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Tenkaippin Ramen
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 11 am - 10 pm
Fri-Sat 11 am - 11 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Beer & Wine Only
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
349 reviews for Tenkaippin Ramen
Review Highlights
"The KOTTERI RAMEN IS DELICIOUS AND ADDICTING."
(in 199 reviews)
"Tonight I had their Spicy Tan Tan Ramen ---Extra Spicy."
(in 13 reviews)
"The owner is a local celebrity from Ultimate Japan."
(in 16 reviews)
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349 reviews in English
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Review from Courtney T.
Kaneohe, HI
2/8/2012
The kotteri ramen is the best ramen I've ever eaten. This is saying a lot since I ate my way through Japan for two years. Plus I've been to practically every ramen shop in Hawaii.
At Tenkaippin, the kotteri broth is thick, savory and almost buttery. In fact, the broth is supposedly made out of animal bones, which the restaurant claims is good for the health. I don't know if this is true, but hey, another excuse to eat kotteri ramen? I'm so there.
The combos are pretty good if you like gyoza and fried rice (both are decent). But my thinking is, why fill your stomach with food that is not kotteri ramen?
The service is typical for a ramen shop: Hurry and order! Hurry and eat! Hurry and get out! Which is fine because it gets pretty crowded.
The biggest problem about this restaurant is that they don't do take out. If they did, I would order like 10 bowls of kotteri ramen to go and eat them over the course of a week. And it would be the best week ever. (^__^)v -
Review from Michael M.
Honolulu, HI
1/29/2012
Things that are addicting:
1) Caffeine
2) Gambling
3) Angry Birds
Things that are not addicting:
1) Paying Taxes
2) Kotteri Ramen at Tenkaippin
The menu at this restaurant tells you that the Kotteri Ramen is addicting. It is a good, thick chicken-based broth that is flavorful, but not addicting. Service is good depending on when you come here. You can tell by the clientele that this is some kind of nostalgia trip for Japanese tourists and ex pats...kinda like going to Rome and finding a Zippy's. Gyoza and fried rice here are also good, but would be something your Japanese mother in law can whip up.
Now I can save all that money on rehab. -
Review from Joann Christine H.
Waipahu, HI
1/28/2012
Kotteri ramen is their specialty. Nothing else in the menu really jumps out. The fried rice is well...rice that is fried effortlessly, and the gyoza isn't really the business.
Call me out if I'm wrong, I mean we all have our opinions, right? I think the filipino in me loves the Kotteri ramen because the soup kind of reminds me of the taste of balut. There, I said it! Yummy, nonetheless.
I'm always a full happy camper when I leave the restaurant as long as I stick with my usual. -
Review from Robert D.
Updated - 1/10/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Gotta say I still love this place. I came in hungry and left really happy (and full).
Good:
If you've ever ordered the Kotteri, do so with extra noodles. For $1.75 more it is so much more delicious and filling!
Fried Rice is so good, got to try it with the combo meal and with a little shoyu it's really awesome.
Bad:
I think they changed the Kotteri broth, I remember it being a little more salty (can other people verify?). Perhaps they took out the MSG or whatever because the broth was rather bland this time around... Please change it back to the way it was, or I'll just bring my own bottle of MSG and add it myself.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/20/2011
Today, I woke up saw that it was raining and immediately thought of getting a nice hot bowl of… Read more »
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Review from Jodi S.
12/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
Ever have those moments when you crave a food, go through a lot of trouble to get it, finally have it in front of you and it's....just eh? That was me at Tenkaippin.
Maybe I had built up my expectations during the crave period, but I swear the last time I had the Kotteri, it was better tasting. Maybe I'm just getting old and my memory is going? Either way, it just wasn't that great. The broth was just as thick and creamy as I remember. But something was missing. Thank goodness for the garlic. Garlic, similar to bacon, just makes everything better.
Bf ordered the Assari and he seemed happy enough with it. He got the combo that came with fried rice and 3 gyoza. I scored a gyoza and it tasted like, well, gyoza. Nothing special, but tasty enough. The fried rice was not so tasty though. It was really oily. I'm not fond of that just-licked-an-old-oily-pan taste. Good thing my thick Kotteri broth coated my mouth and erased the remnants of fried oil rice flavor.
Combined with the fact that Tenkaippin is a little run down hole in the wall with difficult parking and near non-existent service, I anticipate that I will not get another Kotteri craving for a while.Listed in: Amen to ramen!
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Review from Justin S.
San Gabriel, CA
1/9/2012 1 Check-in Here
I usually have to get one bowl from here when I visit home since it's something different from the ramen I usually eat in LA. I don't crave it but I think it's tops for ramen taste and quality in Oahu.
