Marugame Udon — Restaurant in Honolulu

Marugame Udon, located in the vibrant heart of Honolulu, offers a delightful and authentic taste of Japan that is sure to impress both locals and tourists alike. My visit to this popular eatery was an incredible experience, combining delicious food with a unique dining concept that sets it apart from other restaurants in the area.

From the moment you step inside Marugame Udon, you are greeted by the inviting aroma of freshly prepared udon noodles and a lively, bustling atmosphere. The restaurant’s layout is inspired by a traditional Japanese noodle shop, complete with an open kitchen where you can watch the skilled chefs handcrafting each bowl of udon with precision and care. This transparent cooking process not only guarantees the freshness of the food but also adds an engaging and authentic touch to your dining experience.

The menu at Marugame Udon is straightforward yet diverse, offering a range of udon dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences. One of the standout dishes is the Nikutama Udon, featuring tender slices of beef, a perfectly poached egg, and a rich, flavorful broth. The noodles are cooked to perfection, with a satisfying chewiness that complements the savory toppings beautifully.

For those looking for a vegetarian option, the Kamaage Udon is a must-try. Served in a communal pot of hot water with a side of dipping sauce, this dish allows you to enjoy the pure, unadulterated taste of the udon noodles. The simplicity of the dish highlights the quality and craftsmanship that goes into making each noodle.

One of the unique aspects of dining at Marugame Udon is the customizable tempura bar. After selecting your udon, you can choose from a variety of freshly fried tempura options, including shrimp, chicken, and an assortment of vegetables. The tempura is light, crispy, and perfectly complements the udon dishes. Don’t miss the sweet potato tempura – it’s a delightful treat!

Another interesting feature of Marugame Udon is the self-serve station, where you can add a variety of toppings and condiments to your udon. From freshly chopped green onions and grated ginger to crispy tempura flakes and spicy sauce, the customization options allow you to tailor your meal to your exact taste preferences.

One helpful tip for fellow tourists is to visit during off-peak hours. Marugame Udon is incredibly popular, and the lines can get quite long, especially during lunch and dinner times. Arriving early or dining during mid-afternoon can help you avoid the crowds and ensure a more relaxed experience.

The affordability of Marugame Udon is another aspect that makes it a favorite among both locals and visitors. Despite the high quality of the food, the prices are very reasonable, making it a great option for a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly meal.

For those interested in learning more about Japanese cuisine, Marugame Udon occasionally offers special events and promotions, such as udon-making workshops and seasonal menu items. These events provide a deeper insight into the culinary traditions of Japan and add an extra layer of enjoyment to your visit.

Marugame Udon is more than just a place to eat; it’s a culinary journey that transports you to the heart of Japan with every bite. The combination of freshly made noodles, customizable options, and a lively, authentic atmosphere makes it a must-visit destination in Honolulu. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious and authentic...

When I saw there was a restaurant specifically for udon, I had to go! Usually udon is like a side note on a menu but at this place it was the star of the show! We went at the end of January and this place was perfect for lunch. We actually went twice during our 10 day stay in Honolulu. If my town had one of these I’d be there at least once a week it’s so good. It’s lunch line style so you grab a tray and move down the line. The first time we went here, I got the Tonkotsu Udon (chashu pork, miso ground pork, and season egg) which was so delicious. It’s also cool because as you’re ordering, you can see them making fresh udon noodles in the back. They are making noodles all day long because this place is so popular. Both times we went there was a line outside the door. But don’t let that discourage you because the line moves quick. Near check out they have other add ons like Tempora Veggies and what not and also Spam Musubi. They also had two different drinks beyond the usual fountain sodas that I thought were interesting enough to try. The first time we ate there I got the iced Calamansi-ade which was super refreshing. The second time we ate here I got their Iced Matcha which was very good as well. Also, the second time we ate there I got the Nikutama (sweet beef and soft boiled egg) which is in a sauce rather than in broth so the flavor was really notable. I also tried their Spam Musubi and it was really good! I haven’t had spam much but it was a nice snack on the side. But essentially you get your food, pay, and then sit down and it’s open seating. And even though this place is super popular, there was always a place for us to sit. The staff is really good about turning tables quickly to ensure there’s always a clean place for the next...

I thought this was totally worth the wait. It was so good that we went there back to back days to make sure that everyone in the family was able to try this restaurant. The udon noodles were bouncy and the broth that they were served in had a deafness. We ate about 6 different udon dishes between everyone. The chicken Katsu and the temp is wrote pretty large helping the icing is that you order you see your food being freshly put together and then you pay and then go sit down so the line might be outside the restaurant. Don’t let that intimidate you it would be no different than sitting down at the restaurant making an order waiting 1015 minutes for them to prepare the food. I felt like diners were conscience of eating and then leaving to be able to make room for others the chicken Katsu curry is probably one of the massive had my recollection and I really enjoyed the spicy tan tan udon dish, which is a vegan voice.

The restaurant is clean and attentive one time that we went the Diet Coke wasn’t dispensing. I think they’re out of syrup so I had Coke instead.

The staff were friendly as I had one of my children seven years old instead of having them carry the Trae one of the employees did that for him to help him not spill the udon that he had ordered

Would recommend and next time I’m back in downtown Honolulu. I will try it again.

Note my rating system: 1 Star: I wouldn't recommend 2 Stars: Didn't hit my standards 3 Stars: Average (nothing special) 4 Stars: Above Average. Would recommend. Still looking for the 5 Star. 5 Stars: Top of their game. Great food. Great service. Would recommend and plan...