Side Green Onion
Wagaya

Wagaya

2080 S King St, Honolulu, United States Of America

Soup • Ramen • Salad • Lunch


"Someone say ramen? Try out Wagaya on King in the McCully/Moilili area located in a tiny strip mall with Mama Woo's closest to King. Parking is very limited, so planning your visit is helpful but street parking is available if the lot is full. This place does do queuing when the are maxed out, so also plan on waiting a couple minutes after parking or walking in.Inside is modest with chair and tables seatings, and depending on the size of your group, they can try to rearrange the tables to accommodate your group. On a past visit, we had nearly a dozen and were split up, but we totally understood, for we waited 40 mins before we got in. Though, they will do their best to get your group in all at once and hopefully together.Since my very first visit to Wagaya, I wasn't impressed. Noodles were stiff, dashi was tasteless, but as I kept returning, their noodles have improved and the dashi is so different now, I can't remember what that first taste was.The first dish I tried was the Garlic Miso, and as mentioned I wasn't impressed. Will try again later... my favorite though is the Shio with thin noodles and less salty. Don't recall getting those options with the Garlic Miso in my initial visit. The Tantan was nice and full of flavor, but didn't really reach my palette. My friend said his Gyodashi Shoyu was very tasty and ono! Besides the ramen, the side dishes are ono-worthy. Gyoza with ramen is like rice with plate lunch, gotta have. Their gyoza is medium sized and tasty, but the pupu to get is the Chicken Karaage. Huge boneless pieces, fried perfectly, just don't eat them right away... they're HOT.Service is super fast and friendly. The may seem a little rushed, but as you will experience, they are quite busy. So pro-Japanese style tip... sign up, get in, eat, and pay on your way out. As a curtesy to everyone waiting, try not to linger after eating, for others are waiting to get their shot at some grub. Of course, if no one waiting, no worries. If the debate is what ramen to eat, then give Wagaya a shot. If you just hungry, give Wagaya a shot. Till my next visit, Grind On, Pau!"