Marukame Udon Waikiki: Honolulu, Oahu, HI, USA
I really enjoyed this restaurant that was so conveniently located literally across the street from my hotel the first time I went to Hawaii. It was so good my sister wanted to come here 3 times during our 1 week stay. Having also been to the recently opened one in Stonestown, near San Francisco, this is by far my favorite location.
How it works: order your type of udon — they have about twelve selections. There is chicken, beef, egg, beef and egg, curry, beef curry, beef curry with egg, etc. Once you receive your bowl of udon, you can then select from a large assortment of tempura and onigiri (rice balls) as well as spam musubi. Seating is first-come first-serve and cleanup is on the patron. I really like this idea because it makes people responsible for their own messes and are unlikely to be sloppy with their eating (social responsibility, as it is with Japanese culture). In addition, the first-come first-serve concept also (hopefully) creates a feeling of being obligated to your fellow man and not just loitering around after the meal.
This place is so good that the wait can be up to 45min long or more. In taking my mom here, she was willing to wait though. I definitely wouldn’t mind waiting in line with friends to eat here. The weather is great and the food is warm and comforting.
PROS:
– good quantity (self selected tempura and order)
– udon made fresh daily (you can see it in the window)
– soup is also served hot and not sitting for a long time
– egg is cooked as it is in the pictures, you get what you choose
CONS:
– long line if you do not show up right at restaurant opening
– can get expensive if your eyes are bigger than your stomach: tempura is priced per piece
I’d definitely come here again if I was back on the island for sure! Definitely a 5 star experience and food. Don’t expect gourmet udon like the bistro in NYC (Tsurutontan), but it’s definitely good for a quick quality bowl with good tempura selections.
beef, egg udon
tempura lineup
tempura
You can find them here off Kuhio Ave, just a short walk from Waikiki Beach:
2310 Kuhio AveHonolulu, HI 96815
Waikiki
R/g
