The other day I had to run an errand out in Waipahu.
So, of course, I started thinking of places to eat.
The last time I had been out there, I picked up a few things from Tanioka’s Seafoods & Catering, my go-to spot when I’m on that side of the island. But I wanted to try something different.
That last time, I noticed an old-time drive-in on Pupukahi Street. Leeward Drive-Inn (94-209 Pupukahi St., 808-671-7323) has been around since 1964 and it’s known for one of my mom’s favorite dishes: fried noodles.
So I picked her up and we drove out there.
Just about everyone in line was ordering something and fried noodles. And I can totally see why. The noodles ($5.49) here are simple — just kamaboko (fishcake), char siu and green onions. That’s it. Simple and delicious.
While people rave about the noodles here, I’ve heard that Sato Okazuya, right down the street, has even better fried noodles. (This came from a customer at Leeward Drive-Inn.) We called and the little shop was sold out by 11 a.m. (It closes at 1 p.m.)
It got me thinking: what is it about fried noodles — or fried saimin — that we love so much? And what makes a good dish?
And more important, who’s got the best?
So that’s your assignment, Dishers! Find the best fried noodles! Post your results here!
22 Comments
I vote for Sato Okazuya. But yeah, you have to get there early. I work in Pearl City and we often get take out from there for the office because everyone likes it.
So far I’ve tried Chun Wah Kam, Leeward drive Inn, Aiea Heights, Mililani Restaurant, Zippy’s, Ko’Olina BBQ, Shiges, Shiro’s, L & L, Richies Drive Inn, Tanioka’s and H & C Drive Inn. My number 1 pick is H & C Drive Inn in Waipahu formerly Jumbo’s next to Suzy’s.
Great Value and onolicious! I always ask for extra green onions, they add extra at no charge.
I live near Mililani Restaurant and I will make the drive to H & C, their noodles are that much better. I always bring H & C noodles to pot lucks and its always gone first. I hear great things about Sato’s noodles, I gotta try that next.
the Heights Drive in in Aiea fried noodle special is purty darn good. Leeward Drive is right up there also…
The Alley
Love Leewards fried noodles, grew up two streets behind Leewards. Sato’s is good too along with Shiro’s and Chun Wah Kams selections. i hear Jurisons is not bad.
Absolutely love the fried noodles with teriyaki beef from Hapagrill in Kapolei. They serve it with Mac salad, oh only in Hawaii. Simply ono !!
I love Hapa Grill! I always get the teri beef though!
Both Leeward and Sato’s are good. The real question is what type (or how thick) do you want your noodle to be?
Prior to closing, HK’s in Moiliili was my all time favorite. Thicker and chewy noodles are the preference. Now that they’re gone, look to Mililani Restaurant or Shige’s Saimin in Wahiawa makes excellent ones.
I’ve never tried the fried noodles at HK. It’s now on the list!
They’re no longer here, but I really loved Jumbo’s fried noodles. I always used to eat that with their chicken katsu.
Oh, man, me, too!
Oh I miss Jumbo’s. Went to Moanalua H.S. and that was the place to grind.
CAT: Asahi Grill at Koreamoku is not bad.
Good to know!
Don’t know, but give me a big budget and a month and I will go looking for them. Having said that there are some I love but still need to recheck 🙂
For simple fried saimin, try Kuakini Hospital’s Dining room. Available after 0900 or so till the late afternoon. Just saimin noodle, green onions, fish cake, Char sui, & dashi.
Hey Cat … ahh fried noodles … quite possibly my favorite simple dish … I love it because it’s basic … just the noodles, kamaboko, green onion and char siu is enough for me … I don’t mind other ingredients … but not necessary …
… with cabbage ok but no need … with spam ok but no need … wait, I change my mind, ax the cabbage and spam …
… and I prefer it on the dry side … not oily too …
… man, I’m going to have to take notes on what people say here because I’d like to try ’em all …
Sekiya’s has the best fried saimin followed Shige’s and Jumbos. Shige’s noodles have better texture but it’s a wee bit salty and Jumbos… well Jumbos doesn’t exist anymore…
Hi Catherine,
Zippy’s also have fried saimin. Kinda on the more expensive side for just fried noodles. I prefer Sato’s fried noodles. But, you have to go early:)!
grew up in ypahu and I like sato’s the best. only thing is, as you noticed, they sell out quickly so u got to have a plan to get them noodles lol!
Jumbo’s fried min is the best. Omiyas\Kandas is best 2.
The thing I like about Sato’s is that it’s simple, tasty and you can taste the flavor of the noodle itself. Ono, with Shiro’s (several steps away) hamburger with extra sauce.