By recommendation from my friend Brandon Y. I tried the kossari (half and half)....much better texture from the close to gravy of the original kotteri broth. Still love the kaarage here and the spicy garlic is a must when eating the ramen! Remember: SPICY GARLIC for your ramen is a MUST! K Hawaii, peace. -
Review from Summer T.
12/24/2011
Wanted to love Tenkaippin because I heard their thick kotteri broth was better than Gomaichi...but...it just wasn't. At least not for me. The broth is so thick that it's almost like curry, which was good, but not what I had anticipated. It's a small restaurant and supplies are jampacked in every open space, so sitting quarters were a little tight. Parking is rough--we ended up circling the parking lot a zillion times before a space opened up.
Maybe someday I'll come back and dry a different dish if I'm in the area... -
Review from Lynvi S.
11/28/2011 2 photos
Kotteri broth mixed with Assari broth = KOSSARI BROTH!!!
Prior to my Kossari discovery, I didn't really care for Tenkaippin. The Kotteri broth tastes like the remnants of a Costco rotisserie chicken after the meat is removed, add a stick of butter and a can of chicken broth, then throw it all in a blender on high for 30 seconds. Their Assari broth is too salty and too oily. The service sucks, the restaurant is grungy and run down, and parking is limited.
On my most recent trip to Tenkaippin, I decided to try a half-half mix of Kotteri and their other broth. I think this so-called Kossari broth is wonderful! The server explained that it's actually Kotteri mixed with their soup base used to make all the other broths before adding shoyu, miso, etc. The Kossari broth still has a lot of the Kotteri flavor but without that thick and gritty chicken sludge texture. It's like a lighter, less intense, version of the Kotteri. I'd recommend trying the Kossari broth if you think the the Kotteri is too gnarly for your tastes. I'm totally a fan!
Besides adding the chili garlic paste, I also added a side order of fried garlic to my soup for the ultimate garlicky ramen experience. Awesome.
Based on my most recent visit, I would give Tenkaippin four stars because the food was great and the server was good and happy to answer all of my questions about the different broths. However, I won't forgive Tenkaippin for all of my past two star experiences with meh food and horrible, horrible service. -
Review from Tracy K.
Dallas, TX
12/29/2011
I'm a HUUUGE fan of spicy tantan men so was pretty excited to see that this place had some to offer. The ramen looked the part of tantan with the orange-ish soup and ground beef in the middle and was nicely spicy. The broth was delicious and I found myself spooning up the rest after I finished all the noodles. The gyoza was also quite tasty.
The only reason this place doesn't quite get 5 stars for me is because the sign is difficult to see from the road. I didn't see it until I was smack in front of the restaurant. Also, they don't take credit/debit and personal checks so be sure to grab some cash before you go. -
Review from Cynthia L.
Honolulu, HI
12/7/2011
So, the bf and i decided to go have something soupy for dinner since I'm still a bit under the weather.
We parked at the Starbucks parking lot, and walked over to Tenkaippin and noticed there were two people waiting outside already. Deciding to put our names down, we noticed an empty table (that seats 5) with a reserved sign on it. Not thinking much of it we told the server to put us down for 2. She told us its about a 20-25 minute wait, which was fine with us.
As the bf and I were waiting with the one other couple outside for a table or seats to open up, a group of three arrive. At this time, we were debating whether or not to go somewhere else. So, there's about 7 people waiting outside when another person arrives walks in and asks for a table for 4. The waitress then asks where her other party was. The girl responds saying that they're looking for parking. The server comes outside and asks us if we were all waiting for 2. We all nod and so, the waitress, goes back inside and seats the new party. WTF. I thought it was reserved, then I remember this place does not even take reservations.
If it was, reserved why would you ask if we are all parties of 2 or 3. Then, I realized it was never reserved to begin with, but held up for bigger parties. We left soon afterwards. To me, its the 'principal,' not about the food. I can take my $$$ and go elsewhere, and this is Kapahulu...the entire strip is filled with restaurants. -
Review from Mike C.
Honolulu, HI
12/7/2011
Came in for dinner, the other nite with my gf, was asked to wait 30mins even tho there were a couple of tables opened. Minus a star.
What really got to me was the fact that there were "Reserved" signs on two of the tables. I thought this place does not do reservations?!
There's also a CASH only policy too. Minus another star.
Service is not the best. No water refill and as soon as it looks like your about done, they deliver your bill to you. You feel as if your being rushed, so that they can seat their next customer. Minus another star.
