Shiro's Saimin Haven — Restaurant in Oʻahu

I really wanted to be impressed by this place. It has a lot of community support and it's been in Hawaii for decades, so I was really expecting a lot from this place. Instead, I feel very letdown.

For a place that supposedly has 65+ saimin options, there are only 2 "vegetarian" saimin options in this place. The reason "vegetarian" being in quotes is that when asked, they admitted the #16/#43 "vegetarian" saimin uses the same meat bone dashi they use for all their other saimin. So why even label it as vegetarian when the soup itself contains meat?

So okay, 2 not really vegetarian options out the window -- but the menu is pretty expansive, so surely there's some dry options of the noodles that can be made without meat? Nope, we were denied ANY possible combination that could give us vegetarian options. They couldn't even do cooked saimin noodles with veggies and some seasoning, they couldn't make a fried version vegetarian, it was overall quite insulting. You have a menu that is 4+ pages long filled with tons of ways to customize your own saimin bowl but you won't give us the decency to make just a veggie saimin? Is that really too hard to do in this day and age?

And let's not forget how laughable the spice options are for saimin. It's Tabasco and horseradish. Is it really too much to expect chili/pepper at any noodle house?

I shouldn't have gotten my hopes up about this place. The service was good though -- the lady was attentive about keeping our waters topped, and I loved the words of wisdom they had plastered around the restaurant from its late founder. I just had really high expectations for the food and was let down...

I had to take my 3rd CT scan this year at Pali Momi today so because i was in my hometown of Aiea, i had to stop by in Waimalu Shiro’s to take out lunch. I was a little concerned because of some recent reviews it received but I’m always one to decide for myself and I hoped my childhood spot wasn’t just a great memory. I was not disappointed. I always got the country fried noodles with teri beef stick and it was delicious!!! Perfect. I also ordered a medium green river drink. Hit the spot!!! Im so so sorry I didn’t take any pics!!! I was starving so I literally was wolfing it down 😓 but I promise to include pics in about a week because i need to go to Straub this time so I’m coming back here for lunch!!! I will take pics. 😁👍My husband had the double hula cheeseburger and enjoyed it alot. Juicy double patties and tasty he said. He had large fries which were nice and hot. Cooked crispy! Needed Salt though. I think they forgot but forgiveness should be extended more in this world right? EVERYONE makes mistakes. The local girl taking my order was kind and friendly, service was quick. Very happy customer. Will definitely be back! Support our local small businesses!

Update: Came Back to pick up lunch to go after Rehab. Still great as ever! Especially the teri beef sticks! Took pics today too. Hope you enjoy your meal here as much as we did.

Won Ton Soup is a favorite with my mom. She loves it. Tasty broth and perfectly cooked WonTons around 6pcs. Pieces of Char Siu ,generous amounts of Hakusai (won bok) and a sprinkle of green onion. The Husband enjoyed the homemade juicy Hamburger Steak with onions & gravy all...

The word “saimin” will always perk up my ears. Add in “haven” and my want turns into a need.

ATMOSPHERE: Located in the Waimalu SC strip mall, Shiro’s is a clean, no-frills spot with a good amount of indoor seats. The rear dining room offered views of the kitchen.

RESERVATIONS: None taken.

PARKING: Adequate amount of free parking within the bustling strip mall.

MENU: Extremely lengthy menu of saimin, breakfast, sandwiches, burgers and plate lunches. No alcohol.

FOOD: #4 Wun Tun Min with Garnishes I chose the regular size which was a generous portion and medium-cooked noodles that were textured just past al dente. Presented searing hot (thank you), the broth was clean, light and just needed a dash more salt. The wun tun were plentiful and nicely-stuffed, but the wrappers were overcooked and borderline mushy, the dish’s only downfall. Garnishes included sliced packaged ham, won bok,char siu, green onions and sliced scrambled egg. Recommended.

The spouse enjoyed the #12 Combination Saimin and Udon with Vegetables and Garnishes which came only as a large size judging by the bowl and a Ham with Egg Sandwich (though with some wilted lettuce).

SERVICE: Greeting was fairly quick but came from the back of the restaurant, not at the posted sign.

No greeting from the male server, just pen & pad in hand, though he was friendly. Two female staff members checked on us.

Food came out quick and served hot.

OVERALL: A local-style diner with an...