Came here with my family and we ordered mini tonkatsu/tan tan combos with gyoza, fish katsu, and fried rice. So much food for a cheap price! The ramens came out fast, but gyoza didn't come until we were almost done with our meal. Overall, everything tasted super good! I love daichii!
(4)Lance W.
Was very crowded. Ended up sitting myself at the counter. May be I wasn't suppose to sit there. Any way took them eight minuets to give me a menu. Then another ten minutes to take my order. I wanted the spicy beef ramen and side order goyza. She took my order for the ramen, and left. Um... OK, was quick to bring out my ramen, but didn't give me a chance to order my goyza. I had to ask the other girl behind the counter for a glass of water. Broth was spicy, but not as spicy as it was on Saturday. Good thing there was spices on the counter that allowed me to crank it up a notch. The chili powder and dried garlic got it to where I wanted it to be. She never did check back on me, but she did bring my check, when I flagged her down to refill my water.
(3)Heather Y.
Good food and quick service. Ordered the vegetable ramen and also the special combo with mini tan tan ramen, croquette and gyoza. Great gyoza, wish it came out a little earlier because we were too full to finish all of it. All in all great experience-- we'll be back!
(4)Courtney Y.
My family and I come from afar (town--which by mainland standards, is not far at all, but hey, we live on an island). So when we decide to eat here for dinner out of all different places on this side, you know it's gotta be pretty special. My sister, mom and I ALWAYS order the same thing. Three orders of the crispy noodles with mabo tofu on the side. The crispy noodles are thin (unlike cake noodles which are on the thicker side), and are deep fried to be super crispy. Amazingly enough, they are not super greasy, I don't know how they do it. On the side is a pretty darn decent portion of mabo tofu. Scalding hot, no matter how hungry you are, please do not DO NOT forget to cool it down before ingesting it. LOL, major burns. The mabo tofu is delectable; it is a bit spicy, with tofu, onions, beef, the sauce that it is in is great. But don't just eat it by itself! When you put it on the crispy noodles, it becomes a medley of textures, soft from the tofu, crispy from the noodles, crunchy from the onions perfectly cooked in. The food here is definitely affordable and well worth it. The people are friendly, and are prompt with orders. We never have had a complaint despite coming here every so often.
(4)Kevin K.
Very flavorful. This is n older place but never wrote a review. They don't have the best English but are still kind. That would probably the only con which is not bad at all. I gave 5 stars because of price, taste and for English being the second language they're pretty decent and kind. Most foreigners tend to be rude and demanding.
(5)Cely Ann G.
I've always loved the food here. My favorites is the shrimp fried rice, chicken katsu, curry and mapo tofu It can get busy at lunch. The service is great and the place is very clean. The prices are affordable. I don't order the ramen. It's okay but there are other places I would go to if I'm in a ramen mood. To some it up its good food, fast service, reasonable prices and convenient when you just want a place to eat-and-go!
(4)Frank G.
I love the TanTan Ramen. It's made fresh daily and is nice and spicy. My kids all love to come here. Typically, we go on Wednesday evenings after skate lessons at the Ice Palace. It's not far from where we skate and what could be better than a steaming hot bowl of noodles to warm you up? My older daughter loves the Char Siu Ramen while my two younger daughters go for the shoyu ramen. We always get the homemade gyoza to share. The gyoza are big and have an incredibly tasty filling. Although they have a "gyoza" sauce on the table, my older daughter and I love the fact that they also have the vinegar, chili pepper oil and shoyu on the table in case you want to "roll you own". Prices are good, too. I've noticed that coming here is a little cheaper than some of the other noodle places that we go to. Finally, my kids love the fact that they have lollipops by the cash register that they can help themselves to before we leave. This is a comfortable noodle shop with great food. If you're in the area, they are worth stopping at for a warm and hearty meal.
(5)John O.
So yummy. This was an accidental yelp fund after getting lost. Total strip mall find but we had a great meal. I love the mapo tofu Ramen combo. I had the pork fried rice and gyoza. The gyoza was delicate and perfect. Not snobby or pretentious food at all. We are leaving quite satisfied.
(5)Leilani A.
I LOVE DAIICHI! I always order the special combo- Mini shoyu ramen and mini pork fried rice! $7.25! Awesome price and delicious! Service (both dine in and take out) is EXCELLENT! Ladies are always so polite and food is out in a flash! I recommend the special I mentioned above, gyoza and their chicken katsu curry! (:
(5)Nicholas P.
We had pork fried rice and chicken katsu. All were very good. The restaurant is tucked away in a little shopping center but has plenty of parking. Would recommend to anyone.
(5)Kathy A.
We stopped in for lunch before pedicures this's afternoon. I like this's little noodle cafe however I am pretty boring because I always order the same thing Mabo Tofu with Udon noodles. I love spicy and that is how they make it. They know what I always order so my expansive butt hardly hits the chair and my bowl is there. Always hot, always spicy and loaded with soft silky tofu. HB goes for all the other asides today it was Fish Katsu, Spam Katsu (actually better than I thought it would be) and the 4 piece Gyoza. I'm partial to their Gyoza, always crispy on the bottom and tasty. The owners wife is usually the waitress and chats about business's and life in general if you want to talk. They are fast and we use them a lot for take out. Make a pretty decent fried rice for pot luck dinners.
(3)Jay A.
Dined here on 7/1/13. I'm not gonna lie, i'm a ramen fanatic, so this review might seem biased. With that out of the way, I actually ended up here because I saw this place as I passed it by on the way to Alycia P's Ken Nae UYE. But back to the important part, the ramen. I actually tried the Daiichi super bowl ramen. And boy is it super. The only other place I seen a noodle in soup that big was at Shiro's. It is a big bowl filled with your traditional toppings like hard boiled egg,seaweed,cabbage,bean sprouts,slice of roast pork, and bits of chicken. The noodles here are very unique in that they are slightly thinner than the noodles I had at places like Taiyo Ramen,Ezogiku Ramen, or Tokyo Noodle House. But the noodles work surprisingly well here, despite it being thinner. It stayed firm throughout the meal. Now the broth they used for the super bowl ramen is miso based. Very tasty and very rich. I like it very much. I think the cooks here did an awesome job. The soup spoon you use to drink the soup is made of wood and is huge. Very unique. As far as the appearance, this place is very clean and organized. You can sit at a table, or if you're feeling more adventurous, sit right at the counter, opposite the cook and the wait staff. Overall, this place has been a pleasant surprise. I would definitely come back to try their other ramen. Oh, and one more thing. They have happy hour from 2:30-5:00pm. If you order a ramen dish during this time, you get a FREE 4 piece gyoza. This concludes my review.