Don't think I will be back for a while unless they improve there customer service and the seating arrangement. -
Review from Shelly i.
10/21/2011
If you had asked me a year ago, I would have said Tenkaippin was one of my all time favorite ramen stops. Now? Not-so-much. The broth can be too salty at times and the chili-garlic paste jars are too tiny now. I use up half a jar at one sitting! The wait staff is also not as friendly as the old crew. At least they stopped playing Ultimate Japan all the time.
Aside from comparing this place to its former self, the parking is a big hassle here. Tenkaippin is in the complex adjacent to Jack in the Box on Kapahulu and shares a parking lot with Starbucks, Jamba Juice, Kozo Sushi, a tanning place, Good Guys, and Edward Jones. It would be nice to park at the lot next to Papa John's since that complex is losing tenants left and right (the Soccer Locker guy said they're raising the rents), but the landlords will still tow your a$$.
One good thing about the broth quality going downhill is that there isn't as long of a wait to get in now. I used to have to que up outside of the restaurant during peak hours, but now I go in and am pretty much guaranteed a seat.
Seating is counter style unless you are in a group of three or more. They might let you have a table then. There is a bookshelf of manga (Japanese comics) to read while you're waiting. I'm not sure on bathroom facilities because I've never had the need.
It's cash only and no take out (to preserve the quality of the ramen) and a typical meal for me (kotteri ramen with gyoza) usually runs around ten dollars. The fried chicken is also available as a set and is good. They serve that on a bed of shredded cabbage with a light dressing.
I've heard that the founder of Tenkaippin in Japan drinks the kotteri broth every day to keep a smooth complexion. Supposedly the collagen from the chicken bones keeps the skin wrinkle free. Lately its been hit or miss for me, but when it was good I could see myself drinking the kotteri every day. As a skin care experiment, of course. -
Review from Kate V.
I got to try Tenkaippin for the first time in Okinawa when I worked there the past two years. Officially, it was where I learned the difference between kotteri (thick) and assari (light) when it comes to soup. Although Tenkaippin was not my favorite of all the ramen places I tried in Japan (I prefer Hakata style), I still made a mental note to check out the Honolulu location when I found out there actually was one outside of Japan (figures it would be in my home state, since Hawaii is basically an extension of Nihon-land).
I made my triumphant return to Tenkaippin a few days ago when my mom, grandma and I decided to try it for lunch. What's cool about the place is that it feels like some of the ramen shops I've been to in Japan, where customers are greeted with a warm round of "irrashaimase!" upon entrance and presented with a shelf full of manga should they want to enhance their overall experience with a little light reading of Japanese comics. They also show Hawaii's Japanese TV station (we had fun watching one of those eating shows where everything the hosts try is "OISHII!" during our lunch).
As for the ramen itself, the broth here is a chicken base rather than the typical pork base, which is pretty rare to find these days unless you're at home making instant ramen. I went with the same thing I ordered the last time--the assari ramen (was told by my Japanese coworker that the kotteri was TOO heavy, which Yelpers themselves seem to be split down the middle about). The noodles here are Chinese-style (mine came out not too firm, not too soft). The toppings are pretty simple, with a medium slice of chashu (not super high quality but cooked just right), some menma (pickled bamboo shoots), and green onions. The broth was light and comforting. Though much like the first time I again wasn't blown away by this bowl of ramen, this time I did find it to be refreshing, and a nice change from all the pork broth I've been sipping lately. I also enjoyed the fried rice that came with the combo I ordered (better than the one that came with it in Japan! A regional difference where Hawaii wins).
A tad pricey. But well-executed, pretty authentic, and a nice change from the typical mediocre ramen you'll find around Hawaii (WAY better than Goma Tei, in my opinion... in fact I feel like dropping Goma Tei another star now that I've tried Tenkaippin). Somehow I like it more in Hawaii than I did in Japan! -
Review from Jonathan P.
Honolulu, HI
I just ate at Tenkaippin for the first time! Can you believe it?! Back in high school I worked in the Kapahulu area for 3 years and I never ate at Tenkaippin...what was I thinking?!
So I ate at Tenkaippin around 1:00pm on a Monday and it was pretty empty. Aside from me and my friends there were only 4 other people sitting around the counter. What really got to me was the fact that there were "Reserved" signs on three of the tables and a few counter seats. I thought this place had no reservations?! When me and my friends asked to sit at a reserved table further away from the door they said it was reserved...come on, who are you trying to kid? But I guess the table near the door was better than no table at all.
