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    Ramen Nakamura

    3.8 (2.6k reviews)
    ModerateRamen, Noodles
    Closed 11:00 am - 11:15 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Ramen Nakamura Photos

    Business Info

    RAMEN NAKAMURA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Ramen Nakamura

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    Tierra H.

    Small place with very limited seating maybe 20ppl on a Main Street but the ramen was really good. Authentic tasting ramen. They are known for their oxtail ramen but stick with the traditional ramen. Fried rice was really good.

    Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen
    Kat D.

    Small interior like bar type seating. No actual tables which is different but roomy for us. There is a small TV that shoes how they make their ramen, how cute! The ramen looks so tasty watching the video as we wait to eat our ramen. It was next to our hotel and we were famished after a long flight. Came around 1pm, no line though I saw reviews the waitlist was long! We tried: Hakata Tonkatsu ramen: broth is so light and tasty. Different than tonkatsu ramen in terms of the broth is lighter but still has that distinct pork taste. It isn't overly salty- just right so the broth is sippable and I enjoyed the ramen. Gyoza: definitely homemade here and filled with cabbage and pork.

    Hope D.

    Very limited seating, waited about 15 minutes? It's a cozy ramen spot, you sit facing people across the table. Got spicy tonkatsu ramen, it was so flavorful.

    Shoyu Ramen Miso Ramen
    Vincent M.

    Long wait since it's a super tight space. You'll be seated around the service bar. The bowls of ramen were good, definitely a little bit too salty for my liking but checks all the boxes of a good ramen.

    Overcharged!!!! :-(
    J M.

    7/27/26 Buyer beware. Ordered the mini shoyu ramen combo. The guy was real nice.. I wasn't offered a receipt but overlooked it since he rushed away... I had ordered as a walk-in to take out. By the time we grabbed the food and walked away I realized I was charged $28?!! I was going to dispute it but I didn't know if maybe he misunderstood,... I also didn't want to make a big deal since we were visiting inter*island as guests,. and I didn't want to go back... but, yup. Was the mini ramen combo only! $28. I tried to call and he had me on hold and never answered,.. I hung up. Is this how they run their business?? I literally want a full refund. Buyer beware !

    Paula F.

    Authentic Ramen House! First time back in ten years and happy to say they now have a vegetarian menu. We visited on Easter for dinner and got in without wait. The restaurant is small and counter seating is set up in a u-shape with the server in the middle. Be prepared to be seated next to strangers. It is a fun, social and casual vibe. We ordered the Miso Ramen and veggie dumplings. The noodles were the perfectly firm and the broth was seasoned on point. The dumplings were tasty. Service was quick and efficient. Turn over was fast. Prices were reasonable. If you're craving ramen, this is a solid spot.

    Spicy Ramen!
    Frankie M.

    Sometimes, the best meals happen without a plan, allowing for, authentic, local, dining experiences. We stumbled upon this hidden gem while walking down Main Street Waikiki. And we're so glad we did! Ramen Nakamura is a popular, small ramen restaurant in Honolulu's Waikiki area, known for its authentic Japanese ramen with rich broths like tonkatsu, shoyu, and oxtail. We ordered the shio ramen, spicy ramen with oxtail and a side of fried rice. The broths were deeply flavorful and rich in spices. And the oxtail was super tender and hearty. The fried rice was well balanced and packed with flavor! Despite the restaurant being small and intimate, service was extremely efficient! Our total wait time was less than 15 minutes- that's pretty good considering there's usually a line of people waiting outside. And our food was served in a timely manner. Not to mention, our waiter made some great recommendations! We will definitely be back!

    Janica M.

    We got lucky coming here for dinner there was no line, which was honestly surprising because this place is usually packed. The ramen was flavorful, comforting, and exactly what you want after a long day out in Waikiki. Everything tasted fresh and well-balanced, and you can tell why this spot is so popular.

    May C.

    The restaurant is small but it is very nice and cute. The wait is not bad at all, don't be scared when you see many people outside the door. The Cantonese speaking waitress is very nice and very efficient. The food is delicious and tasty. We will be back for more. Highly recommended.

    Spicy oxtail ramen
    John S.

