Slurp’s up, east Oʻahu — there’s a new ramen spot in Kailua town.
Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya just opened its sixth Hawaiʻi location in Kailua, located between Baskin-Robbins and Foodland. The new restaurant can seat around 36 customers and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
“Opening a restaurant in Kailua has always been a goal for us, ever since we opened in Hawaiʻi,” says Tina Wang, owner and founder of Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya. “The area is very competitive and it has taken us a while to find a good fit for our restaurant, but we are so glad to be here and to welcome Windward Oʻahu diners. We knew there was a demand for quality ramen in the area, and we are happy to fill that need, while continuing to serve our loyal guests.”
The menu is the same as that at other Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya locations; customers can find an assortment of ramen bowls, rice entrées and shareable plates like the tofu avocado salad ($9.99), tempura brussels sprouts with white truffle oil ($8.99) and shrimp shumai ($7.99). While the tempura brussels sprouts never disappoint, thanks to their gloriously crispy exterior and fragrant truffle flavor, the tofu avocado salad is perfect if you want something light before indulging in a hearty bowl of noodles.
Signature ramen bowls include the eatery’s Tanaka Classic ($16.99) — pork broth, pork chashu, kikurage, spicy bean sprouts, green onions, fried onions, garlic oil and a seasoned egg served with thick noodles — and Tanaka garlic volcano ($21.99), a spicy mixture of pork broth, pork chashu, bean sprouts, green onions, fresh garlic, black garlic oil and a spicy seasoned egg, served with thin noodles. The eatery also offers a vegetarian-friendly dan dan ($15.99) and spicy creamy vegan ramen ($16.99), served with kale noodles.
Pro tip: All University of Hawaiʻi system faculty and students, military members and Kailua Town employees can get 10% off with proof of ID.
The biz is celebrating its grand opening on Tuesday, April 8, with a variety of promotions. The first 50 customers to arrive at the Kailua location will receive a free bowl of ramen or a rice bowl. From April 8 to 13, customers have the chance to win free ramen for a year. Guests who dine at the new Kailua location and sign up for the eatery’s e-newsletter will be entered for a chance to win free ramen (two ramen bowls per month for 12 months). From April 11 to 13, guests who dine at the new location can enjoy a Sapporo draft beer for $4 (this special is available all day throughout the eatery’s grand opening weekend).
CONTACT
Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya
108 Hekili St. No. 107, Kailua
808-200-3166
Tanakaramen.com
Instagram: @tanakaramenhawaii
Open daily, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