I quickly forgot about the whole table ordeal after having my first spoonful of kotteri! If you love thick broth ramen then their signature kotteri ramen is for you! I got the Combo B kotteri which comes with their kotteri ramen http://www.yelp.com/us... and gyoza for $10.95. The kotteri broth is probably by far the thickest broth I've ever had, and it tasted amazing! You can even add the garlic sauce to amplify the already amazing flavor! The only downside to the kotteri was that the broth was so thick that it stuck to the noodles. So by the time you finish all your noodles you barely get to drink the broth. I personally like to drink the broth at the end but with only a few spoonfuls of soup I felt a tad bit incomplete. I really wish there was more broth!
All in all I liked Tenkaippin. The only downside was that it took awhile to get our food out and that the parking in Kapahulu sucks (the parking lot is shared with Kozo Sushi, Jamba Juice, Starbucks, Sunsplash tanning, etc). Oh and make sure to have cash, this is yet another "CASH ONLY" place. I would be eat at Tenkaippin everyday If only they took credit cards.Listed in: Japanese Tabemono (food), Sorry, we are CASH ONLY
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Review from Mikayla M.
Oakland, CA
11/27/2011
I moved back to California, and i DREEEAAAAM about there Kotteri Raman. Theres really nothing like it. I promise you'll LOVE IT!
I pray to the Lord that they open one somewhere in the Bay Area or CA. [fingers crossed] -
Review from Brandon Y.
Honolulu, HI
Tenkaippin is usually hit or miss with everyone. Either they really like their popular thick Kotteri Broth, or they hate it. If you like the Kotteri but it's a little too thick for you, try the Kossari! It's a mix of the thick Kotteri Broth and the Assari Shoyu Broth. Come's on perfect!. Don't forget to throw their special garlic in it and mix it up, just be ready to have nasty garlic breath when you're done. That being said, the gyoza and fried rice here are just meh... it's disturbing to have great ramen with lame sides so that's why it's getting 3 stars and not 4.
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Review from AAP B.
Honolulu, HI
1/30/2012 1 Check-in Here
The wait was a little long....But the Ramen is off the hook!!
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Review from Jared W.
My friend told me this place was the best Ramen... after eating here I still think Gomaichi has the best ramen!
Anyways, let's continue with the review!!!!
I came here with 2 of my friends.
As soon as we walked in someone helped us sit down. The service was quick and decent.
We shared some Gyoza and I got the Spicy Tan Tan Ramen.
Gyoza- It was pretty good!!
http://www.yelp.com/us...
Gyoza- good
Spicy Tan Tan Ramen
http://www.yelp.com/us...
The First bite was pretty good, the noodles were skinny and firm.
There is ground pork which makes the ramen taste interesting. The soup's spiciness isn't too strong. As you start eating more and more it gets better.
The Spicyness seemed to stay on my lips and the ramen was a good way for me to clear my sinus.
It also had a Peanut or peanut butter flavor to it.
Kirin ICHIBAN- http://www.yelp.com/us...
This place serves Kirin!! Awesome
The prices are not the cheapest but I seen worst.
Here is a picture of some of the menu items
http://www.yelp.com/us...
The Worst Part of this place is the freaking commercials with the little kids about MMA or some kind of fighting gear or something. I think I heard that commercial about 30 times. I understand that they want to sell some apparel there but if you make the most irritating commercial and keep playing it. I think not only will no one buy the MMA gear your selling but you will lose your restaurant customers.
I probably won't come back for awhile, only to give this place another shot.. probably after I forget that they play irritating commercials on their TV. -
Review from Jeff W.
12/2/2011
exceptional ramen. the specialty here is the kotteri ramen. the broth is savory, thick, and rumored to be made from melted chicken bone marrow. wow! there is nothing else like it! gyoza are fresh and very delicious. a lot of the ingredients are flown in daily from Japan to maintain the authenticity of flavor. this is a large ramen restaurant chain in Japan with this location in Hawaii as its only US noodle shop.
BEST RAMEN i have had!
cannot wait to return to Oahu and make a B-line straight here!Listed in: oodles of noodles
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Review from Mahina C.
10/26/2011 4 Check-ins Here
This is ramen for the SOUL!
Probably the best ramen shop in hawaii hands down. The broth koterri? is just delicious. kind of thick, but still tasty. Service here is good and fast. It's a small place so anything 3 or smaller they'll ask for you to sit at the counter, unless it's dead then you can ask to sit at the tables. Its understandable since this place is usually jammin and busy. I usually get the B or C set. Comes with your choice of ramen and gyoza or fried chicken. Their fried rice is pretty bomb too so if you want that, that's A set. The noodles aren't mushy but chewy! just how i LOVE'em!