    We came to Honolulu and saw the line outside Ramen Nakamura, so we figured it had to be worth trying. Overall, the ramen was very good, but I want to share an important tip about their waiting system so others don't get caught off guard. When your name gets close to the top of the list, do NOT wander away. They will call your name three times, and if you're not standing there, they'll cross your name off immediately. What surprised me was that they start calling names before the current customers have even finished eating or paid their bill. I had made eye contact with the host, pointed to my name and party size, and he acknowledged me. There were still people sitting at the counter eating, and it looked like it would be another 10-15 minutes before seats opened up. I stepped away briefly and came back, only to find my name had already been crossed off the list. The party that was supposedly leaving hadn't even paid yet and was still sitting in their seats. When I explained the situation, the host simply said, "Sorry, your time passed already. I called your name three times." Their sign says they will wait 3 minutes, but in our case it felt more like they called the name three times in quick succession and then removed it. Thankfully, after some discussion, he agreed to seat us anyway. So my advice: once your name is within a couple spots of being called, stay close and pay attention. As for the food, we ordered the Oxtail Ramen (spicy) and the Cashew Pork Ramen. The ramen itself was excellent. The oxtail was tender, although it didn't have a lot of flavor on its own in the soup. They provide a separate bowl with ginger and what appeared to be a ponzu-based sauce, and the intended way to eat it is to remove the oxtail from the soup and dip it into the sauce. That definitely enhanced the flavor. The restaurant is set up with bar-style seating in a half-oval arrangement. Your party will be seated shoulder-to-shoulder, and guests will be sitting directly across from you on the other side of the counter. I'd estimate there are about 25 seats total. Service is efficient, food comes out quickly, and most customers finish and leave fairly fast. For reference, we arrived at 8:38 PM on a Tuesday with 17 people ahead of us. We were seated around 9:15 PM, our food arrived by about 9:30 PM, and we left around 10:00 PM. Overall, this would have been a 5-star experience if not for the confusion with the waiting list. The ramen is absolutely worth trying, but understanding how their queue system works will save you from a potentially frustrating experience.

    Spicy Ramen
    Keilab A.

    I was pretty disappointed about this spot after hearing people rave about it. I came for a late dinner and luckily there were open seats. It's a cool seating concept and you are meant to eat and go. I ordered the standard tonkotsu ramen and it came out in 10-15 minutes. When I first tried the broth it tasted heavily of sink/tap water which was very off putting. I was expecting a rich flavorful pork broth... They gave a good amount of noodles that had a nice chewy texture, but overall the entire bowl was simply disappointing. I guess for these spots that get a lot of hype, you either love it or not.

    Isaac R.

    I've been coming here since high school. More than twenty years now. Back then, there were only a few ramen shops around. Today, the competition is everywhere. This place is still standing. That says something. I ordered the oxtail ramen. The broth is deep and steady, built from time and patience. Rich, but not careless. You taste the beef first, then the quiet sweetness that follows. The oxtail is tender, soft enough to fall apart, doing its job without showing off. This bowl hasn't changed much over the years. And it doesn't need to. I also ordered the fried rice. I always do. It's familiar and dependable. Each grain stays separate, lightly coated, carrying that wok aroma you remember long after the plate is empty. Simple, satisfying, and still one of the best companions to a bowl of ramen. Ramen Nakamura doesn't chase trends. It doesn't need to. It holds its ground by doing the same things well, year after year. I've grown older. The ramen hasn't. And I keep coming back.

    Takumi A.

