Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya - Kailua

[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

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TANAKA RAMEN & IZAKAYA

108 HEKILI STREET (NEXT TO FOODLAND)

808-200-3166

 

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Tanaka Ramen- Mililani Town Center

I recently dined at Tanaka Ramen's newest Hawaii location in the Militani Town Center. Perfect for a casual dinner before a movie, Tanaka Ramen offers small izakaya style dishes, ramens including vegan specials, rice bowls and more.

Our group shared the hand-made pork gyoza and I ordered the Tanaka Tori (chicken) ramen. The broth was light and tasty and the thin noodles were perfectly chewy. I really enjoyed it. Next time I won't skip dessert and will have the mochi ice cream and the yuzu cheesecake.

The Mililani location offers exclusive menu items such as their 5-kind sashimi platter, poke don, unagi don, and grilled hamachi kama. Service was very friendly and efficient. A great addition to the town center.

Tanaka Tori Ramen

Pork Gyoza

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Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya Seasonal Special: Mapo Tofu

I love going to Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya at Pearlridge Center.  I love their location-exclusive Clam Chowder Croquettes, and their Karaage Curry is my go-to.

Clam Chowder Croquettes

Chicken Karaage

But when I saw that there was a seasonal special - Mapo Tofu Mazemen, I was considering a change from my normal order.

After much deliberation, and some encouragement from a co-worker, I decided to try it.  I got rice instead of noodles (you can also get it vegetarian).

I'm so glad I ordered it. It was absolutely delicious!

A bed of rice was just covered in flavorful tofu, pork, and peas.  The sauce had some spiciness to it, which I loved!

It was a very hearty serving - enough for two meals.

I hope this stays on the menu!

Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya

Pearlridge Center
98-1005 Moanalua Rd

Aiea, HI 96701

 

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Seasonal Kakuni Specials at Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya

Hawaii Mom Blog was invited to try the new Seasonal Kakuni Menu at Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya.  Kakuni is a Japanese slow-braised pork and Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya is serving it up three different ways: a Kakuni Ramen featuring slow-braised pork, bok choy, green onions, a half-seasoned egg and thin noodles in the restaurant’s signature tonkotsu broth, a Kakuni Rice Bowl featuring slow-braised pork over a bed of rice and served with kimchi, green onions and a half-seasoned egg, and a Kakuni Appetizer featuring slow-braised pork, green onions and served with a half-seasoned egg. 

Kakuni Ramen

A close up of the kakuni pieces in the ramen

Who doesn't love a noodle pull? The tonkotsu broth is the restaurant's signature broth.

Kakuni Rice Bowl

Kakuni Appetizer 

I opted to try the Kakuni Ramen which was delicious! The kakuni was tender and flavorful which made my ramen especially tasty.  Try one of the specials today at any of Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya's three locations in Hawaii: Ala Moana, Pearlridge, and Kapolei Marketplace. 

  

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New Weekday Combo Menu now available at Tanaka Ramen Hawaii (Ala Moana Location Only)

 

Tanaka Ramen recently launched a new COMBO menu, only available their location at Ala Moana Center, and only available weekdays (Monday - Friday) from 11 am - 5 pm (excluding holidays). The menu allows diners to choose one main dish, one lunch-sized portion izakaya dish, and one non-alcoholic beverage. 

Beef Sukiyaki

For the Main Dish, they offer four different ramen bowls:

• Tanaka Classic
• Tanaka Rich Garlic
• Tanaka Tori
• Spicy Creamy Vegan

and three different rice bowls:

• Pork Chashu Don
• Chicken Chashu Don
• Beef Sukiyaki Don

For the Izakaya dishes (lunch-sized portions):

• Original Fries
• Fried Oyster
• Karaage Chicken
• Pork Gyoza
• Seaweed Salad

Pork Gyoza

Non-Alcoholic Drinks:

• Coke
• Diet Coke
• Sprite
• Oolong Tea
• Green Tea
• Calpico

I decided to try their Beef Sukiyaki Don and it did not disappoint. The beef was very thinly sliced and had a nice sweet flavor. It was very easy and quick to eat, perfect for a weekday lunch. It was served over a bed of rice that I could not finish. The house-made pork gyoza was delicious.

Although dessert is not included with the combo meal, I could not resist trying a slice of Green Tea Mille Crepe Cake that the restaurant sources from its sister restaurant upstairs in the mall - Mango Mango.  Just look at all those layers of crepe, cream and matcha! 

Remember friends, this combo menu is only available at the Ala Moana Center location, and only on weekdays from 11 am - 5 pm!

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TANAKA RAMEN - ALA MOANA
1450 Ala Moana Blvd. 
Mall Level 2, Ewa Wing

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Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya: Kapolei

 

After a busy week of traveling, I was (once again) too exhausted to make dinner, so I ended up ordering from Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya in Kapolei.

I love the izakaya dishes, but this time I was so hungry that I ordered a ramen too!

Tanaka Spicy

I love spicy so I ordered the Tanaka Spicy ramen.  It came with chasu, egg, green onions, sprouts, and kikurage.  It was so tasty with just enough heat (you can choose your spice level) - I finished the entire thing!

Tanaka Chicken

Karaage Don

Chicken Katsu Curry

Beef Sukiyaki Don

Pork Gyoza

Karaage Chicken

Tempura Brussels

All of the izakaya dishes were really good.  The chicken and the gyoza are my go-tos.  The chicken is juicy and so flavorful, and the gyoza is the perfect accompaniment to ramen!

This was the first time I ordered the Tempura Brussels, and I'd definitely order them again.  

Everyone in the family enjoyed their meals, and I'm looking forward to trying more from the izakaya menu!

Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya - Kapolei
590 Farrington Hwy #510
Kapolei, HI 96707

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