Episode 7: Menchanko Tei

Menchanko Tei

Location: 903 Keeaumoku St. Honolulu, HI. 96814 (Across Walmart)

Hours: Lunch 11:00 am- 2:00 pm    Dinner: 5:00 pm- 11:00 pm

The Ramen Hunters are back at it again! This week is an exciting one as we visit Menchanko Tei, a hidden gem in Honolulu that not many know of. 

It is located near Walmart and Ala Moana Shopping Center on Keeaumoku st. 

First off let me start by introducing what a Menchanko is. 

So, I know many of you are aware what "Nabe" is right? Nabe is a traditional Japanese hot pot filled with meat and vegetables. It is often eaten during the winter season in Japan, and there are nearly hundred styles of nabe. 

Well menchanko is pretty much an individual nabe but it has ramen noodles in it! 

In Japanese "men" means noodles, and "chanko" is a style of nabe. Hence the name Menchanko. It is originally a food introduced from the Kyushu area of Japan and Menchanko Tei is actually from Fukuoka prefecture in Kyushu.

It's pretty cool how here at Menchanko Tei, each order comes in a metal pot which makes the soup and noodles extra hot. There are five different flavors of menchanko you can order from the menu: Original broth, Miso, Chige-miso, Curry, and Motsu.

Ramen Hunter Cori ordered the Chige Miso menchanko. I am sure for those who is an avid viewer of Ramen Hunters are aware that Cori likes her soup spicy, so she had to order the hot miso. She mentioned how the soup was like a Korean chige, only it had more emphasis on the broth to make the soup a savory one. The noodles are thicker than an average ramen which allows it to have much more flavor in every single bite. A single order also comes with more vegetables and toppings than a normal ramen. It is a one-person nabe that also comes with noodles, so you know its gonna make you full !

Chige Miso Menchanko (Cori)

The dish that Ramen Hunter Takezo ordered is a must have...

We almost didn't want to recommend it on our blog because it is limited in daily quantity. 

We were afraid it might get too popular that they may not have it the next time we go! 

But we had to... just had to share it with all the ramen lovers here in Honolulu.

So allow me to introduce the Motsu Menchanko !

Motsu Menchanko (Takezo)

This is a very traditional dish from the Kyushu area of Japan. Believe it or not motsu is actually Beef intestine! It is an absolute delicacy from Kyushu and in fact Ramen Hunter Natsumi said she used to eat this back home in Japan. Now, Ramen Hunter Takezo, and Kei are from Tokyo, so they are not used to eating motsu. 

But take one bite and you will fall in love. It is a bit chewy and is filled with so much taste, it gets better every time. Best of all, it gives the soup a nice clear broth which is heart warming. It is also common for Motsu menchanko to have lots of garlic, and chopped red chili peppers. Ramen Hunter Takezo noted how well put together the entire ramen is that every bite is a bite to cherish! 

Motsu is also packed with collagen, which is very healthy and good for your skin. 

Motsu is actually very popular in Japan among women, for the effects it has on your health.

You all have to check out the video below to see in detail what both menchanko looks like, and the proper way to enjoy them. We also introduce a combo set they offer at menchanko, and their special lunch menus so you have to click the link below !!!

Menchanko Tei is most definetely approved by we the Ramen Hunters.

http://tim302.com/podcast/f2015/ramen/ep 7 menchanko-tei.mp4

Rating:

Soup: 5/5

Noodles: 4/5

Service: 4/5

Value: 4.75/5

Overall: 4.43/5 

Episode 6: Taiyo Ramen

Episode 6

Taiyo Ramen

Location: 451 Piikoi Street

Hours: 10 am - 3 am

Welcome back to Ramen Hunters! This weeks adventure brought us to Taiyo Ramen, conveniently located right next to the mall in Ala Moana.  This establishment was originally on Ke'eamoku and Kapiolani but was forced to change locations when Nordstrom opened up.  We were extremely hungry for soup especially in the cold rainy weather but it was difficult to find a place that was open before 11.  Taiyo Ramen is one of the only shops that open at 10 am.  Plus they even close late at 3 am so if you're in need of a late night snack this is the perfect spot as well.  And we saw a lot of people doing take out if you're on the go! This small family based restaurant is known to many locals around Oahu and has excellent service.  Most of the time it's family members working front and back of the house and as a customer they make you feel very comfortable like you are family.  

