Goma Tei Restaurant

If you came from Japan, you will be astonished by the price, but this is Honolulu, where Japanese $ 1 sushi costs $ 2.50. The quality is ok and the potion is generous, but it lacks the taste that makes you want to come back again and again like Shoki in Sacramento. It’s not too bad, but just hard to justify the cost of the products they offer.

To me this is the BEST Ramen. There are other places that are very good. But I always come back here. good service.

I love the tan tan ramen here it has a different taste then other ramen places. I also love the gyoza, the racial of won ton pi to filling is perfect and wash it down with a tall glass of Kirin beer yummy

My friends wanted to go to Goma Tei after playing tennis on Sunday. I’m not so much of a Goma Tei fan. I just don’t see what the appeal is. So I guess going here on Sunday, I already had a preconceived notion. Last time I came here with my grandma, I didn’t enjoy the broth or the vegetables they put in it. This time I decided to order a shoyu broth and have them take out the Choi sum. I just don’t think the Choi sum matches in ramen, just my opinion. Sorry I’m kind of picky of what goes in ramen.
Anyway, they did what I wanted and there was no Choi sum in my broth. But then there was also nothing else. Usually there’s bamboo shoots, bamboo shoots, char siu or something. The only thing that they had in my ramen without the Choi sum was a half hard boiled egg. It was very disappointing.

I used to come here all of the time. Today I took my boyfriend and thought we were going to have a regular meal. Unfortunately, we were wrong. The waitress was so so lovely, and we got our food right away after ordering. My boyfriend was almost finished with his food, when he noticed an inch long black thing at the bottom of his bowl. I quickly took a picture of it, and then looked it up on google. From what I could see, it was a Black Soldier Fly Larvae. This was the most upsetting thing for me to see, since we used to come here all of the time. The waitress was so nice apologetic, but I just couldn’t get past it.

Goma Tei serves simple style ramen that boasts quality ingredients that provides great flavor, and a pleasing presentation. Unlike other ramen restaurants that fare in specialty items, Goma Tei knows their niche and executes it well. Locating their new restaurant in Kahala Mall is an ideal location, as their is a good amount of parking at the mall, and should you have to wait, the air condition will keep you comfortable.
Every visit to Goma Tei is a pleasure; never been disappointed. They specialize in two different ramen bases: tan tan (spicy) and shoyu (basic). Both bases are flavorful and provides simple variety for your momentary taste fixation. There are about five different variations in toppings and inclusion for each base. I normally go for the Char Siu Shoyu Ramen, as it provides an extra piece of char siu, which is big in size, and very tender. I’ve also had their ramen combo with a small bowl of curry, which is equally as appetizing as the ramen. Great compliments for each other. Their gyoza is some of the best I’ve had. Do not miss having gyoza with your ramen. You won’t be disappointed.
The service at the Kahala Mall location is great. Each server that has helped my table have been friendly and helpful. The only down-​side is the noise level. The walls were not prepared to buffer. Do not let this factor veer you from checking out this location.
All in all, if you’re on the East side and are craving noodles or ramen, make a stop to Goma Tei in Kahala Mall. This is one of the few restaurant franchises that has quality food consistency throughout its locations.

Walking around Kahala Mall one day, I was happy to see that Goma Tei has opened a new location. I usually frequent the Ala Moana restaurant. It’s just another option for people living on the east side.
When we got there, it was about a 10 minute wait for a table. There were open counter seatings, so we took that instead of waiting. We ordered the chicken shoyu ramen, seafood tan tan ramen, and chicken tatsutaage. We keep ordering the same items no matter which Goma Tei we go to. The taste is pretty consistent at all their locations.
For some reason the ramen keeps coming out before the chicken tatsutaage. This also happens at Ala Moana and Pearlridge. I’m almost half way through with my ramen, then the chicken comes. I enjoy their seafood tan tan. It comes with shrimp, calamari, scallops, and choy sum. The broth has an earthy sesame flavor to it. it’s on the saltier side. My husband doesn’t like the tan tan taste, so he always gets the shoyu base. The best part of the meal was the chicken tatsutaage. The chicken has been marinated in a concoction of ginger, garlic, and fruits. It comes to the table piping hot, crispy and moist. It comes with a homemade tonkatsu dipping sauce. Five stars for the chicken tatsutaage. If you get anything from Goma Tei, get this dish. With so many other authentic ramen places popping up as of late, Goma Tei wouldn’t be my first pick for ramen.
This place is located where Hallmark used to be. It’s across from Tinker Toys and Kuru Kuru sushi.

Today was my first time I’ve been to Goma Tei. I’ve heard many people raving about the place so i decided to give it a try after going to the movies.
The Kahala location is fairly new. Its very open and clean inside. We ordered Cold Noodles, Wakame (Seaweed) Shoyu Ramen, some kind of Karaage Chicken (forgot the name), Gyoza, and Kona Longboard beers.
The two noodle dishes we ordered weren’t that great. It reminds me of the ramen at Hokkaido Ramen in Kaimuki or Sumo Ramen at Market City. Nothing special. What we really enjoyed was the fried chicken and gyoza. Those are two things I’d come back to eat.
Maybe next time i won’t order noodles but try other side dishes. I might be spoiled on the ramen since I’ve tried really good ramen in Japan. I have yet to find ones that taste similar to the ones in Japan.

