Restaurant: Hamura Saimin

Location: 2956 Kress St. Lihue, HI 96766. (808) 245-3271

Date: January 20, 2013

Cuisine: Hawaiian Noodles

Rating: Tasty Noodles

Saimin is a noodle soup dish unique to Hawaii. Inspired by Japanese udon, Chinese mein, and Filipino pancit, saimin was developed during Hawaii’s plantation era. It is a soup dish of soft wheat egg noodles served in hot dashi garnished with green onions. Kamaboko, char siu, sliced Spam, linguiça, and nori may be added, among other additions.

Hamura Saimin is a true hole-in-the-wall joint, but that’s traditional of Asian noodle restaurants.

The menu is focused. They basically make one thing (Saimin) with a few sides.

There was an enormous line out the door and customers pack into the greasy counters for a quick slurp.

Here’s my bowl, the “wonton Saimin” which appeared to be fairly “deluxe.” We have wontons, ham, pork, scallions, and of course, noodles and broth. It was pretty darn tasty, more related to Ramen (as served in Japan) than to udon with it’s thicker noodles. Excellent noodle bowl though. I certainly enjoyed it.

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