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Who’s got the best fried noodles?

By Catherine Toth Fox • June 5, 2013 • Food

IMG_3146

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.

IMG_3139That 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!

best fried noodlesbest fried saiminFoodHawaiiLeeward Drive-InnSato Okazuyawaipahu
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About the Author

Catherine Toth Fox

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22 Comments

  • Reply lisa June 5, 2013 at 1:13 pm

    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.

    • Reply Andrew April 18, 2016 at 7:03 pm

      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.

  • Reply unkojayz June 5, 2013 at 1:22 pm

    the Heights Drive in in Aiea fried noodle special is purty darn good. Leeward Drive is right up there also…

  • Reply Jason June 5, 2013 at 1:23 pm

    The Alley

  • Reply Brian June 5, 2013 at 1:30 pm

    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.

  • Reply Jade June 5, 2013 at 1:37 pm

    Absolutely love the fried noodles with teriyaki beef from Hapagrill in Kapolei. They serve it with Mac salad, oh only in Hawaii. Simply ono !!

    • Reply Catherine Toth June 5, 2013 at 5:49 pm

      I love Hapa Grill! I always get the teri beef though!

  • Reply Thomas June 5, 2013 at 1:47 pm

    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.

    • Reply Catherine Toth June 5, 2013 at 5:48 pm

      I’ve never tried the fried noodles at HK. It’s now on the list!

  • Reply Cindy June 5, 2013 at 2:16 pm

    They’re no longer here, but I really loved Jumbo’s fried noodles. I always used to eat that with their chicken katsu.

    • Reply Catherine Toth June 5, 2013 at 5:48 pm

      Oh, man, me, too!

    • Reply Miss Em June 6, 2013 at 2:50 pm

      Oh I miss Jumbo’s. Went to Moanalua H.S. and that was the place to grind.

  • Reply Annoddah Dave June 5, 2013 at 4:39 pm

    CAT: Asahi Grill at Koreamoku is not bad.

    • Reply Catherine Toth June 5, 2013 at 5:49 pm

      Good to know!

  • Reply David Jackson June 5, 2013 at 4:43 pm

    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 🙂

  • Reply Eric June 5, 2013 at 6:11 pm

    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.

  • Reply rayboyjr June 5, 2013 at 6:20 pm

    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 …

  • Reply Gochiso Gourmet June 5, 2013 at 8:02 pm

    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…

  • Reply Nikki June 5, 2013 at 10:55 pm

    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:)!

  • Reply calvin June 5, 2013 at 11:37 pm

    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!

  • Reply guest June 6, 2013 at 9:12 am

    Jumbo’s fried min is the best. Omiyas\Kandas is best 2.

  • Reply lance June 6, 2013 at 9:27 am

    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.

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About Me

About Me
Born and raised on O‘ahu, Hawaiʻi, Catherine Toth Fox has been chronicling her adventures in her blog, The Cat Dish, for more than a decade. She worked as a newspaper reporter in Hawai‘i for 10 years and continues to freelance—in between teaching journalism, hitting the surf and eating everything in sight—for national and local print and online publications. She’s currently the editor of HAWAIʻI Magazine.

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