Parking is located in the same lot as Jamaba Juice & starbucks kapahulu so it's small and compact and limited. Come early lunch or early dinner. when you do, sit, eat, enjoy!
BTW, they don't do take out so unless you have the time to sit and enjoy, i wouldnt recommend! -
Review from Joshua Nohea L.
Honolulu, HI
10/30/2011
KOTTERI! This place is known for its Kotteri, which makes it the best ramen place we have eaten at. Every person we have taken to Tenkaippin has loved it; and cannot wait to go back. Why, is this? It's because they order the Kotteri. Therefore, if you have judged this place without indulging in the Kotteri ramen, YOU need to stop crying, go back and try the Kotteri (not the Tan Tan ramen or something else).
Order: the Kotteri with a side fried rice and fried chicken. Add some spicy garlic and vinegar to your fried rice and with your left over broth (gravy!) add the rice. Thank us later. -
Review from James G.
10/9/2011
The Spicy Tan Tan Ramen is pretty good. Actually its the only thing I like on the menu. To me Goma Tei is better. You can get a decent bowl of ramen here for a good price though.
Service is always good. They make sure you never run out of water when you are scarfing down some spicy tan tan ramen. I actually ate here 3 times in the span of two weeks. They definitely need to play a new episode of that show they are always playing.
"If can can if no can go home!"
Just a few notes:
-Bring cash because its cash only.
-Nearest atm is at Jamba Juice and is a Bank of Hawaii atm. Jamba closes at 9.
-Park in back lot near Jamba Juice and the tanning salon.
-Don't chance parking across at Jack in the Box. I've seen people get towed. -
Review from Thomas O.
I'm single and most of my friends are...well, not. So how does that make me feel?
Some might say "lonely." Ehh on some nights, but I'm usually too busy to notice.
Others may say "self-conscious." Pfft. Not even close.
Then there are those who say, "empty." No way, Jose.
Whatever they think I am or feel...fuck 'em. Because I can eat Tenkaippin Ramen and not worry one bit about anything AND laugh in their face with my garlic breath! HAH!
Go in wearing borro borros? No worries brah!
Hungry like Konishki? No worries brah!
$12 bowl of ramen? No worries brah!
Forgot the bib? No worries brah!
Weight gain? No worries brah!
Heart attack? No worries brah!
Stink breat'? No worries brah!
Bad gas? No worries brah!
No worries brah!
Like Tim P says, you can eat Kotteri Ramen all day and enjoy the single life. I definitely will.
Last night in particular I wanted something fulfilling. I was walking all over Chinatown but wasn't happy with the food truck selection. I was waiting on pretty much everyone to join me, but everyone got busy or was taking longer than I expected. That's okay! I'm independent...so I thought, where could I eat alone and still look like a bad ass?
Nordstrom Marketplace? Nope. I'm not that successful yet.
Ah Lang? Nope. I NEED friends for moral support.
Fast food? I definitely will not. So where does that leave me?
Tenkaippin! YES! They have decently priced meals, bar seating, beer and a big screen TV (albiet one that loops that crazy OC16 Japanese show). What more could a bachelor like me need?
Very quick service and very nice people. Big water glasses that never go empty. Just an overall great ramen place.
I always order the Tenichi Koterri set (ramen + fried rice + gyoza) on the back of the menu for like $14 with tax because it fills me up and never lets me down. I like to put the broth on my fried rice. Don't ask why, but it seems to taste delicious to me..oh yeah and put a shitton of garlic paste if you really wanna be a bachelor(ette) for life!
Review 33: #033/100Listed in: Phe-NOMNOMNOM-enal Food!, Yelp 365 Challenge
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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5/6/2010
G-zuhs, this place satisfies me well.
Kotteri with Fried Rice and Side Gyoza is so winnahs.
Took a… Read more »
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Review from Sara T.
9/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love ramen, and I love thick, creamy ramen broth, but Tenkaippin just takes it to a whole new level with their kotteri ramen. It's a level that I don't really want to be on ever again...
You know it's about to be a new experience from the very beginning, when they serve you your food and you notice that the broth is the consistency of thin gravy, and instead of sloshing around in the bowl, it jiggles...
The flavor was very tasty, I will admit, but the consistency just made it hard to eat. The noodles were decent, nothing special. I really felt like I was dipping ramen noodles in plate lunch gravy.
Maybe all it needed was some of this deep fried garlic everyone is talking about, but it just didn't do it for me. Also, there was a disappointing lack of condiments - just a medium sized piece of chashu (which was yummy), a few bamboo shoots and lots of green onions, but no egg, no bean sprouts. I guess with all that salty gravy sauce, you don't really need any more flavor.