(5)Jarod H.
Five BIG stars! the food here is awesomely awesome! I really love the chicken katsu curry with fried rice and gyoza. Man, one of the best there is on the island and it's safe to say, the state. A perfect blend of all the foods. You gotta try it to see.
(5)Kyle C.
The tan tan ramen is off the hook. Perfect spice with just the right amount of kick. Get the combo plate if your hungry.
(5)Brandon S.
Daiichi isn't one of those Ramen places you go out of your way for like the Kiwami of old or the Ippudo's and Afuri's in Japan. It is however, consistent and whenever I've gone there I've left satisfied about getting my Ramen fix on. They are known for their Tan Tan ramen which I must say is pretty good. I actually like it better than the Gomatei version and it comes close to rivaling Gomaichi. A bit on the spicier side, I like it because there is depth in the broth. You don't just taste heat, you get the full flavor as well. The gyoza is average, I feel like they need to char it more on the bottom so you get that crispy texture that you're use to seeing in gyoza. It's cooked more like gau jee than traditional gyoza. The menu here is rather large for a Ramen-ya because they also have Udon, soba and dishes such as Chicken Katsu, curries and spring rolls. Don't fool yourself though, stick to the Ramen.
(3)Steve D.
You know how Zippys or L&L is satisfying but you don't really get a craving for it until you drive by and decide to pop in... well that kinda sums up this place. Immediately noticed only 1 chef (very young Chinese guy) and 1 waitress (Chinese gal in her 30's) during the peak of lunch hour that seemed to have a high influx of take-out orders. It took about 10-15 minutes for the lone waitress to finally take our order as she was overwhelmed with calls, inside orders, cleaning, serving, take-out customers and trying to squeeze in new orders from existing tables. My friend went for the Mabo Tofu Udon that he later commented was very watered down and on a scale of 1 to 10 he'd give it a 3. Now... how can any chef go wrong with Mabo Tofu or Soba. Its like baking a pickle... how can you go wrong? I tried the Curry Teishoku that included Curry with side order of 6 piece gyoza and miso soup with seaweed. Curry was very sweet but then again I'm visiting from Japan so this seemed to norm but the rice they used was unusually hard n dry... I honestly think it went thru my digestive system will come out in the same shape... I felt like a pigeon during a wedding where the guests throw rice and pigeons gobble it down. Gyoza was satisfying but then again so is McD's french fries... Miso soup was on par with any instant stuff you find at Don Quijote. Overall what could I expect from this place... Generic menu, generic food and even if you think you are safe with a selection be careful... they just might prove you wrong. Oh to use the restroom you have to walk past the storage area for the kitchen... there you will see balls of cabbage and fully exposed fresh chicken meat... Mind you the door to this area is wide open and the raw chicken in a large metal bowl was sitting in this heat. I won't be back.
(2)Nat N.
It's not authentic by any means, but you'll surely get a lot of bang for your buck. The ramen noodles are soft and soggy-tasting, and the mochiko chicken is as good as what I can make at home (i.e. it leaves a lot to be desired). But, their chicken katsu curry plate is pretty awesome. If you're really hungry, the best way to go is to order the two item combo. That'll get you a mini ramen bowl (which looks more like a regular serving), and your choice of two side items (choose items like the spam katsu, gyoza, fried rice, curry rice, chicken katsu, etc.). Before you come here, go to valpak.com and print out their coupon. They do not accept mobile coupons so you must print out a hard copy and bring it with you! I had to learn that the hard way. Doh!
(4)Carly H.
5.22.13. Great place to stop by for lunch!! At this time it's not too crowded where you have to wait outside. Food is reliable, DELISH and reasonably priced! I love that they now offer Tan Tan Ramen (SO YUM)!! I think I like this version just as much as Gomatei's! This location has also received a makeover since the last time I came here! Nice upgrade on the chairs! **Come between 2:30-5:30 pm ("happy hour) & get gyoza for free!! Yelp 365 Challenge: #141/365
(4)Juliet M.
I was sooo disappointed...as I have read great things about this place....ramen...come on. I am new to this 'hood and I def hold the restaurants to the level of Honolulu! That is how an area improves...must go places. Haven't stumbled upon any except for the Dixie and that is def bc of it's uniqueness!!!! If you make ramen you better show up for the game...if you know what I am saying?!? Goma Ichi and tei come through like champs each and everytime. Will go in desperation...otherwise I'll make my own at home.
(2)Kris C.
I am RAMEN...seriously I find it to be one of the perfect combinations of food. Everything mixed into a bowl of yummy goodness with noodles that slurp and broth that almost always flies off on the way up onto my shirt. Yes, it is an on going love affair. My go to Ramen version is Tonkotsu. I believe it to have the most flavor and of course recognize that this is based on personal preference. This is a great little noodle shop. They are quick and efficient serving up their food with a smile. A lot of locals go here for lunch. There is nothing wrong with the food; good and hardy. I did have the Tonkotsu with extra meat. It was quite good. Not the best I have ever had, but very good none the less. My foodie partner ordered up some appetizers that included some fish Katsu...VERY GOOD. I typically do not enjoy the Katsu "bbq" sauce that is served up with these dishes. This would be an exception. It was scrumptious. The decor is not really there. I would classify this as a working cafe. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that as the food can hold its own.
(4)Lei N.
