Goma Tei Ramen - Honolulu Restaurant Image
#150 of 1,736 Restaurants in Honolulu Japanese

Goma Tei Ramen (1200 Ala Moana Blvd)

4.2(217 community reviews)
Moderate ($$)

About

Discover Goma Tei Ramen (1200 Ala Moana Blvd), offering the best Japanese experience in Ala Moana. Enjoy Moderate ($$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

A Bold Staple of Ward Village

When you find yourself wandering through the open-air layout of Ward Village, the unmistakable scent of roasted sesame and simmering pork broth often serves as a compass leading straight to Goma Tei. This spot has cemented itself as a local go-to for those who view ramen not just as a quick meal, but as a ritual. The kitchen operates with a clinical, fast-paced efficiency that keeps the line moving, even when the lunch rush turns the dining area into a high-decibel hub of clinking spoons and animated conversation.

The Signature Sesame Mastery

The star of the show is undeniably the Tan Tan Ramen. Unlike the lighter, clear broths found elsewhere, the signature Tantanmen here is thick, nutty, and aggressive in the best way possible. The broth carries a deep, toasted sesame flavor profile that clings to the curly noodles, balanced by a heat that builds slowly as you work your way through the bowl. It is a hearty, unpretentious dish that feels perfectly suited for a rainy afternoon in Honolulu.

What to Expect

The interior is practical and functional, designed for turnover rather than lingering, which is typical for the bustling commercial corridor between Kaka’ako and Ala Moana. You might find the seating arrangements a bit cozy, as tables are positioned closely to accommodate the steady flow of office workers and shoppers looking for a reliable fix of noodles. It is an ideal environment if you are looking for a straightforward, high-quality meal without the fluff. Just be prepared for the parking garage dance—it can be a bit of a maze during peak weekend hours—but the rich, savory satisfaction of the broth usually makes the logistical effort well worth it.

Photos

Goma Tei Ramen - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Goma Tei Ramen - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Goma Tei Ramen - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Goma Tei Ramen - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Goma Tei Ramen - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Goma Tei Ramen - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Goma Tei Ramen - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Goma Tei Ramen - Honolulu Restaurant Image

Location

1200 Ala Moana Blvd, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96814-4271

Directions

Reviews

Showing 10 of 217 community reviews
S

Sunny ValentineGoogle Maps

Recently

Greeted and seated right away. Friendly staff and quick service! The food came out really fast and was delicious. We got the Curry Udon noodle, vegetable tan tan and Gyoza. My all time fav has always been Curry Udon Noodle! Apologies for the photos, I was so hungry I couldn’t wait to eat and took photos half way through.

J

Justin ScorzaGoogle Maps

Recently

I’ve been here several times over the years. Despite being in the mall, it’s on the outside ring and is very easily accessible without having to traverse the mall. Plenty of parking right out front and can always get a seat. The ramen is reliably good, but nothing special. I usually get the spicy tan tan with char siu. Good portion size and the broth has good flavor. The meat is hearty, but I wish it was a little more tender. Overall, it’s good value. But I don’t like how they charge you more for each level of spice and the “free” level 1-2 is not spicy. I also don’t like that they charge you $3 for an egg. Come on… Other than that, it’s a decent spot and good for groups. Definitely recommend if you’re looking for ramen near ala Moana. I’ve never been to the other locations.

Y

Yubo SuGoogle Maps

Recently

Great noodle texture, nice potstickers (gyoza), broth is solid though not exceptional. Would have liked a tonkotsu broth for personal pref, a nice and thick one, but the sesame tantan and the shoyu were nice. Really nice chili oil. Ramen was thin and chewy, perfect texture. Gyoza were closer to a thin potsticker (thick-ish chewy skin rather than paper-like). Very plump and juicy filling!

J

Joseph RondonGoogle Maps

Recently

Three stars based on my first three visits, which I really enjoyed and that’s why I decided to come back again. I love their Tan Tan Char Siu because it is very rich and the flavors are amazing. I usually finish every last drop of the broth. However, on my last visit the broth was much spicier than I could handle, so I only ended up eating the noodles and the char siu. Our server only checked on us to take the order and then to drop off the check. I never received the drink I ordered. I also wanted to take home the char siu fried rice, but by 8:20pm the fried rice station was already closed, even though the restaurant closes at 9 pm. I’m not sure if I want to come back again… maybe.

