Ezogiku Noodle Café
Being a frequent shopper at Daiei, I often find myself eating at the little food stalls located outside the store. Tonight was no exception. Since it was late (after 8:00 pm), I decided that I would eat at Ezogiku Noodle Café.
Ezogiku made its way to Hawaii via Japan about 30 years ago. They still use the original recipes to prepare all of the food here, which is actually quite good (especially the Sapporo-style ramen). This place can also be pretty reasonable if you decide to eat one of the three late night specials which are posted on a faded board outside.
Tonight, I have special A, chuka ramen and mini fried rice combo (US$4.89).
Chuka ramen (or Chinese noodles) is a bowl of wheat noodles in a light broth flavored with shoyu (soy sauce). It's garnished with a slice of simmered pork, shinachiku (bamboo shoot pickles), kamaboko (fish cake), green onions and nori (dried prepared seaweed).
The ramen is delicious, although a tiny bit salty for my taste (perhaps there was a bit of MSG in there). The noodles were firm and the pork had just the right amount of flavor (and fat). The fried rice was typical of Japanese-style fried rice and was just flavorful enough to be enjoyable.
Ezogiku has become a steady favorite of mine especially when I need something quick, inexpensive and tasty to eat (and late at night). Stop by sometime for some great tasting ramen. In my opinion, this is some of the best ramen around.
Ezogiku Noodle Café
Located at Daiei Kaheka
801 Kaheka Street
Telephone: 808.942.5363
Strange as it seems, if you go to the Ezogiku in Waikiki, the noodles in general seem to taste better. I would say Kaheka's is second best, and University is a little lower down the totem pole. (I haven't tried the other locations).
Posted by: Eric | October 01, 2004 at 05:05 PM
Hi Eric,
Yes, I think the one in Waikiki is better too, but the prices here at the Kaheka location are much better. Too bad they discontinued the late night special a couple weeks back. If I want my fix, I'm going to have to pay more for it now.
Posted by: Reid | October 01, 2004 at 06:25 PM
When I was in Waikiki in July, I ate at the Egoziku everyday for 1 week. I really love the food especialy the Wonton Soup. Can you please tell me if you have a location in Orange County, CA or in Irvine, CA. I miss Ezogiku. Please respond. Thanks
Posted by: Lia Tanada | September 20, 2006 at 08:14 AM