Shige's Saimin Restaurant
About
A Wahiawa Legacy Served in a Bowl
For those navigating the central plains of Oahu, a stop in Wahiawa isn't complete without hitting the counter at Shige's Saimin Restaurant. This isn't a place for white-tablecloth service; it’s a time capsule of local flavor where the steam from house-made noodles defines the room. The kitchen takes pride in crafting their own saimin noodles from scratch daily—a rarity that you can taste in the springy, firm texture that holds up perfectly against their signature dashi-based broth.
The Art of the Slurp
The interior carries the unmistakable hum of a long-standing community pillar. Expect a tight-knit space where the clinking of spoons against ceramic bowls provides the soundtrack to your meal. Their wontons, meticulously hand-folded, are a must-order, often appearing alongside their famous BBQ sticks. These skewers are grilled to a char-flecked perfection, offering a sweet and savory bite that cuts through the mild, comforting warmth of the soup.
Local Character
One minor observation for the first-timer: parking in the immediate vicinity can be a game of patience, as the restaurant is tucked into the busy rhythm of town life. It is the kind of spot where the servers remember your face if you make it a habit, and the menu remains mercifully unchanged year after year. Whether you are coming off the North Shore or heading toward Honolulu, dropping in here is an essential ritual for anyone hunting for the most authentic saimin in Central Oahu. Come prepared for a casual experience where the focus remains entirely on the bowl in front of you.
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Amenities & Features
Location
70 Kukui St Ste 108, Wahiawa, Hawaii, 96786-1849
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Reviews
Showing 10 of 93 community reviewsSherra Funai RuskiewiczGoogle Maps
Recently
First time at Shige's... my sis and BIL go often... I live Palolo, But now this is gonna be in the rotation! We had saimin, wonton min, wonton soup and udon, BBQ burgers and beef stick.... 10/10 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 …
Napua JavarGoogle Maps
Recently
Just stopped by for brunch on our Anniversary. We dont get to eat here very often as we aren't from the area but always so worth the drive. Food was fantastic as expected. Service was awesome! I love the small family style atmosphere. Cozy and takes me back to when I was a kid everytime. Thoroughly enjoyed my small wonton mein and cheeseburger deluxe.
Bennett FungGoogle Maps
Recently
A very good local food place. Owner keep the price of food very low. The food is good. Convenient parking right out side.
Big Fish Dive ClubGoogle Maps
Recently
Kind of disappointed with its food after hearing how great it was especially after an hour wait standing outside of the restaurant. By the way, the low score was not due to the long wait as the food just wasn’t that good, though it wasn’t terrible either. The cheeseburger was fine, but certainly not close to being the best on the island. The saimin was salty and not all that good. It’s not a bad place, but it’s not a place you want to keep coming back for more or wait an hour for a burger.
Don BorgesGoogle Maps
Recently
You're just not going to find anyplace that serves food that is as delicious, fresh, and served and prepared with such joy and love! Everything I have tried so far has been so crazy good! Their specialties are the saimin (OMG!) and their super fresh cheeseburgers! I'm sure everything else on the menu is just as good! Today I tried the won ton mein soup! Oh my! Those fresh homemade noodles! Heavenly! I wanna try their fried saimin next time! The people here are so sweet and friendly ... and I love the homey feel of an old, familiar family diner! A real favorite must-go iconic restaurant!
Michael SuhGoogle Maps
Recently
Went there right at 10AM in the morning, no line and we got our food promptly. I got the wonton mein, loco moco, toss salad and a deluxe cheeseburger. Wonton mein’s broth was warm, clean and refreshing. Dip the wontons in the mustard/shoyu sauce it makes a big difference in taste. I added some of the mustard in the soup and it elevates the flavors of the soup. Loco moco was good! Patty was handmade and it had a nice char and wasn’t dry. The gravy was beefy and rich with umami. One of the better gravy’s when it comes to loco moco. The eggs were a little overcooked. Salad was great - needed some veggies to soften up all the heavy food we’ve been eating. Salad was fresh and the dressing was tangy, vinegary and slightly sweet
Daniel JeongGoogle Maps
Recently
A glorious experience with such reasonable prices and amazing food. You have to try their cheeseburger and I also got the loco moco for the first time.. Wowo I was blown away (:
Michael P.Google Maps
Recently
Worth the drive and parking challenges. Shige's has consistently good food and friendly service. My personal recommendation is a small sainin and a BBQ Burger (it's teriyaki style sauce, not mainland style). The handmade burger patty has a nice char on the edges and they use soft buns. The saimin is always good too. Parking can be a bit of a challenge though.
David GintherGoogle Maps
Recently
Love this place! Delicious food, generous portions and reasonable prices. Friendly service and the food always comes out fresh and hot. I had the wonton mein and it was delicious, extra hot mustard for an extra kick. Sides are excellent as well!
합합합Google Maps
Recently
Waitresses are very kind and cheese burger is good! Noodles also delicious.
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