    A bowl for people who've actually eaten ramen in Japan - not for beginners. The Broth - a masterclass in patience Ramen Nakamura's oxtail broth is the kind of soup you rarely find in the U.S. It's clear, slow-simmered, collagen-rich, with a natural body that comes only from hours of extracting flavor from whole oxtail bones. No shortcuts, no heavy creaminess to hide mistakes - just careful technique and time. This is very close to an old-school Japanese clear broth, the kind you usually only find in regional shops in Japan. Deep, elegant umami The first sip was a surprise. Despite being a clear broth, the umami is layered and deep, built from: * Natural sweetness of vegetables * Gelatin and collagen from the oxtail * Subtle aromatics from long simmering It's the kind of flavor you appreciate only if you've had traditional Japanese clear soups before - quiet, but very precise. The ginger paste - the "unlock" button That small mound on the side isn't garlic - it's fresh ginger. Stirring it into the broth unlocks a second stage of flavor: more lift, more warmth, and a gentle sharpness that cuts through the richness of the oxtail without fighting it. In Japan, this is exactly the way you'd season a beef- or oxtail-based clear soup. Noodles & toppings - intentional and balanced * Bean sprouts and negi add natural sweetness and crunch * Garlic chips add aroma without overwhelming the broth * Oxtail pieces are tender, clean-tasting, and full of flavor * Noodles are sized right for a clear soup -- not too thick, not soggy, and they actually carry the broth instead of diluting it Nothing on top feels like decoration. Everything is there to support the soup. Gyoza Crisp, evenly browned, and not greasy. Technically solid, exactly what you want as a side to a clear, elegant broth. Service - real Japanese hospitality Service is calm, attentive, and genuinely warm. The owner (an elderly lady) checked on us, and when I thanked her in Japanese as we left, she responded with a deep, sincere bow. You don't see this kind of old-school omotenashi often in the U.S. anymore. Small detail I loved Even the spoon carries a classic phoenix crest - a tiny touch, but it tells you how much they care about the experience at the bowl level. This is not fusion ramen. Not tonkotsu. Not trend-driven. This is traditional Japanese clear broth craftsmanship built on time, patience, and respect for the ingredient. In Hawaii, finding a bowl like this is rare - and absolutely worth going out of your way to try. - Dr. C "Taste honestly. Write clearly."

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    2 years ago

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    11 months ago

    Best Ox Tail Ramen on the planet, IMHO... If you're luckt enough to get a seat. nothing more to add here.

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    5 months ago

    Food is fantastic. Best fried rice I ever had! Service is quick. Ambiance is clean but very simple.

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    9 months ago

    Loved it! Great service and the spicy ramen was delicious. My mom isn't a huge fan of ramen but rated this place a 10/10.

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    Page 3 of 65

    Ramen Nakamura Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Ramen Nakamura

    Do they do take out?

    Yes

    Is it still bring your own beer and wine? A few years back they did not have liquor license though they do sell soft drinks. Mahalo.

    nope, they are alcohol free. better to drink at home pregaming safely, or get a drink from a bar. i'd recommend Camado ramen if you'd like to buy alcoholic drinks, but they don't do bybw or bring your own beer; and wine.

    Gluten free noodles?

    No, they use regular ramen noodles with gluten.

    What type of meat are the broths made with?

    Most of their broths is usually beef, and pork. They have vegetarian type broths, but you'd still probably get some meat like broth without the meat.

    Do they accept credit/debit card now?

    Yes they do!

    Can we place to-go orders? I

    Yes, they do take out. Very busy though, so still a wait.

    Are reservations required?

    No. First come first served. At peak hours, the line takes about 45min-60 min. Best time to eat without line probably around 2-4pm.

    Hello, do you have allergen list to share? My son is allergic to egg, dairy and shellfish. We are trying to find out his options to dine in at your store. Thank you.?

    I haven't seen any of their dishes offered with egg, dairy and/or seafood. You should be good to go there.

    Do they use MSG in their broth I hate to ask at the restaurant because Might spit in my soup?

    I would call them under a different name and ask. Tell them you are super sensitive to additives and then when they say yes or no, decide if you want to go. If you do use your name. Not sure if they are going to understand what a MSG is since the… 

    Are there any vegetarian options?

    No there are no vegan/vegetarian options. All broths are meat based

    View All 14 Questions

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    Onoya Ramen - Black Tonkotsu (front), Vegan Fire (back)

    Onoya Ramen

    4.5(1.5k reviews)
    1.1 miKaimuki
    $$
    Casual dining
    Takes reservations

    This place really tasted like a little piece of Japan! The ramen noodles were nice and chewy and…read morecooked al dente, exactly how I like my ramen. The broth was clean and flavorful, and there was a good amount of noodles. They have a lunch special every day from 11 AM to 2 PM. We ordered the lunch special and added two side dishes for only $3 more. Our total was just $18, which I thought was a great deal. The chicken karaage tasted really fresh and had good flavor. The beef was also very flavorful. The gyoza were just okay--not bad, but nothing special. Service was good and our food came out pretty quickly. I'd definitely come back here again for lunch. For the price, I think it's a great little spot for a quick and satisfying ramen lunch.