We were one of the first people to have lunch on a Wednesday. This place is big and not many people eating at 11:00am. Had the small curry with rice, gyoza and fried chicken. I was surprised the curry had chicken and carrots. Most japanese places that make curry rice dishes, do not have vegetables. I like that it came with the small bits of chicken and carrots. The gyoza is huge, very tasty and you must try their chicken as it is marinated before it’s fried… very tasty.
Service was excellent.

Great ramen and great service!
The Kahala Mall location is spacious. Even though we had to sign the wait list, our party of four was seated within 5 minutes. In addition to table dining, there is a long bar that seats about forty.
We tried both the Tan tan and Shoyu shredded pork Szechuan cabbage ramen, a Teri chicken rice bowl & a curry plate.
All solid, satisfying dishes :)

I wish I could say I enjoyed this as much as Alani Moana or Ward but I didn’t.
Came here on a later Friday evening, no wait, total plus!
Food was meh. The gyoza was falling apart and didn’t seem to have been cooked thoroughly. The table we sat at had the a/​c blowing directly on us! I can normally appreciate that but not while eating dinner, by the time I was halfway through my ramen there was a dramatic change in the temperature to my food. :(
Service was good but I don’t think I’ll go back unless I’m in the area and in desperate need of ramen.

Had a quick bite to eat before a movie. We were seated immediately without a wait. We ordered goma wings and tonkatsu tan tan Ramen which came out in record time. The menu stated 6 wings but I only got 5. I am not one to complain and besides if I asked for one more, they would have probably gave me the 6^th covered in «arse» crack. I am a chocolate/​fried chix fanatic so you know I am going to be critical on the chicken review. The chix was okay but I didn’t fully indulge because although it was moist, it was a bit more pink than I would have liked it. No salmonella for me! The tonkatsu Ramen tan tan was decent.
In a nutshell:
PROS: location, décor, service
CONS: double count your wings!!! if your menu states 6, then serve 6!!!

Call me «bossy»!
I don’t care.
Because —
if it’s your birthday —
and you’re my GOOD friend…
you will eat noodles…
on your special day…
for long life…
and I will happily watch you consume them!
Maybe I will eat noodles with you…
if you allow me?
That’s what happened on my friend, Joan’s birthday. I woke up in a hungry state and putting two and two together, I demanded that she join me for a noodle lunch because I am superstitious and want her to have a long and healthy life! Being the good sport that she is, we dined at Kahala Mall, near her home.
I had spotted this «new» restaurant the last time I was at this mall for a movie. In the back of my mind, I conjured up the memory of the Hallmark store that used to occupy this location near the Consolidated Theater in the Mall. Making a note that there is another Gomatei at Ward Center (and I had a good experience there), this information helped me when that earth shaking question came up again:
«Where shall we eat»?
It may take me a while, but eventually, I’ll have an answer!
It appears that there are actually four Goma Tei Ramen Restaurants on Oahu: Pearlridge Uptown, Ala Moana Shopping Center, Ward Center, and now, Kahala Mall. They probably all have the same simple menu and similar modern décor. Staff are efficient and well-​trained!
I appreciate the free parking at Kahala Mall and all of the other shopping centers (except for Waikiki, but that’s another story)! The funny thing about Kahala Mall is that the Security Guard approached me and said that it’s the Mall’s policy that photos of Store Fronts are not allowed. I pulled out my Unilocal app on my phone and showed him that I was not the only one who took a photo of the restaurant. Haha!
Anyway — onto the FOOD! I chose the Wakame Shoyu Ramen because of the seaweed and hard boiled egg — yum! The yolk of the egg half was nicely salted. The choi sum garnish was just right! The noodles were firm and smooth! I was satisfied and so was the birthday girl! We both left happy and most likely will return for our other friend’s birthday in a couple of weeks!
Note: as soon as you get to the restaurant, put your name on the clipboard at the Front Door to reserve your seats! Enjoy!

Goma Tei as chain: My dining companion and I fell in love with this local chain! Their ramen is wonderful, and they have oodles of noodle choices. Specializing in Szechuan and sesame flavors, it’s definitely a different take on Japanese ramen. Their chicken, pork, and beef are all great quality– I have never been disappointed. The broth is flavorful, ranging from spicy to succulent. The curry rices are all delicious; great thick curry with large fresh vegetables. Like most ramen shops, spicy oil, shoyu, and other condiments are plentiful on the counters and tables. Prices for the quality and portion size are fair, it’s never a disappointment to eat here!
Kahala location: This is our favorite of the ones we’ve tried! It’s new! It’s pretty! It has oodles of noodles! This location, inside Kahala Mall near the movie theatre, is one of the best places to eat in a place already filled with great options. The restaurant is moderately sized, just perfect to feel cozy but not crowded. The staff was very nice and attentive. Food was prepared quickly, but still done to perfection. When we ate here, there was no wait. I like being able to look out the windows into the hustle and bustle of the people walking by.

