Kauai's best noodles

Hamura's Saimin was the subject of the very first post on this blog almost a year ago. I've been back many times since and have become pretty well addicted to the dish - a distinctly Hawaiian gift to the culinary world - and this funky little joint that serves it (and earned a James Beard award for it last year).


The Special



It's so popular that Mrs. Foster and I, who like to meet there from time to time for lunch dates, try to get there early to avoid the wait. Last Friday We arrived a little before 11 and immediately got two seats - little wooden stools at low counters. By the time we were served the place looked like this. If you get there and it's standing room only, no worries, the service is pretty quick, and a lot of people order take-out.



I love the special, pictured above, and the teriyaki barbecue on wooden skewers. My wife, the vegetarian, orders the regular with extra greens and no meat. The restaurant is tucked away down a side street behind the Salvation Army in downtown Lihue (2956 Kress St), and is definitely worth searching out.