Restaurant Kenichi

don’t get the ramen it is not good. The soup is lukewarm and it’s greasy. maybe get the rice dishes can be better.

We tried several items: gyoza, steak burger, spicy pork, BBQ beef, and BBQ chicken. The BBQ chicken and spicy pork were good — flavorful. However, the steak burger was quite tasteless, and the seasoning didn’t really work — the flavor was hard to understand and not very pleasant. It was also quite dry, similar to the BBQ beef, which lacked juiciness and flavor. The gyoza were disappointing. The meat filling inside was very bland, and the dough was too thick, which made them heavy and not very enjoyable.

The steak was too dry and charred even though I ordered medium, ramen was a little too salty and too fishy for my taste but probably because we ordered miso. The best thing about this place was the service with quick, friendly, and attentive servers.

Our family was craving Japanese food, and after checking online reviews, we decided to give this place a try. The restaurant was packed with locals, which felt like a good sign — we waited about 20 minutes for a table. The food isn’t exactly traditional Japanese; it’s more of a Hawaiian fusion, which made for an interesting twist. The grilled beef was extremely salty — like, really salty — probably due to over-marination. On the bright side, the grilled salmon inside was tasty and went okay with the rice. The fried chicken katsu was pretty good too. Portions were huge! If you’re not a big eater, you might find yourself stuffed halfway through — which, honestly, is a good problem to have.

It doesn't smell really good when you walk in-smells kind of old and stinky...but don't let that fool you. Kenichi restaurant has pretty good food! We got BBQ chicken and pork cutlet, ramen, and the mahi katsu. The only plate we didn't like was the mahi- it wasn't fresh. Everything else was yummy!! And great value for Hawaii.

After a few days of researching, my stomach was set on this place to satisfy my ramen craving. Hilo has quite a few places that serve ramen, but these folks had the tastiest-looking pics. ATMOSPHERE: It's an older space but kept very clean. Windows abound let it lots of natural light. Seatings are booth and low tops. Their sizzling platters can make you coming out smelling like a cook. MENU: Local style plate lunches, fried rice, gyoza, salads, ramen, desserts. FOOD: Gyoza (7 pcs.) I've never had homemade gyoza before. The filling had cilantro-like notes but were a bit bland. The tangy shoyu dipping sauce helped out a bit. The bottoms could've been seared a bit more. Shoyu Ramen Easy choice as I am a shoyu ramen fanatic! The noodles were thin, straight and chewy. The transparent broth needed a swish of shoyu to bring up the flavor. I expected the half egg to be hard boiled but was surprised at its medium gooeyness; great job by the way. The toppings of bean sprouts, green onions, seaweed flakes and fish cake tied in perfect. For the meat topping I got yakibuta which were thinly sliced pork belly. While the dish came out hot, it wasn't searing so it got cold fast. I have a good appetite but I'm glad I chose the regular size which was perfect rather than opting for the "Kenichi Size" which is double of everything. Spicy Miso Ramen My spouse's dish. The spoonful of broth I tasted was good and not overly sweet like other versions I've tried. DESSERT: Brookie I'm not a dessert fan but my spouse is. This is a layered square served warm, with a chewy cookie bottom, pressed and chewy Oreo in the middle, and a brownie at the top. For the ice cream we chose Tahitian vanilla. Tasty and popular dish. SERVICE: We walked in on a Saturday morning and got seated immediately. The place filled up a bit. Our female server was friendly and checked on us, along with another female associate who may have been a manager that came around to all the tables. OVERALL: Very good ramen and service. Who'd have thought?

I can see for sure many local people love this restaurant. The majority of customers are local, which as a traveler like me do need to taste and feel why and how famous the restaurant is. Waiting time during rush hours is usually less than 30 minutes. For the food, they are perfectly awesome. The restaurant looks dated, family owned, and full of history. Many stuff I believe they have been in the restaurant since its grand opening. I am not complaining, but I actually like it too. Something original should keep its original. Nor their price is crazy expensive too. I ordered the Kim chee fire rice(appetizer), which costs me about $10, and I got a big plate as surprise. I thought it was two orders' quantity. If come at day time, parking maybe bit trouble, but in the evening, parking shouldn't be a problem. Just to be fair, they are not 6 stars Michelin restaurant. Please don't expect they must have 6 stars customers' skills for tourists. Overall, 5 stars. For culture, history, and awesome food. Thank you.