Can you imagine yourself noshing delightfully on something so tasty, spicy and wonderfully seasoned during a cold temperature? Well… maybe not in Hawaii. Perhaps after a nice movie session and coming from a freezing cold tundra of a theater then having ramen? Okay, that’s more of what I did.
«Seat yourselves», they said. Marble granite counter tops lined the bar seating area which is available for all patrons simply coming solo or with a nice group. Regular tables are aplenty. The Kahala location has ample amount of seats if you come at the right time. The atmosphere is pretty modern with the perfect light fixtures over every station. The food is served fairly quickly upon ordering. While their menu not only consisted of the Tan Tan style ramen, they also have a choice of Shoyu ramen or hot and cold noodles. «What if I don’t feel for ramen?», you say? You can also go for a tofu dish, curry, char siu rice bowls and don’t forget your sides. «What is a Tan Tan Ramen?» Tan Tan Ramen is a Japanese style soup base with spicy sesame flavor. The perfect intro to a nice ramen with immense amount of flavors and protein fix. It can be ordered in 8 different styles. I chose the Chicken Tan Tan Ramen. It’s a simple tan tan with slices of white meat chicken and green veggies. I would have to say this is my solid go to soup when I’m feeling for something flavorful and simple. The servings are generous and I am full after eating it in it’s entirety. Customer service at this location was satisfying and I will gladly return again. I am looking forward to trying their other Tan Tan Ramen with seafood on my next visit or the rice dishes.
Goma Tei is located immediately at the bottom of the stairs in Kahala Mall near the movie theatre and across from Kuru Kuru sushi. Parking can be a little challenging sometimes. However, you can always find parking anywhere around the mall.

Ever since this location has opened its always been jam packed! Lucky enough my brother and I decided to come here for brunch and it wasn’t crowded at all!
Food: We ordered the Char Siu tan tan ramen, and the curry loco moco. My loco moco was good! The hamburger wasn’t something I was used too, it had a different kind of taste to it. My brother liked his char Siu tan tan. We both didn’t realize how huge the portions were. They also serve PEPSI! :)
Staff/​restaurant: They were very nice, however never asked or came around to refilling our soda or water. We sat at the bar. This was my second time eating at this location, I must say that it’s kept clean and I like that about this place. If you do want to take your food home, they do pack it for you.

New addition to Kahala Mall. I had to try it.
I have eaten at the Ward location years ago and decided to try this place out.
This restaurant is located in the old Hallmark location at Kahala Mall. It is a fairly large place. When you walk inside, you will need to sign in if the place is busy. Be on the look out for the hanging clip board on the entrance door. You see, I did not know that I had to sign in. There was no one standing there letting people know to sign in. I didn’t realize it until 3 different people were seated before me when they clearly came after me. Anyways…
The food is ok. It came out quick. The service is ok. We sat at a table instead of at the bar area. Almost seemed as if the people sitting at the bar area got more attention. Took the waiter 10 minutes to come back and refill my water.
Nothing real special about this place. If you live in Kahala like me and you are craving Ramen, come here. Why? Cause it’s convenient.

Goma Tei sure makes delicious food! My favorite every time I go is the Chicken Tan Tan Ramen (about $ 11) and their mini Curry Rice add on (about $ 4). I much prefer having chicken over char siu because I like leaner meats. The chicken is also cooked well featuring chicken breast that is boneless and skinless while still being moist.
Ambiance was pleasant with everything being clean and new. I found the long counters interesting and opted not to sit there when I was allowed to sit anywhere. I prefer not to be facing a lot of people while eating.
Service was fast, attentive, and friendly. We were frequently checked up on which was helpful whenever we needed something. Help was never far away!
This Goma Tei is the newest one and is located in Kahala Mall. It is near the theaters and Kuru Kuru Sushi. Parking is conveniently located upstairs but it may be full because of the holidays.

Tried this new location for the first time over the weekend. We were surprised to find that we didn’t have to wait but a couple of minutes for a table at lunch time on a Sunday.
My husband ordered the tonkatsu tan tan ramen and my daughter and I had the curry loco moco. The hamburger patty was a lot smaller than I remember it to be but they gave a lot of curry so I guess that kind of makes up for it. Other than that, what else can I really say? We ALWAYS enjoy our food at Goma Tei and this particular location didn’t disappoint! We all enjoyed our food and didn’t leave any leftovers to take home!
My husband is ecstatic that this restaurant is at Kahala Mall since we go there quite often and he ALWAYS feels like eating Goma Tei!

Goma Tei strikes again… This time at Kahala mall!
The quality of the food was just as good as the other locations. I got my usual: vegetable cold noodle, an excellent healthy choice!
Good service but the people weren’t quite as nice as the other locations. The service was efficient and fast though! To be honest, we went during the first week though so we will head back soon to give it another chance for the final star!
Also, Goma Tei, please use more Eco-​friendly containers for take out! It breaks my heart a little to see my yummy left-​overs in a packaging that is so horrible for our Aina.