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On May 8th, Kauai's famous Hamura's Saimin will be one of eight eateries to be nationally honored by the James Beard Foundation in the America's Classics category. The criteria of this category is "Presevering America's culinary heritage and diversity".
Aiko Hamura started the business in 1951, and to this day they still make their signature noodles and broth from scratch.
*Source: Honolulu Advertiser 5.01.06
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My experience...
Hamura's Saimin operates out of a converted single story home tucked away on an industrial side street in Lihue. As soon as the doors open, the place quickly fill up with locals and tourists.
On my last visit there, my girlfriend and I shared a rather beat-up formica table with several local families, making it feel more like we were eating at tutu's house than at a restaurant. The drab yellow interior wall paint, along with Shoyu and Chili Pepper Water on each table reinforced that feeling. After seating ourselves, family staff quickly greeted us and took our order.
Many folks were ordering the grilled Teriyaki beef & chicken sticks with their saimin. But we just ordered a couple bowls of their classic saimin, served simply with sliced Kamaboko and Green Onions. In all honesty, it tasted no different than off-the-shelf S&S Saimin. At least that was my impression. Except maybe the noodles were a bit fresher. The broth had a pretty basic Dashi & Shoyu flavor. Then again, I've always preferred traditional Japanese Ramen vs. local-style Saimin, so it's not fair for me to say. Perhaps if I ordered the deluxe version I would have been more impressed.
Still, Hamura's Saimin is as much about the experience as it is the food. The reasonable prices are probably another big draw. If you ever visit Kauai, definately check it out. But go very early or during off-peak hours, or expect a long wait in line as it's strictly first come, first serve.
Aiko Hamura started the business in 1951, and to this day they still make their signature noodles and broth from scratch.
*Source: Honolulu Advertiser 5.01.06
-----------------------------------------
My experience...
Hamura's Saimin operates out of a converted single story home tucked away on an industrial side street in Lihue. As soon as the doors open, the place quickly fill up with locals and tourists.
On my last visit there, my girlfriend and I shared a rather beat-up formica table with several local families, making it feel more like we were eating at tutu's house than at a restaurant. The drab yellow interior wall paint, along with Shoyu and Chili Pepper Water on each table reinforced that feeling. After seating ourselves, family staff quickly greeted us and took our order.
Many folks were ordering the grilled Teriyaki beef & chicken sticks with their saimin. But we just ordered a couple bowls of their classic saimin, served simply with sliced Kamaboko and Green Onions. In all honesty, it tasted no different than off-the-shelf S&S Saimin. At least that was my impression. Except maybe the noodles were a bit fresher. The broth had a pretty basic Dashi & Shoyu flavor. Then again, I've always preferred traditional Japanese Ramen vs. local-style Saimin, so it's not fair for me to say. Perhaps if I ordered the deluxe version I would have been more impressed.
Still, Hamura's Saimin is as much about the experience as it is the food. The reasonable prices are probably another big draw. If you ever visit Kauai, definately check it out. But go very early or during off-peak hours, or expect a long wait in line as it's strictly first come, first serve.
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