    This is a small restaurant with issues with food temperature. Three stars because of food…read moretemperature and cooking issues and employees arguing with us. Note: there is an A/C on the wall that is facing the kitchen, it blows directly on the table. Everyone that came in moved from the table. We asked if we could adjust the wall unit, she said no. We waited and moved tables. Beer: We ordered pitcher of draft beer. It was good. Food: Then we started off with gyoza. The gyoza was full of flavor and tasty but the edges were burnt. We ordered Soyu noodles and the spicy tonkotsu noodles. The Soyu noodles arrived early. The initial appearance the egg was overcooked. Took a bite and the egg was stone cold and the broth was lukewarm. Eventually the spicy tonkotsu arrived and I don't mind it arriving later because I want my noodles hot. The egg in tonkotsu is as also stone cold and overcooked. My broth was hot and flavorful. The food has good flavor but some dishes are hot and some are lukewarm. Service: The server eventually came back and asked what was wrong with the Soyu ramen because my husband barely touched it. He said the egg was cold and the broth was lukewarm. They said the egg is supposed to be cold. We explained we have been to Japan and I grew up in Japan and explained that is not how ramen is served in Japan. They came back and said the manager was made aware of the ramen. The server then said many customers complain the broth is not hot enough. I explained if you are aware of this issues, fix it or you will go out of business. Cleanliness: average Bathroom cleanliness: bathroom needs attention below average. Sadly this is our last time here. Quality control issues that staff and managers are aware and have not corrected.

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    Onoya Ramen - Tan Tan Ramen

    Tan Tan Ramen

    Onoya Ramen
    Onoya Ramen - Vegan Black Ramen... Noodle pull

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    Vegan Black Ramen... Noodle pull

    Wagaya

    Wagaya

    4.5(1.3k reviews)
    0.9 miMo'ili'ili
    $$

    Got the black garlic ramen extra noodles and extra boiled egg…read more The broth is rich and flavorful. We also shared Ahi katsu, calamari, and agedashi tofu. Agedashi tofu always hits hard and never disappoints. The ahi katsu was delightfully soft and not tough. Our server was friendly and accommodating. The place is small so you might need to wait a bit if you come during the rush hour.

    Food - I'm going through a cold noodle phase right now, so I ordered their cold noodle dish. It was…read moregood. I really like their noodles. It was firm, nice and chewey, and was not mushy. The sauce to dip the noodles in was good. It was flavorful, salty, and sweet. My wife had a bowl of ramen. I got to try the soup and it tasted really good. I also like how thick it was. I don't like thin soup on my ramen, so this I really liked. My daughter was gulping down her noodles... just shoving it into her mouth. That is a huge thing for me because she's picky with food. We also had the potato mochi. I also liked that one. It had good texture, crunch, and chew. It was brushed with a glaze. The flavor was good. I'm not a chicken karaage guy. But I'm mentioning it because we ordered it. The chicken karaage were good chunks of chicken. Not like other places who give small chunks. My wife liked it because it had more chicken than batter. Service - The Place had good service. The food came out on time. Servers were checking up on us without hovering or being overbearing. They paid attention when we called asking for help. I was listening to the workers, and they seem to like being there. I mean, "work is work", and no one REALLY LIKES going to work. I'm pretty sure we'd all rather be someplace else besides work. Maybe I caught them in a good mood, but, it genuinely seemed like the moral in the place was good and the people working there that night didn't mind being there. Vibe - Small, family vibe. I liked that there was buzz but it wasn't loud. When we came, most of the people there were older, but as we left later in the evening, a more younger crowd started lining up and coming in. That tells me, they appeal to a wide demographic/pallet, which is good. Overall, it's going on the list of places to go back to and recommend. I don't really like going to ramen places during the summer because it's hot. But I would go here.