I told my friend I was craving ramen, and this was the place we ended up at! Of course as you may know, I usually order my "usual" -- the Gyoza Teishoku but like I said I was craving some noodles so I actually looked at the menu. After looking through the menu, I chose the Special Combo and the 4 piece gyoza for one of the sides. (I was disappointed that we didn't make it in time for happy hour) Anyways, Shoyu Ramen is what I picked. Our ramen dishes were the first to arrive. It was still hot so we placed it on the side to cool down. My friend's fried rice came and lastly, the gyoza! We didn't start our meal until all our dishes were on our table. instagram.com/p/Qo-eLtHt… My Shoyu Ramen it was okay... There's nothing special, I was quite disappointed after taking a few bites yet at the same time I was hungry! So I finished that! The gyoza on the other hand, my oh my I wished I had more. It wasn't as garlicy as before and tasted way better, especially with the sauce. Other things, we were the only ones in the shop after five so I assume they had finished their happy hour. That's why we got our food so quickly.
(3)Kathy D.
Our "go to" place ... Can find us there usually on Friday nights. Between the three of us, we have tried many items on their menu. We have not been disappointed with anything EXCEPT their gyoza. For some reason, they just do not know how to cook it properly. They are usually "mushy" and fall apart as you pick them up. The curry is delicious and their kimchee fried rice deserves a mention.
(4)T F.
Maybe it was because I was sick and not feeling well but nothing tasted good to me..... sorry, not so helpful but my keiki were with me too and they didn't like it either....
(1)A G.
I go here a lot. It's ramen with a Chinese twist to it since I think the owners and cooks are all Chinese. I like it. Prices are reasonable for what you get. I plan on going back occasionally.
(4)Gayle N.
Dai Ichi Ramen is my new ramen place to go! Awesome prices, awesome food and awesome service. Dai Ichi Ramen never disappoints. I always get the pork fried rice, and sometimes chicken katsu. Dad and Mom, my son and granddaughter all say that the food is delicious! Parking on a weekend night might be a little tight but there is parking in the back, near the Aiea Library.
(5)Sierra L.
I love their mapo tofu ramen! My daughter always orders udon noodles and we like to order a side of their yummy gyoza and chicken katsu. The workers are very friendly and attentive. Whenever we go there is never a wait. Their bathroom isn't the prettiest so I'd suggest going before you leave the house.
(5)Alex W.
It's not exactly a place one would go out of the way for a bowl of noodles, but it's decent. The ramen is for the most part al dente, but borders on too gummy at times. The soy sauce, garlic chips, vinegar, and hot oil they leave on the table to season your noodles are nice to have (and maybe necessary to have to give the lackluster broth some flavor). It's okay, nothing more, nothing less.
(3)Mike D.
Food is consistently good. they have a killer combo for $7.50 in which I usually get miso ramen and fried rice. I keep wanting to try other dishes but that one keeps finding it's way to the top.
(4)Kerrie W.
I always love coming here! My favorite is the shrimp katsu curry rice, and my parents always get the ramen combo (mom's miso and dad's usually tan tan) with sides of gyoza and fried rice. Personally, this is my favorite place to get gyoza; perfect balance of garlic, pork, and cabbage if you ask me.
(4)Ashley N.
My two friends, boyfriend, and I came here one evening for an early dinner before going to a PC Gamer's event. The restaurant was pretty busy, and I was surprised to see that they had only one waitress working that night. However, she managed to serve the entire restaurant while still being efficient and kind (+ major points). My boyfriend and I shared the char sui ramen (~$8), while my two friends ordered a chicken katsu curry and a mapo tofu ramen. The first thing I noticed were the humongous sizes! You really get what you pay for here and will NOT leave hungry. I liked my ramen, the broth tasted pretty good and the noodles were also cooked well. I think the best dish though was the chicken katsu curry. I would definitely recommend this item; it'll make your tummy happy! :) Overall, I probably wouldn't drive all the way over from town to eat at this restaurant. The prices were a little on the expensive side, and it still ranks lower than Goma Tei and Goma Ichi on my lists of favorite ramen restaurants. However, if I am ever in the vicinity of Aiea and am hungry, I will definitely come here! P.S. They give free gyoza if you come here for an early dinner (before 5pm!)
(4)Joe K.
We've been coming to Daiichi for years, and it's just that I've never got around to writing a review. And now that I'm writing one; it's because I'm sorta disappointed. For the most part it was a 5 star resto before, because of the owner's; the husband was the cook, and the wife was the waithelp/cashier/chief bottle washer. They'd crank out killer dishes where everything was our favorite, but the Udon combo was always our first pick. Piping hot Udon with fried rice and chicken katsu ....yummm. I dunno what happened, there's new guys behind the counter manning the stoves, and the smiling owner/waitress wasn't there. It's not saying the new waitress there wasn't smiling, or helpful..... I just think the food quality has somehow waned. The Udon broth didn't have that rich flavor I remember; and it wasn't the same killer fried rice that we always look forward to. We're so bummed cause Daiichi was our dependable "GO TO SPOT" for good ramen, and it's just down the road. So I'm sorta torn between having ho-hum ramen that's convenient.... or having to travel outa the comfort zone for another "GO TO RAMEN SPOT?" I think we'll be venturing out for the latter, and save the ho-hum-ness as a last resort.
(3)Anthony C.
Beef curry and gyoza were great. Large portion and friendly, polite service. Would recommend to others.
(4)Gina K.
Used to be better but now it's still pretty good. The food is tasty and of good quality. The prices are very reasonable and the portions are generous. I like their chicken katsu curry over fried rice! FTW! If parking wasn't so tight I would definitely give them 5 stars.
(4)Taylor N.
Usually I LOVE this place, it's a family favorite due to the delicious ramen, katsu and gyoza. However, with the new round of employees the customer service has decreased. Also I ordered the shrimp katsu salad when I went and they drenched the salad in dressing. I spent a good 15 minutes scraping off large globs of dressing. It was my mistake to not ask for the dressing on the side...
(4)Chad S.
Very delicious. This place came highly recommended by my Dad and it didn't disappoint. If you're looking for ambiance then go somewhere else. If you're looking to get you're noodle on, then you have arrived. Get the Tan Tan. It's very good.
(4)Rod U.
