Calling all “noodists” who live to slurp another day! There’s a new kid in town at the Pearlridge Shopping Center‘s Wai Makai, next to Dunkin’ Donuts. Please give a round of applause and a congratulatory toast to Tina Wang! She is now the proud owner of 3 locations here on Oahu. Yes friends you heard correctly, Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya has three locations! One in Kapolei, Ala Moana, and now at Pearlridge. Search the nearest location to you on Yelp.
To celebrate this wondrous occasion, Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya’s Pearlridge location will be offering their first 50 customers a FREE BOWL OF RAMEN! Say what?! Show of hands as to who’s running over there on grand opening day? Which is May 5th by the way…
However if you’re not running there on their first day of business, not to worry, they will be offering a FREE APPETIZER of their choice to customers who spend $30 or more during their opening weekend from May 8th to the 9th. These are some really great excuses to get over there, cause who doesn’t love FREE FOOD?!
While all locations serve up tasty traditional Izakaya and yummy noods. Each location does have it’s own special offerings to set them apart. The dishes you’re about to see below are EXCLUSIVE to the PEARLRIDGE LOCATION.
STARTING FROM THE TOP LEFT: Tanaka Garlic Volcano Ramen, Clam Chowder Croquettes, Seafood & Vegetables Kushi Katsu (the ones on the stick), Tako Wasabi, and Arabiki Sausage.
My favorite I would say would have to be the Volcano Ramen, the perfect spicyness (although my fellow table mates thought it was a bit much for them) and seriously full of flavor! Foodie tip: Order the Volcano Ramen and the Clam Chowder Croquettes together. The creaminess from those croquettes helps to calm the spicy from the ramen for the perfect balance. They’re amazingly tasty too, and I’m still baffled on how they fried soup into a croquette.
To be honest, this dish right here… I was sort of afraid to try, but I tried it anyway. Raw taco seasoned with a house made wasabi sauce. It may not look so appetizing, but I did eat the whole sample and wanted more! This would taste so good over a bowl of hot rice and some sake to wash it down. I’m a fan! If you’re an adventurous foodie and never had this before, this it something you should at least try ONCE. I know I’ll be back for more!
Besides these exclusive dishes you can still order your regular favorites, like the Tanaka Classic- pork broth, pork chasu (super tasty), kikurage, spicy bean sprouts, green onions, fried onions, garlic oil and a seasoned egg served with with thick noodles.
They also have a popular Spicy Creamy Vegan Ramen – A vegan sauce, green onions, spicy bean sprouts, spinach, atsuage tofu, crispy onions, with garlic and chili oil served with kale noodles.
Some other amazing dishes to try: Beef or Karaage Don, Pork Katsu or house made Pork Gyoza Tokyo Curry bowls, and an array of traditional Izakaya (Japanese small plates). Not to mention a HAWAII EXCLUSIVE -Soft Shell Crab Bun that’s served with an original bun sauce, and spicy mayonnaise.
This Pearlridge location will celebrate their grand opening on May 6th, and will be open daily for dine in and take out from 11am – 7pm. Then later in June, they will have updated hours opening at 11am – 8pm.
Oder take out through their website or call (808)888-2615 to directly place an order. Deliver options through Uber Eats and Bite Squad are available as well.
The Fashion Foodienista by: Lisa Deniz 