Myself (Corisa) and ramen hunter, Takezo, have eaten at Taiyo before but have ordered smaller dishes such as chicken katsu curry or their fried rice.  Which by the way is excellent and delicious! But we never had the chance to try their ramen soup.  One of the pluses about this ramen shop is the wide variety of options they have; they offer over 16 different types of soup.  They have different soup bases you can choose from shio(salt), shoyu(soy sauce), miso, or curry base.  Believe it or not people also love to come here for their kimchi!  They are owned by a small korean family that has excellent homemade kimchi.  With every meal you receive a complimentary side of kimchi.

Taiyo Ramen is also known for their gyoza.  Their original homemade recipe is known around the island.  As we looked at surrounding tables we noticed many people ordered gyoza.  You can either order 4 or 6 pieces. Kei was so hungry he wanted two orders! But we decided on one 6 piece order because we knew the ramen was on its way.

Ramen hunter, Kei, ordered the butter ramen.  This comes as a shio based ramen topped with bean sprouts, pork, fishcake, green onion, and charsiu with a sliver of butter. Not too much butter but just the right amount to add extra flavor to the broth.  With the butter he didn't need to add shoyu or any other condiments. Kei was feeling a bit bitter with the bad weather, but after the BUTTER ramen he was feeling a lot BETTER!  

Takezo ordered the Mabo tofu ramen.  Mabo tofu is originally a Chinese dish that has a thick spicy chili black bean broth and can either be served over rice or over noodles with onions and bean sprouts.  You may also choose the level of spiciness you like. This ramen is jam packed with flavors and spice!  Since the broth is extra thick when served it was extra hot! Be careful Takezo almost burnt his tongue, but he couldn't wait to eat!  It was so good he barely spoke a word throughout the meal and ate every last noodle.  

I ordered the wonton ramen.  This is a shoyu based ramen that comes with charsiu, fishcake, green onions and sesame oil accompanied with 3 to 4 wontons.  Their homemade pork and shrimp based wontons are extremely appetizing.  I like to create a dipping sauce for my wontons with vinegar, shoyu, and some shichimi, a japanese spice.  The broth was very savory and felt very warming in my stomach on a cold day.   

Overall we enjoyed the family oriented environment and the wide variety of options we had.  Their prices were very reasonable too. The ramen plus the sides of kimchi and gyoza made the perfect meal! Thank you for following our adventures of the search for the best ramen tune in next time!

          



http://tim302.com/podcast/f2015/ramen/ep%206%20taiyo%20ramen.mp4


Rating: 
Soup: 3.75/5
Noodles: 3.5/5
Value: 4.5
Service: 4.5

Overall: 4.1/5

Episode: 5 Santouka Ramen

Hokkaido Ramen Santouka

Location: 801 Kaheka St. Honolulu, HI. 96814 (Ala Moana)

Hours: Monday-Sunday Open: 11 AM to 11PM

In this week’s episode the Ramen Hunters ventured off to Hokkaido Ramen Santouka, located along the line of Don Quijote near Ala Moana. They offer both counter and table seatings. Diners are able to look into the kitchen as the only thing between you and the kitchen is a glass wall.

One thing to note about Santouka is how nice the interior is. It is a white based interior with rows and rows of ramen bowls presented on the wall. Very bright, Very appealing.

As mentioned in its name, Santouka offers Hokkaido style ramen. Some characteristics of a Hokkaido style ramen is in its soup. The broth taken from pork ribs makes a creamy broth that is different from other styles of tonkotsu ramen. Also its toppings, upon request you can add corn and butter which is common to add in a Hokkaido style ramen.

Ramen Hunter Takezo tried their Shio Ramen which is its most common and popular menu item. It is a Tonkotsu based ramen flavored with salt. But don’t get yourself confused, there shio ramen is packed with so much flavor! Not only salt, but there also flavoring from Konbu, or Kelp which gives a taste of the sea. This is Ramen Hunter Takezo’s favorite ramen shop in Hawaii so far, and I got to say I am pretty sure I seen tears in his eyes when he was eating his ramen…   So Delicious !

Shio Ramen (Takezo)

Ramen Hunter Natsumi ordered their shoyu ramen, and trust me when I say it tastes as good as it looks. Again this is not your average Shoyu ramen as it is also flavored with bonito flakes also known as Katsuobushi in Japanese. Hokkaido Prefecture in Japan is known for its seafood, and so it is also incorporated in their ramen to create a savory broth. Natsumi finished every last drop of its soup so you know its gotta be good ! She mentioned how the noodle is again different from an ordinary tonkotsu base ramen. The noodles are not as skinny, but has a nice texture that you can easily slurp.