"It's supposed to be white." She tells me with a smile. "But I ordered the shoyu ramen." I say sounding perplexed. "Yes" is her only response. "Ummm OK. Where's the katsu?" I stupidly ask. "It's there." she tells me as she points to the piece of boiled pork floating in the bowl. "I thought katsu was fried?" Now totally dumbfounded. "No, that's chicken katsu. Katsu is Chinese pork". She says and happily walks away leaving me looking for the hidden camera. Maybe an off day for what is usually a decent "Hawaiian style" ramen shop. ("Hawaiian style" = plate lunch, gravy over all but instead of the rice, you get noodles in broth smothered by a very decent mabo tofu, curry, stir fry, etc.) The noodles are well cooked with great chew. The service, always friendly and very fast. No rating deduction for this experience but seriously, don't piss on my leg and tell me it raining.
(3)G B.
Went here for the first time today. I asked my girlfriend to order for me since she had been there before and without hesitation she did. Patiently and anxiously I waited, even before we could get a conversation started it emerged, The Super Bowl ramen! Folks if you love ramen and are hungry this is the one to get. It was a huge bowl full of hot goodness just waiting to be consumed, so I did. The soup base is tonkotsu style, which is a broth that has been made from pork bones that takes over twelve hours to cook, it was so good. The ingredients were also delicious there were noodles, vegetables, pork, seaweed, corn and to top it off half an egg! By the way all ingredients have been doubled in this dish, so for $9.50 it was so worth it. Try it and you be the judge, thanks for reading.
(5)Jamie F.
Best ramen on Oahu! I've tried other places and Daiichi is as good as it gets! I always get their miso ramen and gyoza! It never fails! Their mabo tofu fried noodle is awesome too! And everything is reasonably priced:) Good service at both the Aiea and Pearly City locations. The only thing is that both restaurants are on the smaller side so if you go around the lunch/dinner rush you're probably gonna have to wait. But it's so worth it!!! FYI: If you're gonna use a card to pay, you can't leave a tip on your card...so have cash ready!
(5)Kim M.
I grew up in Pearl City, so I had NO problem driving to Aiea for some pretty good noodles. My usual: Mabo Tofu Fried Noodles. I like Daiichi's Mabo Tofu Fried Noodles a lot more than other places. Their Mabo Tofu actually has taste! And the noodles are awesome. One thing I really appreciate about Daiichi is their speed. The wait times for both dining in and take out orders are ridiculously short, so this is a great place to go to when you're uber hungry. I used to work nearby at Aiea Starbucks (when it first opened) and one of my co-workers turned me on to this place. I have been coming here on a regular irregular basis ever since. I think I've tried a few other things on the menu, but can't remember what... I will be back next time I'm in the area. Gotta have the bf try this place out! Yelp 365 - #021/365
(4)Elaine C.
Liked the soup base. Decoration not good.
(3)Darcy K.
I love the Mini Ramen Combo!! $7.50 for a bowl of mini Tonkotsu Ramen and a side of Shrimp Katsu. The flavor and portion sizes are consistent, which keeps me coming back. I also like the gyoza, it's always cooked with a little crust on it, not burnt or too soft. Another thing I like from Daiichi is their salad dressing. It has a citrus flavor to it, like mandarin orange vinaigrette, I can't really figure it out but it goes well with the vegetables. Ramen makes me thirsty, so I'm glad the waitresses always fill up my water. Other than that they are not too friendly and do not want to give away much napkins. The parking situation is not always good, it's hit-or-miss since there are so many food choices in one small area.
(4)Deshawnalynn F.
I live close by, so you can say I'm a regular here. When I do come here I normally order their Seafood ramen, which is the right stuffff if you know what I mean. Their portions is big too, and pricing is good. They're customer service is good as well, so if you need something on a chilly night like ramen. Stop by why don't you!
(4)Darren N.
Quick notes on a revisit, they've replaced their old tables and chairs with new ones. Black painted wooden tables with a plastic top and chairs. The new furnishings contrast a big with the bright interior but the new furnishings make it very comfortable to eat there. Service again was good. Parking easy. This place maintains and is a definite visit when you're craving ramen but don't want to travel to town. They also have print and accept coupons that you may find in the newspaper. Since this is a revisit and in the spirit of Michelin Star-style review... Quality: Good - tan tan was flavorful and not oily. Originality: Nothing here stands out, the menu is a combination of japanese style ramen and local style side dishes. Consistency: So far so good. Rating: A good place in its category.
(4)Jessie M.
Shame on me for giving this place 4* before. It's pretty much the only ramin shop we go too. The kids lov it, & the wife loves it. What more can I say. To find a pl that the whole family loves. Nuff said!!!!!
(5)Mark V.
The food and service is excellent. The consistency of both is very reliable. The location is ideal for lunch/dinner especially when there is major pau hana ewa bound traffic during the weekdays, when having a last meal before heading for the airport, and getting together with friends from around the island because of the proximity to the major freeways. I recommend the Tan Tan ramen, shrimp katsu salad, chicken katsu curry rice/ramen, and 6 piece gyoza.
(5)Amber M.
I've been here several times in the past, each time I've had an enjoyable experience, but tonight was a disappointment. I ordered the special combo-- mini tan tan ramen, 4 pieces of gyoza, and mini beef curry with rice. I got my ramen & gyoza first, which were both delicious. It was the beef curry that was the big disappointment. Now I don't know about you guys, but I like my beef curry with a lot of beef. The picture in the menu advertised a plate with a hearty serving of beef curry as one of the choices of the special combo, but instead all I got was just a plateful of rice smothered in curry sauce with only one piece of carrot, one piece of potato, and one piece of beef. I'm not even joking. ONE piece of beef. We waved down the waitress and asked her "is this how you guys serve beef curry?" Her reply was "mumble mumble mumble I'm sorry mumble mumble mumble...." Didn't even offer to go back to the kitchen to get me more beef. I wanted to tell her to take it back, I don't want it anymore, and take it off my check, but I just couldn't possibly tell her in a nice way. Instead I ate my one piece of carrot, one piece of potato, and one piece of beef and a couple spoonfuls of curry smothered rice. Needless to say, I won't be back again.
(2)Cely H.
