Boulevard Saimin

Whenever it's wet and rainy, I seem to crave noodle soups and tonight was no exception.  Initially, I had planned to go and grab a bowl of pho at Pho 97, but it was already after 8:00 pm and I believe the restaurant was already closed.  Instead, I decided that I would visit Palace Saimin, but as I pulled into the driveway, I discovered that they were closed too.  Since I was already in Kalihi and craving a bowl of saimin, I decided to stop by Boulevard Saimin.

A number of years ago, when I used to work in the neighborhood, Boulevard Saimin was a popular lunchtime spot for both myself and my co-workers.  The bowls of saimin were huge and filling, and there were quite a number of different choices that were available on the menu.  When I arrived tonight, there were people occupying a few of the many booths inside the restaurant.

Since it was already late (a little after 8:30 pm) when I arrived, I decided to quickly place my order for a bowl of the tsukimi (poached egg) saimin with wun tun, which is something that I've always ordered here.  Just as I was placing my order, I recalled an e-mail that I received from a reader of this blog not more than a couple of hours ago.  I decided to try his usual, the kayaku saimin with wun tun (kayaku saimin US$6.25; with wun tun US$6.80).

A few minutes later, the bowl of piping hot saimin arrived at the table.

The bowl was filled to the rim with noodles and broth, then garnished with some char siu, a couple of slices of kamaboko (fish cake), some chopped mustard cabbage (kai choy) and Chinese cabbage (won bok) and quite a bit of aburage (deep fried tofu).  The bowl of saimin was warm, flavorful and comforting, but just a little salty.  There were six wun tuns floating in the bowl, and although they were meaty, the wun tun skins were just a little to thick.

To go along with my bowl of saimin, I also ordered two bar-b-q beef sticks (US$1.85).

Marinated pieces of beef are first skewered before being grilled.  This time, the beef was a little tough and dry, and I really didn't enjoy the coating of overly sweet bar-b-q sauce.  In fact, when the bar-b-q sticks were brought to the table, the bar-b-q sauce started to become a little "firm" and jelly-like.

The saimin here at Boulevard is OK.  Not the best, in my opinion, but definitely good enough to be considered when you're craving saimin and it's raining outside.  There are quite a few choices on the menu, so you won't be stuck with too few options.  The service here is efficient and friendly, and the prices are reasonable considering the size of the bowl and the amount of ingredients in it. 

Boulevard Saimin
1427 Dillingham Boulevard
Telephone:  808.841.7233

Comments

[Kirk]

Hi Reid - Ick, too much "stuff" on the BBQ stick - where's the carmelization???? It almost looks like a wax figure in the photo!

[milgwimper]

I have to agree with Kirk. Way too much stuff on the BBQ stick and it looks unappetizing.

[AugustusGloop]

Me three. I believe I winced when I saw the skewers!

The saimin looks pretty generous though (although a little cabbage-y).

[umami]

eiyar me too, but at least now I know what is saimin.

[Reid]

Hi Kirk,

You know what's funny is that the bar-b-q sticks were never like this. I wonder if they were being lazy because it was late. *sigh*

I'm going to have to remember never to have them here again.

Hi Milgwimper,

I actually gasped when I saw them. I almost had half the mind to tell them to take it back, but by then I had already paid the bill. In fact, since it was late and almost closing, I paid the bill when I ordered. I'll just have to remember not to order the bar-b-q sticks here again.

Hi AG,

The saimin was good, but the stock/broth (dashi) has gone downhill in recent years. It actually used to be a lot better. I don't know what happened. Maybe it was just an off night.

The bar-b-q sticks were a definite let down. I need some satay!

Hi Umami,

Long time no hear! =)

Saimin is actually like Chinese won ton noodle soup, except the nooodles and the won ton are different. Garnishings are usually just limited to stuff like chopped char siu and chopped green onions.

[Kirk]

Hi Reid - I had a dream/nightmare about those BBQ Sticks - I think that picture had some weird subliminal impact....sheesh!

[MBS]

As much as I like Pho, etc, I still miss good old saimin. I guess saimin's heyday has passed. Seems most of the old saimin places have closed up. =(

[Big BoK]

I had to take a look .. again ..at the beef stick thingie.. hehehe! the saimin looks good though.. :)

[Clinton]

A good friend of mine recently raved about Boulevard Saimin but somehow your pictures sure didn't bring the best of it. I think I'll first try Palace and use that as my source of comparison in November.

[Reid]

Hi Kirk,

LOL! OK...I won't order them ever again!

Hi MBS,

Yes, saimin's heyday has passed. I guess there's no need for me to continue posting about it any longer.

Hi Big BoK,

I had to look more than once too. In fact, I ate those last after I was done with the bowl of saimin. I actually swished the bar-b-q sticks around in the saimin broth to get some of the sauce off.

Hi Clinton,

I'm sure there are lots of people that like Boulevard Saimin, but I feel that it has changed in recent years. It really was a lot better. I hope that you enjoy Palace Saimin as much I have over the years.

BTW...I had no idea you were visiting in November! Hope you have a great time while you're here.

[Clinton]

Reid,

Thanks for all of your recommendations on places to eat in Honolulu. As you know, I have my own favorites but I still like to hear about other suggestions of places I haven't tried yet. I've got mental notes of the places you've visited and need to try some of them in November. Yes, my wife and I usually attend the yearly wholesale craft show at the Blaisdell Center (formerly the HIC Arena when I was growing up) plus the Okinawa Cultural show around Mililani and the one at the old Mission Church (Kawaihao?). Will be revisitng Big City Diner, Kim Chee II, and Sekiyas as our usual "must go" places. This time we actually need to stop off in Kapahulu and try Ono's for Hawaiian food. I heard pros and cons comparing it to People's.

Thanks again for all of your recommendations.

[Reid]

Hi Clinton,

Have a nice time on your trip. I hope your old favorites are as good as always. If you do try any new places, I'd be interested in hearing about how you liked them.

[Michele]

I work in Kalihi and eat there at least twice a week.I have to disagree and say the bar-b-que sticks are pretty good. The saimin is on point and the shrimp/mushroom tempura sticks are to die for! I'm usually pretty picky about saimin (don't like Shiros or Palace) but find Boulevard Saimin to be pretty tasty;)