Yamagen

Was eager to try this place out based on reviews and pictures.
We called in our order to go, based on other reviews stating they only have 2 parking stalls.
Upon arrival, we were lucky to get one of those two stalls. I literally opened my door, paid for my food, picked it up and closed my door to drive off. That’s how small this place is.
While I was paying for my food, I could feel the heat coming out of the place. Don’t know how they stand in there cooking. Anyways. Since this was our first time here, we ordered based on reviews.
We ordered: katsu curry don
Katsu don
Fried mochi
Fried mochi: Never tried something like that before. Was expecting something like poi mochi, but man it was different. It wasn’t even fried and tasted like dough with shoyu on top. The hubby said that we wasted money on that!
Katsu don: Was looking forward to quality katsu based on reviews and pictures. After trying it, the katsu was good, thick pieces. No potato salad in the dinner plates though. All in all. Ok
Katsu curry don: alright. Curry house is better and cheaper.
Most of the reviews hype up this place too much.

Hole in the wall place. Really small place with about 15 persons seating capacity. They were kind enough to offer to make vegetarian food for me. This is a BYOB place. The food was delicious. Please try when in Honolulu you will not be disappointed.

This is my favorite spot because the food is cheap and delicious. My favorite has to be their yakiudon, which has great flavor. Also, I have had their ten zaru soba, chicken katsu don, katsu curry, tanuki udon, and more. Anything you get is fantastic. I also always get the fried mochi with mochi sauce. There are three pieces of fried mochi, covered with a shoyu-​sugar type sauce. It is so good!
Parking is difficult, especially with the new bike lanes, but it is worth it!

I just heart this small and cozy restaurant!!! There are only two parking stalls right next to it, but there is a ton of street parking that is free after 6.
The interior is mostly wood and I guess that what makes it seem so cozy!!! There is a take out window on the right side of the building, which seems to be just as popular and eating in. The staff are friendly and nice, and the cook is a man of few words, but boy does his cooking make up for that.
I haven’t had lunch here, but the dinner menu has a list of delicious items as well as a well priced combo meal — noodle dish plus a rice dish for $ 12. I have tried their tanuki soba and oyako don one night and their tanuki udon and ten don another. I find myself liking their soba more than the udon. Both noodles are cooked to perfection though and are not drowned in the tempura flakes. My fave dish of this restaurant though is their tsukemono. It’s flavored with ginger and super yummy!!!

We love getting take out from here. The staff is always efficient and friendly. The food is always on point and I appreciate the consistency.
My favorites: hot tanuki udon, katsu don and their potato mac salad is bomb.

If you want a Quick Japanese fix this place is it. They have variety of noodle and don menu at reasonable price.

Ready in 10 minutes or less.
Always huge portions. Always consistently tasty, quality food.
Friendly and efficient staff.
I’ve tried everything on the menu and its all great!

Yamagen, ah where do I start?
Can you guys relate with me on how it feels to leave the island then come back famished? Most people would say, «next stop ZIPPYS!» But not me.’ Nothing against zippys, but to be frank that’s not what home is to me.
For me, it’s Yamagen. I consider it a landmark of King St, and nothing makes me feel welcomed then this establishment.
Everybody already knows Yamagen serves quality food for a incredibly affordable price, however it’s the people who run the establishment that made me fall in love with this place.
I personally always order the Curry Udon with a side of Pork Katsu. Once that plate of glory is set on my table I enter some kind of zone. Don’t bother me, because I am not just eating, I am taking everything in.
Some people prefer change, and I see the logic of that, but there are some things that should always remain the way it is. And that’s Yamagen.

We were so hungry after softball at the park, but had to go to Ross for something. When we walked out we noticed this cute little «hole in the wall» restaurant next to where we were parked on the street. So we walk in to have an early dinner. 4 little tables, no one there. We had good timing I guess, because after we sat down all other tables filled up. Our food came in literally a few minutes. Oyako and katsu donburi, tsukemono, soup, and our sides of katsu and veggie tempura. Everything was delicious? Could it be that we were just starving? I don’t think so, but we will go back again soon to test it out! ;p
Service was quick and friendly, food was delicious! And very affordable!

My grandma took me here and I fell in love. They have a pretty simple menu and everything is delicious and reasonably priced. I usually only go for dinner and I always order the combination which comes with an udon and a donburi, which I can never finish by myself. It’s huge. My friend got the tonkatsu and it was sooo good. Their katsu sauce mixed with the hot mustard it bomb!
Today I took out for lunch for the first time. They have this lunch special for 6 dollars which included 4 different donburis (I forget which ones but I know Oyaku don was one). The portions were great for the size, and always was very yummy.
I overall love Yamagen. The sad part is that there’s not much parking. Maybe two cars can fit in their drive way. There is street parking, but you may have to park a little far. In my opinion, I it’s worth walking a little farther for. Also, it can get a little hot on the inside and outside, but again I think the prices and food are worth it. If you’re craving some quality, inexpensive Japanese food, I would definitely recommend this place.

Enjoyed eating at this cute hole-​in-​the-​wall restaurant on kings st. Really nice customer service and yummy food. Can’t say it was the best curry Katsu don I’ve ever had, but it was worth the price and quality. Also, presentation was on point! I’d go back to try something new.