I don't know why I don't eat here more often. Their food is pretty much close to awesome. Usually, my eyes are bigger than my stomach, no matter where I go. But when I go to Daiichi, my stomach eats all of it! Came here with the hubs and a friend. I ordered zaru soba set which came with 4 pieces of gyoza and also ordered korokke on the side. The hubs got mochiko chicken curry, and the friend got ramen with katsu on the side. Man, oh man, everything was the bomb dot com! I'm a lucky girl to have two boys share all of their food with me. Their katsu sauce is super ono and makes their katsu and korokke taste like a million bucks. Curry is good and zaru soba was good. They must make their own noodles or something... this soba wasn't even grey... it was GREEN! 3 people for less than 40 bucks. Double score!
(5)Lili H.
For someone who likes quantity over quality, this is the place to go. You can't beat $9.25 for a bowl of ramen and 2 side dishes. I got shoyu ramen with fried rice and chicken katsu. The fried rice and katsu were decent. I would eat those items again. But when it comes to their ramen, it was not very good. The overall flavor was bland and their charsiu was thick and dry.
(2)Daniel H.
We come here once a month. I always order the chicken katsu curry, and I'll get a mini fried rice also, if I'm super hungry. My wife always orders a noodle dish with gyoza. If we come before 5pm, the gyoza is free because of happy hour. The dining area got a make over and the food pictures on the wall have been updated. The dining area used to be a little worn down, but it looks much better now. The only issue is the air conditioner on the left , when you first walk in . There's a table under it and we sat there once, and water dripped onto our table from the unit. Overall, we like the food and service. The server has changed, and I think the girl is friendlier and more attentive than preivious waiters.
(4)Brad C.
Ordered a chicken katsu curry and 4 gyoza on the side. The chicken katsu curry came out in a couple minutes. I started to eat it. Thinking the gyoza would come out soon. Nope! I already finished my chicken katsu curry. And still no gyoza. Finally a couple minutes later it came out. The chicken katsu curry was good. But why do they bring you the gyoza after you finish your plate? Make it first.
(3)Claudia M.
The food is pretty good here. They have big portions and a good combination menu. I will come back again for sure.
(4)Jack M.
Ramen not as chewy as I like. But it seems the cook, and staff are uninterested in serving good food. Probably not be back.
(1)n p.
I don't hate this place but I woudn't go back either. I ordered a Mabo Tofu which wasn't spicy at all. It wasn't even red but more clear than aything. The Curry ramen wasn't good either. However, their fried rice isn't bad. It's a good place for kids or maybe lunch if you're in the area and are really hungry. But if you want ramen and fried rice at around the same price but way more delicious go to Genki Ramen in Mililani, it's 100x better.
(1)Vincent Q.
I was with a friend in the area looking for food we could agree on, then we saw Daiichi Noodles. He wanted ramen, and I wanted fried rice, so it was a good compromise. Shrimp Fried Rice- 3-stars- This was about as average as I'd go for fried rice. It was just rice with egg, green peas, kamaboko (fish cake) and some shrimp. There was no special hidden ingredient, nothing to make it unique or stand-out--like bacon-fat oil, special spices or veggies, etc. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't exciting. I give it 3-stars because the portion was pretty large for the price. Atmopshere- Very basic, felt kind of like a Chinese restaurant. There were many seats and tables, and it was half-full when we visited that day. There is also an air-conditioning unit on one side, if you wanted to sit by it or avoid it. There is also a restroom, which I describe below. Service- Average service. There were about three workers--one waiter, one cook, and one guy in the back. I know about the guy, because in order to use the restroom you need to walk behind the kitchen and see everything assorted, bowls of soaking veggies, and other interesting things, and then you get to the bathroom at the very end. It is kind of a weird experience, and made me less interested in eating there for some reason. I think it was the thought of people walking right next to the food I'd be eating. Conclusion- I did not try any of my friend's food, mainly because I was getting over a case of food poisoning, and this was my first solid food in a day. In general, he wasn't too satisfied with his ramen, and pointed out the fact they spelled tonkatsu differently on the wall-either on purpose, or showing it's from some other region or dialect? This isn't a competitor for all those ramen shops out there, but it is there, and the food isn't bad. Just resist the temptation to use the restroom.
(3)Kris O.
Lately the weather's been bipolar & made me crave something comforting; a warm bowl of ramen. After I checked out out a new business: Labor of Love Fashion Boutique, the rain continued to pour, which prompted my decision to have lunch at the shop next door: Daiichi Ramen & Curry. I was very attracted to large pictures of menu items displayed outside their window; when I discovered that I could get a combo meal with mini Chicken Katsu & fried rice, I was sold! As soon as I stepped inside, I was immediately greeted & that deserves MAJOR brownie points in my book. Daiichi's staff was very attentive to my needs & I was thrilled that my food arrived within minutes of placing the order. Even though these actions are tiny compared to the enormity of an eating experience, it's the little things that turn a simple meal into a loyal customer. If hunger strikes & you happen to be in the area, I suggest eating at Daiichi Ramen & Curry. Their portions will keep you satisfied until your next meal.
(4)Regina T.
Its ok, it was a bit warm that day and there was't any kind of air flowing thru the place so it made it that much warmer. i got a salad instead of noodle & rice dishes with katsu shrimp & the house dressing. it was good. Better have a hefty appetite, the servings are huge!!! My mom ordered kimchee fried rice and she had to take it home (still have it as leftover!). I kind of really wasn't feeling the menu...even though there are various options to choose. I don't see myself coming back but this place may suit others.
(3)Mark M.
I've been a regular of this establishment for a very long time. It must be going on about 8 years or so now. A buddy from high school introduced me to this place and I've been hooked ever since. They've got a great menu here. Huge selection of curry, noodles, fried rice, and more. I have dried a dozen things on this menu and I have never been disappointed. My favorites include the mochiko chicken curry, chicken katsu curry, kim chee fried rice, and the gyoza which is pretty damn awesome. The prices are very reasonable and the portions are guaranteed to fill you up while making you look forward to your next trip here. If I had to pick on something, I'd say that the staff could be a little more friendly. Yes, they're hard at work cooking and serving but would it hurt to crack a smile once in a while?
(5)Keith K.
Quality & Quanity for the buck. Have been gone here for a few years an made a visit today. Seafood crispy noodle and mochiko chicken. Good stuff! :)
(5)Tina H.