I ordered Set B (ramen and 3 gyoza). The gyoza were pretty tasty with a nice thin skin and lots of meat, but not as perfectly cooked as Gomatei's gyoza.
Service was quick and we didn't have to wait to be seated (we had a party of 4 and purposely came at 2:15 to avoid the lunch crowd).
I have yet to find a place in Hawaii that rivals Daikokuya in LA. Guess I'll try Yotteko-Ya next? -
Review from Courtney O.
Honolulu, HI
8/18/2011 1 Check-in Here
Blaaah!
Okay when they first opened, I couldn't get enough of this stuff. The koterri broth was amazing and the fact that they called it healthy healthy had me going every week. But after a while, things just fell apart.
I stopped going a while ago because the service started to really get on my nerves. It is like they just want you in and out. They do not want to refill your water and they do not want you to stay and talk story. They give you your bill almost immediately after you order! Out out out!! RUDE!!
The broth used to be thick and creamy and just wonderful. Now it is watery and gross. Ewww!
One time on our bill there was some weird foreign symbol and then a price next to it of about $5 or so. I was confused so I asked them what it was and they said "tip... but don't worry about it". Excuse me? I'm here with one other person and you are deciding how much I am going to tip you!? RUDE! They obviously were trying to get more money out of us because they thought we were tourists? THE NERVE!! Then when she realized we weren't tourists she tried to play it off like it was a mistake. Horrible!!
And the TV showing the video is so loud and repetitive. Not what I want to see or hear when I sit down for a bowl of ramen.
I will never be going here again. Never. -
Review from Krystn Y.
8/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
I never really think of a place specifically for their side dishes, but Tenkaippin is one of the first places that I've done so for.
MMMMMMMM! DEEP FRIED GARLIC......... . .. . . .. .... . They basically throw a whole bulb of garlic into the deep fryer and serve it up on a dish for you. I LOVE garlic, and this was simplistically creative, as I have never seen it anywhere else!
I also had the garlic steak from here, which wasn't half bad. It had garlic chips thrown in which were sometimes too hard to chew.
It was about $35 bucks to feed 3 people at dinner, and make sure to bring cash as Tenkaippin is CASH ONLY and DINE-IN ONLY. No take out. :(
They share parking with the Starbucks/Kozo/Jamba and all the little shops around there as well, so it can get really tight and hard to get parking at times. -
Review from Ryan B.
Sacramento, CA
11/6/2011
I think there must be some kind of building problem as this place smelled like an chemical filled attic on a hot day. Our hotel concierge recommended this place to us, and after spending 30 minutes in here for a lunch i swear i almost passed out from whatever the smell was in the building.
The food is standard, and service is as expected. I would come back if they moved locations. -
Review from CJ Y.
Honolulu, HI
10/23/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been going here for years, ever since they were located in Waikiki. Their Kotteri Ramen is very unique, it's a rich and thick chicken based broth. Sometimes its on the bland side so I add extra kotteri sauce which is located with all the other condiments. They also have a spicy garlic paste which you can add, it's very popular, but I prefer without. I also like their fried rice because there's pieces of charsiu in it.
FOOD: 4/5 stars (due to inconsistency of flavor of broth, sometimes bland or salty)
SERVICE: 4/5 stars (the men seem to be more friendly than the women, but they always fills up your water)
PRICES: 4/5 stars (it's consistent to other ramen places, the combos are always your best bet)
ATMOSPHERE: 4/5 stars (typical Japanese style ramen shop where they squeeze in as many people as they can, nothing fancy)
LOCATION: 3/5 stars (it's always a hit or miss because parking is limited and it's always crowded due to the fact that they're located next to Starbucks, jamba, and etc.)
TIP: cash only.
I notice you either love it or hate it, I honestly have been disappointed lately with the inconsistency of the flavor especially since this was my all time favorite for years, I think I'm being generous giving 4 out of 5 stars, but I'm hoping things will come around and they'll go back to how they used to be. -
Review from Brandon O.
Waipahu, HI
10/16/2011
Found myself in Waikiki this afternoon and after a long day at the beach, figured I check out Tenkaippin. I've been to the Kalakaua location some years ago, but this was the first time at the Kalakaua spot.