Shoyu Ramen (Natsumi)

Here at Santouka they also offer a variety of combinations sets to go along with your ramen. Some include the charsiu loco moco or a side of gyoza but the one side I really recommend is the Shake Ikura Gohan. As I mentioned earlier, the Hokkaido prefecture is known for its fish and seafood. The Shake Ikura gohan is grilled salmon flakes and flavored salmon roe on top of a bed of rice. It is absolutely amazing, and I sometimes come to Santouka just to eat this dish. Salmon roe or salmon eggs is a special delicacy in Japan but here at Santouka you can try this for $5.80 on the side of your ramen. Still can’t imagine what it’s like?  We Ramen Hunters tried this out in this week’s episode so please take a look at the video by clicking on the link below !!!

http://tim302.com/podcast/f2015/ramen/episode 5 santoka.mp4

Rating:

Soup: 4.75/5

Noodles: 4/5

Service: 4.5/5

Value: 4.25/5

Overall: 4.38/5

Episode 4: Menya Musashi

Menya Musashi

Location: 560 Pensacola St. Ste. 105 Honolulu, HI. 96814 (Ala Moana)

In episode the gang of Ramen Hunters adventured off to Menya Musashi, located near Ala Moana shopping center on Pensacola St. Menya Musashi is a relatively new ramen joint that opened early this year. It is originally a ramen franchise from Tokyo, Japan and has made it's way here in Honolulu. Their signature ramen is the Shoyu ramen. Its soup made with konbu (sea weed), and dried fish, added with  shoyu flavoring, creates a traditional Tokyo style ramen that is loved by many. Another customer favorite is their goma ramen. Its goma ramen is its traditional shoyu broth mixed with roasted sesame seeds. 

What also makes Menya Musashi so special is its topping. Every ramen is served with a GIANT piece of pork Kakuni, which is a thick, juicy charsiu that has been simmered in a shoyu based sauce. It also comes with aji-tama which is a boiled egg that has also been simmer in shoyu sauce. Ramen Hunter Kei ordered their famous shoyu ramen, while Cori gave the goma ramen a try. 

Also note that every ramen on the menu can be made spicy upon request with no extra charge. You have the choice of levels 1-3 to adjust to your liking.  

Ramen Hunter Kei ate his ramen so fast, and guzzled every last drip of his soup ! 

He mentioned that Menya Musashi's shoyu ramen is #1 here in Hawaii. Originally being raised in Tokyo, he has visited Menya Musashi in Japan many times. Kei said that he used to always eat there after a long hard day from baseball practice. When he first heard that Musashi's opened here in Hawaii, Kei was in shock. He told his fellow Ramen Hunters that he had to introduce this restaurant to everyone! 

Shoyu Ramen (Kei)

Ramen Hunter Cori ordered her Goma Ramen spicy at level 2. She was a bit afraid because it was her first time here so she went with level 2, but after tasting the soup she said it was not hot enough! Cori always demands her ramen to have that extra kick!....or two

She commented that the soup was good, as it was not too thick how some other places do there goma ramen and overall Cori was satified. 

Goma Ramen (Cori)

Both Ramen Hunters had mentioned how good the pork kakuni was. It was so thick and juicy that they could've been satisfied with just the kakuni and a bowl of rice.....

So with that, We'd like to introduce you all to the Musashi Don! 

It is a combination of their pork kakuni, chicken tempura, garlic shrimp, and a soft boiled egg, all served on top of a bed of rice. Yes... it is a dream come true..

Not to mention you can order it on the side of your ramen with their combination deal, and is also available for take out as well.  

Musashi Don (Take out)

So to wrap it all up, Menya Musashi is a well known ramen franchise in Japan and its taste makes it self explanatory. Not only Kei, but all of us Ramen Hunters would recommend Menya Musashi. It is a ramen joint still trying to make its name out there here on the islands, and we all encourage you to give it a try. 

Don't believe us? Click on the link below and watch the video. You're gonna want to try it ! 

http://tim302.com/podcast/f2015/ramen/episode%204%20menya%20musashi.mp4

Ratings:

Soup: 5/5

Noodles: 4.75/5 

Service: 4/5

Value: 4.5/5

Overall: 4.56/5