It's been a ramen kind of week, folks.With the weather giving Guy Hagi job security and Obama giving anger management issues to Honolulu drivers, I think it's safe to say that we all need something steaming and hot to burn the rain and APEC traffic woes away. Enter Daiichi Noodles Cafe to the rescue. Not wanting to head into town, I decided to check this place out and give my support to local Aiea businesses. Daiichi is not a hard place to find as it's located right down the hill from the bowling alley and a walk away from the Aiea public library. When I entered, I was immediately greeted with a friendly hello and a packed house filled with hungry noodle slurpers. The smell of tan tan and miso in the room got me excited and I quickly wiped away my drool and took a seat near their windows. I looked over their menu and found that they had some classic choices typical of a local style Ramen shop for very considerate prices. I decided to try the $7-8 wonton ramen and added fish cake for $1. The portions were huge in my book. I definitely had left overs I couldn't fit into my belly. More than that, the ramen was so ono and showed me why this place was super busy. My only complaint is to myself as I realized later that I should have added gyoza to the dish. Do not make the same mistake as I did. In fact, I don't think Daiichi wants you to make the same mistake either; They apparently have a gyoza happy hour that starts at 2:30 pm. I wasn't able to take up the offer since I went early, but ask your server about it if you get there in time. It might save you some bucks. I've only got great things to say about the smiling service and delicious noodles, but above all else, I want to thank them for the free entertainment in the parking lot. So many people were trying to park in front (there is ample parking in the back and across the way) and didn't know how to maneuver into the tiny lot. I saw three cars with confused drivers who had to back out slowly because they couldn't fit their big Nicki-Minaj-ass SUVs into the tiny parking spaces. If you were one of those drivers, you should know that I was laughing at you, not with you. I'm sorry. I'm kind of a dick.
(5)Jarrett I.
I was not very impressed by the food there. I ordered the Mabo tofu crispy noodle. It was not spicy at all, did not have very much pork and was watery compared to other mabo tofu dishes that I have eaten. My friend that had the ramen did not like it much either. I don't think I will be going back
(2)Dave F.
Hmmmm, "this looks like all the other ramen places around" I recall telling myself. I was almost hesitant to try it out. After several bad experiences at the other wannabe ramen shops, I just felt compelled to give this one a try. I can't exactly say I was sorry. It was actually pretty good. I had the tan tan and an order of gyoza. The ramen had a thick broth, but wasn't too spicy. I had expected it to be a bit more on the spicy side. The noodles were a bit soft, could have been more "al dente". The gyoza on the other hand was quite good. There was a nice taste to them and they were cooked just right. The gf had the sml shio with chicken katsu combo and it was good according to her. There was also a sml plate of fried rice too and it was good. I saw some of the other customers ordering a fried noodle or cake noodle dish and I didn't get to find out what it was, Perhaps next time we go back. I understand they have opened up another shop in Pearl City across from Petco. Have to check out that location too someday.
(3)Nanthony N.
LOVE their chicken katsu.. I don't know exactly what it is that sets them apart from the million other places that serve chicken katsu, but it is so damn good here, lol. Service is FAST and friendly. Prices are so reasonable and the food is awesome.
(5)Jade N.
Unagi over rice. I live for unagi! Service was great this time around...so i am officially adding another star. The waitress was friendly as we asked for more of that "red thing" that they put with the meal. we asked once and she brought it over. and we asked a second time for two more. all she did was smile. it was only an extra 50 cents too. (btw the read thing i THINK is daikon...sp?) i'll be back. i hope she won't freak out when i ask her for a jar of those "red thing" hahaha.
(4)Teri Y.
So far service is poor. Waiting on the food, smells good. Food came - it was wonderful. Broth is the best. Just gotta work on the service (forgot other tables orders, took otehr tables orders before those who came in before and waiting, pointing at folks to sit at the bar when there are not available seats at the bar)
(4)Kevin N.
I take out alot. I love their chicken katsu curry. Other favs are the combo, which can give you fried rice, gyoza and curry, also the Katsu ramen. I always order the side dish of gyoza because I love the sauce. When I eat in, its the same thing and the service is always good. Sometimes it is so packed but I never had to wait for a table because I usually get in early. I know they also have another restaurant, but never visited the other location. I like that they take VISA. Parking can be a problem within 30 feet, but after that there is lots of parking if you willing to walk a short distance in the lower parking lot.
(4)Kai B.
nom nom nom...I'm down just tell me when :D MAHI KATSU PROS: i live aiea heights, so for me, it's right down the hill. My mom is a regular here too, and when she does take-out, they always pack it really well (they give you a box so it's easy to carry out, they keep the noodles separate from the soup so it doesn't get soggy). The food is good!!! It's a family-owned/runned business which I always think is nice. The service doesn't say much, but they work really hard, which is nice (especially cause there's only 2 or 3 people working there majority of the time) CONS: there's about 8-9 4-table tops, and 3-4 two-tops (I'm just guessing from what I can remember), so when it's busy, 3 people is definitely not enough people working. There's never parking right in front, but there's more towards the library. WHAT I ATE: - MAHI KATSU: get that everytime. Although, since they've renovated, it's not on the menu. It's also not mahi anymore, but I forget what kind of fish. Comes with miso soup and a salad. I like it cause it's nice, crispy, and flaky! Plus I'm not much of a ramen fan. - GYOZA: standard like everywhere else - CROQUETTE: kind of like a vegetable, japanese, version of a hashbrown...kind of? Idk, I like it, but it's your typical croquette, nothing different or special. - SHOYU RAMEN SPECIAL/SET (I think? Mom's order): comes with shoyu ramen and a side order...which she normally orders gyoza. It's good cause it's cheaper than ordering it individually (ramen plus gyoza). I just remember one time I ordered it wrong for the family, 3 special/set orders...but I just ordered everything individually...the bill was over $20 more than what it typically was. Oops! WELL...MAYBE IT'S JUST ME... I honestly think this is nothing special. With all the ramen places out there, it doesn't really stand out to me. I just like going here cause it's what we grew up with. I've never met a person (that I've gone with) that hated it...but they also didn't think it was anything special. If you're in the area and want something decently priced and to get full off of that ISN'T greasy burgers...maybe here...but it's more of a sit down...even take out will take a while.
(4)Lori M.
