If you’ve been keeping up with my blogs over the past several years, you know how much I love noodle dishes, particularly ramen.
And I’ve been particularly devastated by the closing of two of my all-time favorite ramen shops: Taishoken Ramen on Keeaumoku Street and Raraya Ramen on King Street.
Since then, I haven’t found anywhere that makes a good tsukemen, or ramen where the noodles and broth come separately and you have to dip the noodles into the hot dashi.
Until Tuesday night, where I finally — finally! — made it to Kiwami Ramen in Waikiki.
Yes, I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking, “How can a self-described ramen lover NOT been to Kiwami?”
Easy. I’m lazy.
I had heard all about it from die-hard Kiwami fans — some of whom have been trying to get me to go with them for months now — and I kept putting it off. I figured I can always go.
Well, that’s not the case.
The little ramen shop in the food court on the bottom floor of the Waikiki Shopping Plaza is closing in December. And word is it’s not going to re-open.
So yet another ramen-ya — and easily my favorite of the moment — will shut its doors.
What a colossal bummer.
So I have a new plan: eat there as often as I possibly can. Like tomorrow. And you should, too.
Kiwami Ramen
Kiwami Ramen, Waikiki Shopping Plaza, 2250 Kalakaua Ave. Hours: 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 5-10 p.m. daily. Phone: (808) 924-6744
Special thanks to Brandon Suyeoka for “forcing” me to finally eat there and to Ed Sugimoto for “sponsoring” my meal. You guys rock!
7 Comments
Yummy. I’ve seen that place but never checked it out. Is it really going away? Bet it is excellent… looks excellent.
It’s SO good. So sad it’s closing, though. And no plans to reopen, either.
What? I never been there so I better get my a$$ over there.
Yes, you should! I’m heading there this weekend — again!
CAT: are you like the “kiss of death” for ramen shops?
I hope not!!!!!
You should probably rephrase that title… It sounds like you’re warning folks not to go to this place.