I ordered the Spicy Tan Tan Ramen and my son ordered the Miso Ramen set with the fried rice. We also shared a 6 piece gyoza and a side order of Char siu. While the Tan Tan Ramen was good, I expected it to be a little spicier. The broth was nice and rich and had a lot of flavor. I also like the fact that the noodles were still firm and not over cooked. The gyoza was good, but I tend to prefer that it's a little crispier than it was. Ours today lacked texture. The char siu was very tender and had great flavor. I guess I wished that it was served hot though. I ended up just putting it in my ramen to heat it up. I must admit that one of my favorite things here though is having the chopped garlic/chili's to add into your meal. I put it in my ramen as well as the sauce for the gyoza. Awesome idea to have that available, and I wish it was available at other Ramen places. -
Review from David J.
8/29/2011
Much thanks to another fellow Yelp Elite for introducing me to this joint. Typically, anything sounds good after a long and strenous hike. So my friend suggested this place and i said ok. I have high regards for her suggestions and she hasn't disappointed me yet!
This place was pretty damn good! Definitely different from most saimin or ramen place. They well known for their Kotteri broth ramen and its a little thicker than most...almost like gravy. I thought the broth was just ok. Noodles were well cooked, nice, and firm (as it should be at a minimum!)
What really makes this ramen awesome....is the special garlic seasoning! I absolutely love garlic and I'm sure most normal people will put in one spoonful of garlic. Between me and my friend, we must've emptied out the whole container of garlic! It's a good thing too because we all reaked of fresh BO after our hike and the garlic easily overtook that smell. The gyoza was pretty good and big plus of having Japanese beer on the menu!
The place is really small, hard to park (like most plces along Kapahulu,) and I could imagine it being pretty crazy during regular lunch hours.
Great place for a decent ramen and beer. -
Review from Duffer m.
Honolulu, HI
12/17/2011
Rip off..........over-priced, too little portion for the money. I ate all kinds of ramen in Tokyo, wasn't expecting much since we live on this rock. But hell they can do a little bit better. Never going back. Shirokiya's 2 week ramen battle Kiosk is a lot better.
-
Review from Trisha G.
Honolulu, HI
8/21/2011
I love the kotteri set with the gyoza. It's a small hole in the wall place and most times there is a bit of a wait. Parking is tough too but its always worth it for me.
The kotteri broth is very different. Thick and kinda creamy. You'll either love it or hate it. -
Review from Jermel-Lynn Q.
Honolulu, HI
9/21/2011
This place is cheap. That is one thing that I love. The koterri base is thick so it might not be for some people but for me, I like it. The shoyu based soup may be something that people are used to. However, if you want a unique tasting experience for noodles, then this place is a place that may be for you.
The thing that is junk about this place is the parking. The place shares a parking lot with a lot of other businesses and so it may be hard to find parking. Don't park by the Papa Johns or the Zippys side because you will get towed. Also the restaurant's owner have their own show on OC16. The crappy thing is that you are forced to watch it and let me tell you, it is not really something that I would like to see over and over and over. #justsaying.
However, I think that this place is a place worth trying. The ingredients are all straight from Japan. -
Review from Lisa S.
Waialua, HI
8/19/2011
First of all, the kotteri ramen is delicious. The best part of it is the broth; i had never tasted such a thick and savory soup before. Some people mentioned that it tastes like gravy. I have to agree; in fact, it kind of reminds me of jook. But on the bright side, it's tasty gravy! Also, the noodles are scrumptious. It's totally worth $8.75!
Secondly, service sucks. The waitresses are nice but the wait is almost unbearable. First of all I had to wait in line for 30 minutes, then waited another 20 minutes for my food. I feel like they only have one cook in the restaurant, so I suggest to go during the day to avoid the half hour wait. Nevertheless, still an awesome place.
Lastly, Tenkaippin's ramen is one of the best in Hawaii. However, the last two times I went there, the ramen tasted different. The soup seems more watery and garlic-y. Hopefully it was an oversight and not the change in recipe or the cook. -
Review from Keoki O.
Honolulu, HI
8/20/2011 1 Check-in Here
OMG, Love the broth here - Da bestest on da island.
Always order the Kotteri Ramen, nothing else. Garenz! -
Review from Tellia W.
Honolulu, HI
6/12/2011
I love their ramen! It has a unique thick broth and great noodles. Even the crappy parking and tiny cramped space would not be a problem and well worth the eats. However, parking and sardine seating aside, I cannot stand the obnoxious, horrible, gross TV show that they play in the restaurant, with blaring loud volume.
The place is so small, and the TV is so huge, that you can't get it out of your face. On top of that, they don't let you order take-out, so they force you to sit there and endure that crappy TV show that is produced and hosted by the owner of the restaurant.