We had great customer service and a good choice of food. I think it is a great family restaurant. I know some mom's don't like candy, but they even gave my children a lollipop at the end of the meal.... that just made our night!
(4)Gary N.
Great place for ramen! Fast service and great low prices. The place can get busy at times but the service is always great. The combo sets are very filling and there are a lot of choices.
(4)I Crush Your Head C.
Chicken katsu curry: Rice don't need the curry. Curry don't need the rice. But when they get together, they play so nice. Chicken katsu curry is fierce. Probably my fave on the island. Ramen is meh. Other stuffs is meh. But the chicken katsu curry...frickin grindz. Did I mention the the chicken katsu curry? Umm, yeah, you should get that.
(4)Lance N.
Its funny how I lived in Aiea for most of my life and havent eaten at Daiichi till tonight. Was craving pho for the longest time (two days) because I was getting over a cold and decided to try this shop called Pho Viet which is located in Aiea Town Square. CLOSED...they were cleaning up as I drove passed. SO I decided to get ramen instead and Daiichi was the closest place (right around the block from Pho Viet). The service was okay. The cashier put down 7 cents so that I could break even (very nice of him). The food didnt take long at all, especially since I ordered take out on such short notice. As I sat down at home to eat my Miso Udon, I noticed one thing was missing....flavor. I dont know if its just me, but I tend to like the more spicier food, so I added a load of Sriracha to soup and it made it 100% better. Its a good thing I didnt sit down and eat or else I would have been screwed. I am a big fan of curry, so maybe next time Ill try theyre curry ramen. Other than that, the food was decent and not too expensive. Parking can be a pain in Aiea Town Square, so be prepared. I highly suggest parking near Orange Grove; where there always seems to be enough parking for everyone.
(3)David T.
They are known for their ramen but what I come back for is their curry. I love their curry, the taste is excellent, similar to curry house but unlike them, they actually have vegetables and substance, it's not just a gravy. I used to get their beef curry but I consistently kept getting all vegetables and no meat, and the meat I did get was riddled with huge chunks of fat. I get the Katsu curry, probably my favorite order. Katsu is good and their curry is fantastic without the beef. Pour it all over and enjoy.
(3)Haunani L.
GOOD service. GREAT miso SOUP. A Small place but overall expierence clean. yummy. fast.
(4)Rebecca C.
called and made a take out... bf picked up and brought home tan tan udon combo w/ gyoza and fried rice... lots of food and made into 2 1/2 meals :D
(4)Leipupu S.
Went to Daiichi my favorite place to eat where the quality of food is up to par and the price is right. However....I should've stuck to my fave chicken katsu, instead I tried the mochiko chicken. I'm not to fond of it, but I can see how other's love it. Wally had the curry ramen and wasn't to fond of that too, but everyone has their favorites. They did a beautiful facelift, I suppose because they opened a new location in the Pearl Highlands. Service is always awesome & the food always great! Mahalo Daiichi, you always treat us good!
(3)b S.
my husband and i love the shrimp fried rice and gyoza!!!!!! it's soooo good. i also love the ramen! the soup is soooo good. when we were living back in hawaii, we were at this place about once a week. i would give this place 5 stars but when we came back home for vacation, we ate here and oddly enough, it wasn't what we remembered. we ate another time, and the gyoza and fried rice wasn't to our liking anymore. i'm not sure if they changed it or our taste buds changed, but def. try this place! ramen is awesome!
(4)Kyla K.
i LOVE daiichi. their miso ramen and chicken katsu curry is sooo good. the restaurant could be a little cleaner, but the food is awesome and it's inexpensive.
(4)Jerry L.
I've been on a real ramen kick lately and it's been ages since I've last eaten here. Walked in and was greeted right way. Sat down and decided to have the miso ramen combo. Mom also had the miso ramen with a side order of croquette. While waiting for our food we noticed a lot of people coming in an picking up their take out orders. Pretty good sign I thought. The ramen came 1st and I looked at it and thought wow it's kind of small. Tasted the broth, it was really salty and the dashi over powered the miso. It was another 10 minutes before the croquette and my mini fried rice came. Croquette was just ok typical frozen stuff. The fried rice didn't have much flavor other than a slightly smokey flavor. Probably from the wok hei. Another 5 then the gyoza finally came. Picked up the condiment bottles on the table. They were all greasy. Not the kinda thing you want to experience while eating. Makes you wonder how clean the kitchen is kept. The gyoza wrapper was nice and crispy. Filling was mushy and watery. Another frozen gyoza all the ramen shops seem to be using. The service was pretty good. The guy that was serving use kept my water filled and never let it get half way.
(2)J A.
So I decided to give this restaurant another go. Looks like they cleaned up the place. The floors looked like they were given a good scrubbing and the tables were also clean. They looked so clean I thought they replaced them since the last time I went. I ordered the mabo tofu and it tasted pretty good. The gyoza was also good, but this would be something difficult to mess up.
(3)Bree G.
Loved my udon!!!! :) Hot, Fresh & YUMMY :D
(4)Jerome S.
I have been here a few times since it is not far from my house. I am a fan of their ramen (really have to try their ton ton men) and their gyoza are tasty. The size of the portions are pretty much what I have come to expect from a ramen shop. The service is usually really polite, which is something I appreciate it. Though they only have one waiter at time and it seems he can get bogged down. But overall still good.
(3)Bobby K.
Foods not bad and you get plenty. It's hard to fill up my son but this place does the trick. Can't go wrong eating here.
(3)Betty B.
The chicken katsu is my favorite. The portions are large. I feel very satisfied with the meal. I know I'll keep coming back. Hmmm...maybe I'm just easy to please????
(4)J S.
I love my noodles, especially ramen and they have a really good assortment of ramen and saimin. The Tan Tan broth is really good, and highly recommended! The atmosphere is "okay" pretty clean but definitely in and out dining. They can accomodate large or small groups which was nice because we were there with a party of 8. Everyone seemed very happy with the food and generous portions.
(4)A W.
came here during a recent trip to Oahu and my friend recommended we try Dai Ichi. My husband and both had the Chicken Katsu Curry with rice and it was definitely worth the drive from Oahu to Aiea! this dish was soo tasty and we're just sad we didn't get to this place earlier in our trip. Definitely a must try!