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    Wagaya
    Wagaya - Potato mochi

    Potato mochi

    Wagaya - Wagaya ramen shiro

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    Wagaya ramen shiro

    Marugame Udon - Udon and tempura

    Marugame Udon

    4.5(14.2k reviews)
    0.3 miWaikiki
    $$

    Marugame Udon is the perfect spot to hit after a long, draining flight. A warm and comforting bowl…read moreof udon will heal you pretty quickly. We rolled up around 6:30 PM last Wednesday, and the line was quite long. Despite this, it moved quickly since the ordering process is essentially fast casual. Marugame Udon has their signature udon options, or you can build your own bowl and add on different tempura sides. NIKUTAMA UDON (REGULAR) - 12.95 With no brain cells left to think, I ordered one of their two most popular options. While the bowl was a tad small, it came topped with sliced beef, fried onions, scallions, and a soft-boiled egg. The broth was sweet and savory, paired with the tender, sweet beef and onions. The udon itself had the perfect chewy texture and soaked up all that flavor like a sponge. Absolutely delicious, I killed that bowl in less than 5 minutes. Marugame Udon isn't a luxurious experience, but it gets the job done. For the price and convenience, the udon was savory and hearty. Great option for a quick meal and worth a short wait. Definitely one of the better udon options in Waikiki.

    Well, well, well the writing is on the wall. This has great reviews and that's for a reason, this…read moreplace is delicious!!!!!! This was our first dinner and our first night in Waikiki and I'm already thinking about going back for all of the rest of the nights. We're here that is how good it is. There's always a line, but it actually moves really really really fast, and by the time you chitchat with your companions you'll be at the front in no time. It moves cafeteria style. I got the nikutama, savory beef with chicken Katsu, shrimp tempura and a fried zucchini cause I wanted to feel a little healthy but honestly, I could've just skipped that. My very picky father-in-law even liked it a lot as well 10 out of 10 place. Can't wait to go back.

    Photos
    Marugame Udon - You can watch as they make your food!

    You can watch as they make your food!

    Marugame Udon - Kake Udon

    Kake Udon

    Marugame Udon - Dining Room!

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    Dining Room!

    Kamitoku - Spicy Beefy Wild

    Kamitoku

    4.4(685 reviews)
    1.5 miAla Moana
    $$

    Happy to hear that Kamitoku Ramen from Ward Centre relocated to South Shore Market (previously…read moreoccupied by Scratch Kitchen). They are currently exploring a new concept, which is a bit different from what it used to be. There's quite a bit of items missing from their old menu, but they have included new dishes to try. I got their Beefy Gold which has a lighter broth. I also ordered a side of yuzu peel & juice, reminiscent of the yuzu shio ramen. I'd say that the broth is pretty good (light broth is gentle to the stomach), and the noodles were cooked well. You'll probably miss the fatty chunk of charsiu, but they now have pulled beef charsiu instead which is stringy and just as flavorful :) Service was friendly as always and they were very attentive to our needs. Ambiance is a bit more upscale than their previous Ward location, and definitely larger. Will come back again to try their Otoko-Meshi items, overall just glad that they're back!

    Kamitoku just reopened at Ward Center and they still have some kinks to work through... like their…read morephone number doesn't work. I tried to place a phone order for pickup but no bueno. On to the good tho! Space is large so it sits more people. Ramen is just as good as ever. It's one of my favorite ramen spots and has a big piece of my heart. They do use a beef base though so if you don't eat beef, I'm sorry for your loss. Ramen menu is simplified so it does make it easier to order with the base and then the add-ins. My only small quip is that the meat changed from the last location from a chunk to shreds and I'm not really feeling the shreds Regardless it's still one of my favorite spots and I enjoy going back every time!

