Hamura’s Has the Best Saimin

Hamura's Saimin renewed my faith in chopsticks. Up until our trip to Kaua‘i a few weeks ago, I had given up on the wooden pair and resorted to the good old fashion American way of eating – with a fork. Why? Because it's a quicker way of getting food from plate to stomach. Well, for me anyway – a half-Chinese gal who grew up in a household of chopstick users. Guess I never quite mastered the chop chop.

Homemade noodles and dumplings make for a savory Kaua‘i dish.

…Until I went to Hamura's Saimin Stand for the first time. We got there around dinner time. The mom-and-pop eatery in Lihue was already packed with people crouched over steaming bowls of the island specialty. As we waited for a seat, I noticed everyone ate with chopsticks. Locals, tourists and even the little tykes finally starting to feed themselves used them as eating utensils. Why didn't I? 

We sat down at the U-shaped counters, elbow-to-elbow with our saimin-slurping neighbors, and I ordered the won ton saimin with a side of teriyaki barbecue sticks (a must!). Across from us, a balding guy turned completely red after his first few slurps of saimin. (Note to self: Don't go overboard with the bottle of homemade chili pepper sauce on the counter next to me.) Our bowls of steamy noodles finally arrived. I thought about asking the aunty for a fork but decided against it after watching everyone devour their food with those infamous chopsticks…which led to my unavoidable submission to the sticks. 

An old-school dining experience on the Garden Isle that's always packed with hungry Hamura's fans.

I poked around my bowl before grabbing the first bunch of noodles with chopsticks. Gulp. Hey, that was easier than I remembered! Slurp. Before I knew it, the heap of noodles-veggies-wontons-and-fishcake had disappeared. By far, THE best bowl of saimin I've had, which honestly wouldn't have tasted quite as amazing without the help of some chopsticks. I highly recommend Hamura Saimin Stand to anyone visiting the Garden Isle. It's one of those places that's been in business for decades and manages to keep everything exactly the same – from the now fading walls inside to the menu that's become a staple in the heart of Lihue.

HAMURA'S SAIMIN STAND / 2956 Kress St., Lihue, HI 96766 (Map) / Opens Mon-Thu 1030am-10pm, Fri-Sat 1030am-12am, Sun 1030am-9pm / 808-245-3271

Posted by Alyssa S. Navares Follow me on Twitter @Uamalie87

Published by Bruce Fisher

Since 2006 Bruce Fisher has been publishing the Hawaii Vacation Blog and the Hawaii Vacation Connection Podcast which, create daily content about Hawaii Travel and Tourism. This Blog is the only online resource providing Hawaii-based information aimed at travelers seven days per week. Postings reflect the Hawaiian Islands, their culture and their lifestyle as accurately and thoroughly as possible.

Entry Filed under: Dining,Kauai

August 8th, 2012