(4)Cheryl D.
This is probably my favorite place to eat in Hawaii. I love the mabo tofu ramen -- I'm not sure what it is about it, maybe the garlicky-ness of the sauce (?), and the quality of the noodles. Chicken katsu curry rice is probably my second choice. I've always liked that the chicken katsu was skinless, so just crispy and not full of fatty, rubbery skin. (I'm just not a fan of chicken skin.) I admit I once got something I didn't really care for, and I think it was some kind of fried noodle dish, but why would you get fried noodles when you could get ramen or curry rice? What was I thinking?! I don't go here more than once a year at the most anymore, since I live 1000's of miles away. Even when I still lived in Hawaii, we didn't go that often. And even so, the lady who was usually working there remembered that I didn't like green onions for years. Oh, and the meals here are an amazing value. Any one regular order of something could easily be two meals for me.
(5)Patty C.
I had the Tan Tan Ramen, normally I get the Miso Ramen but, the very nice waitress sounded convincing and she was right! I absolutely loved it! Slurped every ono bit of Tan Tan down along with my gyoza. I had "big eye" and ordered a side of beef curry that I took home for lunch tomorrow. Service was great, this place will be on our go-to list for ono ramen!
(5)Mayu M.
Ladies and Gents... this establishment gives the phrase "fast food" a run for its money. Talk about quick service. If you are mega hungry or just in a hurry to get somewhere, this is the place to stop into. The food is what it is... Pretty good. Nothing extravagant, but pretty standard. When i lived in Aiea, i never bothered to stop in. I would go back to try the other items on the menu since they do have a variety of items from ramen to katsu. They are not at the top of my list of ramen, but not at the bottom either. Happy quick eats...
(3)Mary D.
When I used to live close by here we would eat here once a week. They fried rice and gyoza were always my favorite. Everything on the menu is very tasty and cooked to perfection. The service was always exceptional! They even gave my kids cute kids bowls and cups to use while dining. They loved the personalized attention. I highly recommend this place. The parking can be tough but it's worth a short walk to have a nice family dinner here.
(4)John B.
our server (a young guy) seemed to be irritated by something when my wife and I walked in. he pretty much threw the menus at us. when he took our orders, he didn't even bother to ask my wife what type of ramen she wanted with her combo (shoyu or miso). my wife ended up getting the miso ramen. he took a while to refill our drinks and the whole time we were there, it felt like his bad attitude was being included in his service to us. I did not leave a tip and I doubt we'll be back. its a shame too because I thought the ramen was pretty good.
(1)Jordan M.
This is my go to spot. Cheap prices for delicious ramen, and their chicken katsu curry is effing awesome. My friend is obsessed with the Unagi Don. Best part - they have flash gordon working in the back. Seriously the food is out super fast every time. *Thumbs Up*
(5)jesse g.
out of all the small affordable noodle houses in hawaii, this one is my favorite. dining is very relaxed, reasonable prices, and the food is soo ono. soo good that sam choy himself praised their food. the service is always fast and on point. the kitchen is in plain sight from where you sit. the ramen is very good, nothing extravagant but definitely better than your average noodle shop. my favorite dish there would have to be curry. well, anything with curry, because it's cooked and stewed overnight (like it's supposed to) giving it it's richer flavor. my only complaint is that i wish there were more than 4 parking spaces in front of the restaurant. but if you're in the area craving ramen or curry, you should definitely check this place out.
(4)LesliAnn K.
All Aiea locals seem to know this place. Pretty basic comfort food. Tried the tonkotsu "healthy" ramen broth. Good amount of food to noodles ratio. If you find yourself in Aiea, on a rainy night, and don't want to wait for your food, this is the place to be. You'll be in and out in no time!
(3)Awaken S.
Close to my yoga & whenever I crave Mabo Tofu Udon, I come here. Everything else is ok. :)
(4)Tina N.
The restaurant looks like an old, casual dining place. We happened to randomly give this place a try. We ordered miso ramen soup, butter and garlic shrimp with rice, and pad thai. The food wasn't the best, but it was good enough to eat when you want to go for a quick meal.
(3)Patricia L.
good food, I love their curry chicken katsu. five stars definitely
(5)Jeremy N.
I looove this place! They are very consistent, cheap, and serve large portions (for those who like to eat ;) . My sister-in-law directed me here and told me to try the miso ramen. She was right this time. You can tell they put a lot of attention into their broth and the fried rice, gyoza, and karaage are all very good. Highly recommended if you're in Aiea!
(5)Mike N.
Have been going there for years and its still great. I always get the mabo tofu yakisoba and the shrimp fried rice because I'm not that into ramen but my wife always gets ramen. I think the one by Walmart in PC might be a slight better only because the owner/cook is there and he makes a great mabo and fried rice. You can also get it on crispy noodles or plain rice but I always get it with soft noodles so I can have both (rice and noodles). Hope this review helps.
(4)Mang Glen C.
my go to for fried rice and chicken katsu curry, never disappoints.
(5)Shayla W.
Cheap lunch dates are always fun! There's so many choices to choose from. I always get their combos which comes with a mini ramen of choice and a side like gyoza or curry rice ($7.50). It doesn't get cheaper than that! We tried their tan tan and it was just okay. Hard to go anywhere after having Gomatei's version. Their kids ramen is a good size portion when you're not too hungry. For all you garlic lovers, they have this garlic seasoning and chili oil. Add it in and enjoy! And btw, their take out portions are HUGE! We've gotten the chicken katsu curry plate which comes with a side bowl of curry and a big plate lunch of rice and katsu. The katsu was covering the whole thing!
(4)Gina M.
Very good food and good prices. The goyza is very tasty. The ramen is one of the best. Tan tan ramen is very tasty and spicy. They say it's also healthy. My boys love the fried rice.
(5)Shari L.
I used to love this place and still do but the Kapolei and ewa locations this one in aiea is terrible especially the employees asked them if ac is broken then they check said no I said can you please turn it up its hot as he'll plus I'm dropping with sweat ugh then asked them again to turn it down to make it cooler then she turns and talks to the other employees wick sounded like grumble grumble grumble fricken hate it when they talk another language then English never coming here again
(1)