The topic of one of the shows actually had the fat, disgusting owner mostly naked getting a skin rub - then he showed the pile dead skin that was sloughed off while we were eating. YUCK!!!
My advice to the owner:TURN OFF YOUR TV!!! or let us order take-out. Your show might be entertaining to watch at home, but I don't want to be forced to watch it while I eat out. I won't be returning to this restaurant until I hear that they've removed the TV or offer take-out. The ramen IS great, so if you eat here, bring earplugs and blinders. -
Review from Jonathan V.
Kapolei, HI
8/6/2011
Synopsis: Koteri and GARLIC..GARLIC! IS PUREEEE HEAVEN! Just thinking about it makes me foooaammm at the mouth, although it'll never match up in Japan. In fact, in Japan this place isn't highly rated. OH OH! It's fine...it's second best to....
Environment: Small whole on Kapahulu.It's quite bright yellow with television running on Japanese shows. Quite a lively place
People: I have never received a problem. I'm patient with anything. Not pushy or anything. Can only fit about 30 people. Reservations is a must on the weekends or later in the evening.
Food: KOTTTERRIIIIIII! Omg... DO IT, JUST DO IT! Everything else is quite mediocre and found everywhere else. If you're still hungry just go to Lenords for dessert.
Cost: CHEAPPYY! Around 10 bucks.
Special Features: MANGA! If you want to practice reading japanese, two bookshelves are dedicated to manga. -
Review from Terry K.
5/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
Heard about this place from many so decided to try. I heard there is a constant line of patrons, waiting to get a seat and parking may be a problem.
Passing, I see no line so I drive around the corner to the parking lot and stalls were available. Parked and went to have an early lunch.
Koterri ramen is what I had - broth was thick, tasty with its own flavors not covered with salt or soy flavoing. Waitress explains the boil the bones for over 10 hours to get such a rich real flavor. The noodles were slightly overdone for my tastebuds.but the broth definitely made up for the overdone-ness.
Tried the qyoza also. It was good. Thin pi and chunky filling; definitely Tenkaippin made.
Tried the fried chcken which was also worth the try. Meat moist, skin crispy but not cripsy "tough" but chrispy "just right" if there is such a definition.
Now for each dish or bowl of ramen you have, don't ignore the sacuses and condiments they have on the counter and tables. They will definitely compliment your meal.
oh one more thing: They don't accept credit cards so be prepared to pay cash for your meail. -
Review from Ira K.
Honolulu, HI
1/12/2012
If possible, I would give this place a higher 3 stars. The proprietary kotteri noodles are always a treat, although don't always taste the same (could be me). So the food part is pretty good, as well as the service. You are seated as soon as possible. Unfortunately, as soon as possible isn't always that soon here because the shop is so small and pretty popular, -1 point for no space plus the fact that you can't do take out since the noodles are, as stated above, proprietary. The parking situation is also limited, as this shop shares parking with at least five others and the lot that is shared is abysmally small (as expected in Hawaii). One thing that could easily be changed is the TV blaring what I assume is meant to be providing background noise. I've been here several times. On one occasion the volume was turned up so high, like it was meant to drawn out any other possible noise as well as scare out any possible customers from entering the store. Also the TV show is really odd: the Tenkaippin owner's family practicing conspicuous consumption all across Japan (I'm sure anyone can make a long list of US shows to match this, still odd though). I pointed this out to my girlfriend and she said this was normal in Japan, -1 for making sure an already limited, overcrowded atmosphere was truly dead.
Aside from that, like I said the kotteri is good, and can only be had at this restaurant. Essentially, the food here sells itself. Definitely worth a try. -
Review from Nimai W.
5/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
Most times, I appreciate good service and a pleasant experience. Other times I just want my food, don't matter if it's served with a smile.
They're fast to serve here, no nonsense. If you look like you know what you want, they'll take your order as they give you your water. Creamy kotteri, spicy tan tan, or soothing assari, the broths are delicious. The Kotteri is a little rich for me, but it's hard to resist. Okay, I shouldn't make it seem like the service here is that bad because it's not. It's what one would expect from a ramen shop. Which is not much. The servers have been friendly with me at times, even though they are always rushing around.
There's a trick to parking at this place.. go late! It's a small lot for how many tenants it serves, you just gotta deal with it. I mean, what are the alternatives? Several of the other best ramen joints in town have terrible or no dedicated parking! Never stops us though.
Yes, the memory of a previous ramen shop in this very space weighs heavy on my heart. (Ajitama anyone?) However, Tenkaippin is slowly winning me over, bowl by bowl.Listed in: My (Sorta) Guilty Pleasures