S

Sterling HitchcockGoogle Maps

Recently

Great ramen if you like broths that lean on the creamier side. Service can be slow, would often have to flag down server. Atmosphere can get a little loud.

J

Jeremy UrmenetaGoogle Maps

Recently

Since 2006 Gomo Tei Ramen is a Hawaii favorite and has expanded to four locations. Enjoy their flavorful ramen, curry, and appetizers! There is an abundant parking for customers and they take cash or credit card payment.

M

Maui World TravelersGoogle Maps

Recently

Goma Tei used to be 5-stars but the ramen comes out way too quick and not very hot either, nowadays. ATMOSPHERE: Contemporary décor with a big traditional ramen counter and table seating. MENU: Ramen (shoyu, tan tan, sunho, and mapo bases,) curries, rice bowls, Japanese apps, and beer. FOOD: Gyoza Five pieces that are pan fried to crispy & chewy perfection. All ramen shops should take lessons from these guys on cooking. Texture has just as much importance as flavor! Shoyu Ramen The broth is dark and savory with thin, chewy noodles, and topped with a big piece of charsiu and Chinese broccoli. Good version but I'm honestly more inclined to the version at Ramen Ya, and more so at Ezogiku, which to me has the best tasting shoyu broth I've ever had. Tan Tan Ramen I'm so glad I ventured out of my box and tried this, which has become my favorite, period. The broth is heavy and filling, and you will feel very stuffed afterward, but it's so delicious that you really won't care. This is what they're known for, and no one does a better spicy sesame broth than these guys. Toppings are charsiu and Chinese broccoli. Sunho Ramen I felt like I was led astray by the reviews on this dish. I'm a ramen fanatic so I'm always up to trying new flavors but this was horrible. Horrible to the point I tried to eat 1/4 of it and sent it back and ordered a Shoyu version instead. Yes the taste is sour, but that's about it. I didn't experience any "depth" in the broth. It tasted like ponzu with too much vinegar. Not even the perfectly cooked noodles tasted good in this absurdly tangy concoction. If you're wondering if they removed the charge, they didn't, and I didn't expect them to. RESERVATIONS: Not taken, but the wait can be a bit especially at peak times. There is a sign-in sheet hanging on the front door if there is a wait. SERVICE: Depending on the time of day, service can be super fast, but at lunch, you definitely see that they're understaffed and multi-tasking. Servers are friendly. TIP: They've gotten rid of that gross wooden soup ladle/spoon that comes with the ramen and replaced it with plastic. Thank you! OVERALL: So far, THE best tasting tan tan ramen, but it should be made to order.

C

Combat FisherGoogle Maps

Recently

Overall the food is not bad. My family had several bowls of ramen. We were pleasantly surprised on the amount of BBQ pork (char siu) there was in each bowl of ramen. Portion size is really good. The only issue we had was that the restaurant definitely did NOT feel clean

M

MichaelGoogle Maps

Recently

I love ramen and this place had amazing food! We came in about an hour before closing and got great service and fresh food. We shared the crispy wantons which were crispy and delicious. The Spicy Tan Tan ramen was wonderful, I chose spice-level 2 just in case but definitely could've gone to level 3. My wife's garlic Tan Tan was delicious as well, with wonderful garlic flavor. Would eat here again if we were ever in Honolulu!

E

emily pGoogle Maps

Recently

My family came to Goma Tei to celebrate a birthday. We were a group of 6 and they were very accommodating. The server was very friendly and fast. We ordered a variety of ramens, a couple orders of gyoza, and the fried wontons. Everyone was very happy with the food, no complaints.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Goma Tei Ramen (1200 Ala Moana Blvd)

Common questions from diners about Goma Tei Ramen (1200 Ala Moana Blvd) in Honolulu.

Yes, they offer vegetarian-friendly options.

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