    Photos
    Kamitoku - Inside

    Inside

    Kamitoku - Gyoza Nanban

    Gyoza Nanban

    Kamitoku - Mini Beefy Wild

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    Mini Beefy Wild

    Lucky Belly - Shrimp Kim Chee Bowl

    Lucky Belly

    4.2(2.2k reviews)
    2.9 miDowntown
    $$

    So glad we ate here! Looks like there are lots of hip options in Chinatown, and we would have…read morewalked around and tried even more if we had had more time. We had a 4 hour layover in Honolulu and it was a quick 15 minute Lyft ride here to Lucky Belly. We were the only party here right at 5:30 pm. Loved the art and clean simple elegance of the exposed brick wall and wood tables. We were greeted and served by a very friendly host. We had the duck tacos, plus the special dim sum appetizer combo of pork belly bao, lobster dumplings and oxtail dumplings. We could not pick a favorite. The variety of textures was fantastic and each of the meat fillings were perfectly seasoned and tender, delicious! Each had a different sauce- just enough, not too much. Nothing was spicy but there was chili oil on the table if you wanted to add more heat. We got 2 nonalcoholic spritzers, one lilikoi and one hibiscus, which were each refreshing and complimented the meal. Since the service was so efficient, after eating, we still had time to zip over to Magic Island to stroll around, take in the scene and enjoy the sunset before heading back to the airport. Our last evening in Hawaii was really special thanks to this delightful restaurant!

    Horrifying experience. We arrived to a nearly empty restaurant. The hostess asked if we had a…read morereservation. We arrived an hour or so before they were about to close. All of the window seats were empty. In fact the restaurant was nearly empty. We were told the only option for us was the inconspicuous booth at the back of the restaurant. Not a good start. The food was okay. There was more than we were expecting, however the short ribs were a little tough. The ambiance, it was nice and empty by the time we left. Overall, what had been something we'd been looking forward to for years turned out to be a dismal disappointment. The experience left us feeling unwelcome, particularly because it seemed the staff were uncomfortable with two men simply going out for lunch. Being a Black and Asian couple shouldn't have any bearing on how paying customers are treated, but unfortunately, that's how the experience felt to us. We can overlook mediocre food or service, but feeling judged or unwelcome is something we won't overlook. We were there as paying customers and deserved to be treated with the same courtesy and respect as anyone else. Unfortunately, this is a place we won't be returning to, and based on our experience, we would not recommend it to others.

    Photos
    Lucky Belly - Interior bar and dining room.

    Interior bar and dining room.

    Lucky Belly - Lobster Moco (Dec 2025 update)

    Lobster Moco (Dec 2025 update)

    Lucky Belly - Exterior front.

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    Exterior front.

    Goma Tei Ramen Ala Moana - Truffle ramen

    Goma Tei Ramen Ala Moana

    4.0(1.3k reviews)
    1.0 miAla Moana
    $$

    5 Stars - Goma Tei Ramen…read more Goma Tei Ramen - Ala Moana 1450 Ala Moana Boulevard, Honolulu, HI 96814 Visited: September 6, 2026 This was my first time at Goma Tei Ramen, and I really enjoyed it! I ordered the Spicy Tan Tan Ramen, Level 3 ($19.75), and it was excellent. Level 3 definitely brought the heat--it was very spicy, but just as importantly, it was incredibly flavorful. I loved it! The others in my party all seemed to really enjoy their meals as well. We also had Wakame Tan Tan Ramen ($14.99 each), a Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl ($15.99), and Seafood Fried Rice ($19.99). Our subtotal was $89.21 before tax. The service was fast and friendly, and overall it was a great first experience. If you enjoy ramen with some serious spice and plenty of flavor, the Level 3 Spicy Tan Tan is definitely worth trying. I'll definitely be returning!

    Gomq Tei can get really busy, with a physical wait list to track your place in line. It's located…read morein the underbelly of the Ala Moana mall, so you're essentially waiting in the parking lot. I was able to go for lunch on a random weekday which had zero wait thankfully. I ordered their Tan Tan Ramen with Pork Tonkatsu. They offer to keep the tonkatsu on the side but I like when the breading absorbs some of the flavor from the broth. The noodles were al dente and the tonkatsu was tender. I think the price is decent and the food comes out pretty fast, but the soup was grainy and had a layer of sourness that didn't hit right for me.

    Photos
    Goma Tei Ramen Ala Moana - Table and counter seating are available

    Table and counter seating are available

    Goma Tei Ramen Ala Moana - The Japanese won ton is large!

    The Japanese won ton is large!

    Goma Tei Ramen Ala Moana - Char siu tan tan

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    Char siu tan tan

    Ramen Nakamura - ramen - Updated September 2026

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