[Thank you to our sponsor for the complimentary meal. All opinions expressed in this post are my own.]
Kailua just got a much-needed ramen refresh — and it couldn’t have come at a better time, with the recent closure of Miyoshi Ramen. Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya, recently opened its sixth Hawaii location right here in Kailua, and while their ramen concept differs slightly from Miyoshi’s, it’s a welcome addition that brings comforting bowls of broth and noodles back to Kailua Town.
 |
We stopped by Tanaka Ramen on a Saturday evening at 5 p.m. and were pleasantly surprised to find it relatively quiet, with just one other group dining in. That likely won’t last long as word gets out, so now’s a great time to visit if you’re looking to avoid the crowd.
 |
To start, we ordered the ika geso karaage (fried squid), which came with a side of spicy mayo.
 |
The dipping sauce wasn’t very spicy, but it was still a great complement to the crispy squid. Definitely a nice way to kick off the meal.
 |
For our main dishes, I went with the Tanaka Rich Garlic Ramen, while my husband opted for the Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen.
 |
If you love garlic, the Rich Garlic Ramen is for you — it’s loaded with roasted garlic flavor.
 |
That said, the garlic is strong — so unless you’re committed to smelling like garlic for the rest of the night, you may want to explore other options on the menu.
 |
Now, the Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen came with a surprise. Despite the creaminess, the spice level was intense.
 |
My husband can usually handle heat, but this one pushed the limit. Halfway through, he gave up on the broth and transferred his noodles and toppings into my garlic broth to finish the meal. So, fair warning: if you're sensitive to spice, you might want to steer clear or ask if they can tone it down.
Beyond the food, the ambience at this Kailua location stands out. Unlike Tanaka’s mall locations (like Ala Moana and Pearlridge), which tend to feel darker and more enclosed, this new spot is bright and airy, thanks to its large windows and natural lighting. This location also has outdoor seating which is popular amongst the Kailua clientele.
 |
Great service, a comfortable setting, and flavorful ramen options make Tanaka Ramen’s Kailua location a solid choice for ramen in Kailua!
 |
Open daily: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
______________________________________________
TANAKA RAMEN & IZAKAYA
108 HEKILI STREET (NEXT TO FOODLAND)
808-200-3166
No comments:
Post a Comment