People in Hawaii love their ramen.
Ask anyone who’s fond of the Japanese noodle dish and you’ll get strong opinions about which ramenya is better.
And most often the debate centers around two boutique ramen shops: Gomaichi and Goma Tei.
Here’s the story: Goma Ichi opened in 1995, one of the first ramen shops in Honolulu. The partners split — and one opened a very similar shop, Goma Tei, in 2006 in Ward Center.
Naturally, there are people who are devoutly loyal to Gomaichi on the corner of Keeaumoku and Makaloa streets. And there are others who prefer the flavor of (and better parking at) Goma Tei at Ward Center and Ala Moana Center.
It’s sad to admit, but I had never eaten at Gomaichi Ramen. Every time I’ve walked around that area, I stop at Green Papaya next door instead. I’ve always felt badly about that — especially since I eat (and love) the ramen at Goma Tei.
So last night I decided to finally check it out. And we couldn’t have picked a better night for ramen. It was rainy, wet, cold and miserable. Nothing could cheer me up but a bowl of hot ramen.
Wanna know what I thought? Read on:
The verdict?
Gomaichi Ramen, 631 Keeaumoku St. Hours: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5:30 to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Phone:(808) 951-6666
17 Comments
I’ve never been to goma tei only gomaichi, love their tan tan men!
Never to Goma Tei?? Wow, most folks are the other way around. It was my first time to Gomaichi — and I really enjoyed it. 🙂
Hi Cat,
Sorry, we are not up on this ramen debate and was not up on the history, only tried goma tei and we do love it.
While we are willing to try goma ichi, where the does one park?
ps – pics look great.
thanks,
hr
There’s a small lot on Makaloa Street right across Walgreens, or you can find street parking in front of Gomaichi (good after 6pm), or you can park at Walmart 🙂
Thanks, Hisae, for the parking tip! We parked on Makaloa Street — but, to be honest, we lucked out. There were only two stalls open — and we took both of them. But parking at Walmart across the street is probably the best second option.
Either works for me. I will say that having good pork, ginger, garlic, etc pot stickers is a big distraction. Could literally make a meal out of those things and have many times. Like them boiled rather than fried but either way they are good.
Honestly, I’m like you, I’m good with either!
Must try… I love the gyoza and sauces at go ma tei…GO MA TEI GO MA TEI GO MA TEI ALL THE WAY!! Ugh I’m hungry now, ant ramenya leads out Ewa Beach way??? Mahalo.
Have you been to Gomaichi yet? Gotta try!
As for Ewa Beach… I don’t think there’s much out there… Sumo, maybe…?
Hello Cat!
Happy Fuud pixs Friday!
I too never been to Gomaichi only Goma Tei. Next time I’m at Walmart I’ll just have to cross the street and have me a bowl of ramen.
YES! GO! I miss Taishoken, which was down the street.
Hey Cat … funny, I’m always around the area … but never bothered to try that place … mostly because parking is hard to find … plus it’s always crowded whenever we checked … and if there are open spots only at the bar tables, we pass … I know it’s not really a big deal, but I don’t like eating when you’re directly across from strangers looking back at you …
… but I love ramen … and my favorite is shoyu ramen … because if you got a good broth and good noodles … what more do you need??? … too much other “stuff” sometimes overwhelm the basic flavors that I love …
Parking is a huge deterrent, for sure. That’s why I think Goma Tei is so popular!
Gomaichi is my favorite, if only parking were easier I’d eat there more often. Goma Tei is okay but IMHO not as good as Gomaichi =)
Agree! 🙂
Been to both. Goma Ichi is the best…
I just wish the parking were better!