I will always compare every udon I eat in the states to Yamagen. Nothing beats it for me. Nothing. I am loyal, I am an udon purist, and I would eat Yamagen every single day if I could.
Yes, I really mean those 5 stars. Everyone has their place. This is mine. You may like another place better and that’s fine. It’s like a grandma thing. Everyone’s grandma is the best. But this is my grandma.
First of all, they make their udon noodles traditionally and from scratch. And they are some of the best I’ve had. You can watch them work on it in their hole in the wall kitchen, truly an experience. A little Japan in the middle of Honolulu. Please do escape here once in your life.
The broth is perfect every time. I can’t find words to speak any higher. My favorite is the tanuki udon or the tanuki soba (hot). Tanuki or mochi is my go to for udon and Yamagen wears the crown. Best flavors yet. I can never get anything else on the menu, as much as I want to. But then again I don’t want to. Sometimes I’ll get the shrimp tempura udon when I’m feeling hungrier, but I still have to do the tanuki soba to get my fix. I’m happily obsessed.
It’s one of those love/​hate moments when you have leftovers to take home. You’re so excited to eat it again soon, yet so sad it won’t be fresh and piping hot. No matter how good it is the day after, that’s how unreal this udon is to me, that nothing beats it the day of, watching it made and brought out to you.
Yamagen has been around forever, they are original originals, and they deserve the business, so come here if you love Japanese udon and soba. If you’re still getting to know udon because you haven’t graduated from ramen yet, this place would be the perfect start. Small mom and pop off of king St. Very small. Casual. Outside seating. Scarce parking. Totally worth a few drives around the block. Or walk from wherever you are, it won’t matter how far when you try the udon. Don’t forget your Yamagen stamp card!

For doing it right for so long, Yamagen gets 5 stars from me.
When my daughter, back home from college, wanted to eat good udon, I immediately thought of Yamagen though we hadn’t been there since before my daughter was born.
I had the udon with shrimp tempura ($ 9.50). Just like it was 20 some years ago — GOOD! The same Japanese-​Japanese touch (i.e. technique) and taste.
A glimpse into the small kitchen indicated the same cook/​owner as long ago. A little longer in the tooth, but still doing his thing with as much passion and energy as before evidently. I feel you bro, I feel you. I’m now the «old block» to my daughter’s «chip». Her «old man». She tells me she can’t teach me new tricks. [Sigh] But I’m still standing in and swinging at any of life’s pitches in my strike zone.
It’s reassuring to know that some good things remain. Like the food at Yamagen. Dedication and pride of workmanship, and consistent, superior quality in food/​product/​service never gets old with me.
Gochisosama deshita.
Watashi wa hijo ni sugu ni modorimasu.

A gem that is tucked away and easily missed, this ramen place is a hole-​in-​the-​wall. You know what they say about places that are hole-​in-​walls? They are great! Duh! No surprise there! Along with no surprises, Yamagen offers incredibly cheap ramen, in fact, $ 8 for a delicious bowl of tasty broth, noodles, and ingredients. It’s cooked to perfection and enough to leave you with that satisfyingly full feeling.
If you come during the evenings on one rainy night, you may get to experience something special. The smell of the rain combined with your ramen; the sound of the pattering rain and sound of cars zimming by, it’ll make you feel as if you’re in some far and distant place. A quiet retreat among an urban and overpopulated city, you might experience a time of peace. It can easily be anyone’s favorite spot to get away and enjoy the company of urban nature.

It’s another random day when I just don’t want to cook lunch. It’s quite close by my place so we walked there. It’s a small place right by Ross and across from Mcully Mcdonalds. Can’t miss it! There décor reminds me of Japan. It’s cute.
We got the yakitori chicken (teriyaki chicken) $ 6 and yakiudon $ 7. Both comes with a bed of rice, a mini cup of pickled cabbage, and a big scoop of mac salad. The teriyaki chicken was really salty… I was kinda disappointed. The yakiudon was interesting, thought it would be stir-​fry style but it was just boiled and marinated with sauce. The mac salad was unique tasting. I think it’s homemade mac salad. They added some wasabi into it. I thought it was good. It wasn’t too much mayo on it. I liked it! I usually don’t eat mac salad but this ones different.
Maybe I’ll try something different next time. The food is decent and the price range is affordable with the amount food they give you.

Good eats on the fly today. Had to get some things at nearby McCully Bicycle and thought how convenient it would be to order out from an old fav, Yamagen.
I’m having the yakitori plate with a side of veggie tempura. They still serve up nice portions, yakitori is tasty, cut into bite-​sized pieces for easy eating and served over a bed of white rice. A mound of chunky potato salad laced with wasabi and a cute little cup of tsukemono (pickled cabbage) accompany the entrée.
The veggie tempura side was a really good-​sized portion, light and crispy and served with what was more SF a teriyaki sauce than the traditional tempura dipping sauce. Today’s veggies were green beans and Okinawan sweet potatoes. A+
My coworkers were pleased with their meals, as well. Three full plates and the side of veggie tempura came out to less than $ 24, good deal for all that food!
The gal who took my order was very friendly and even drew a cute little chicken on the lid of my takeout container :)
Lots of metered street parking along South King.

Bruddah Eric Robert R., UDAMAN!!! Thanks for bringing up Yamagen today! After I read your messages, you put dat bug in my head to head down to this place for Chicken Katsu Curry!
You know, when you get a lousy chicken katsu… what do you do??? You get back on the saddle, and you continue your quest to find that delicious chicken katsu! This is where Yamagen comes into play!
I took a hop, skip, & a jump down to the little restaurant which looks like somebody’s house in Moiliili. The little restaurant is located just next door to the Ross Dress for Less (by the ramp where you would go up to the «upstairs» Ross parking lot).
Now how can you go wrong with a meal that is listed for $ 6.00 bucks for a lunch special? Or a wonderful Plump, (NOT PRESSED) Curry Chicken Katsu for $ 7.00 bucks!
As I walk up the the ordering counter, a young girl takes my order… I see the Lunch Specials as listed (all of these for $ 6.00 bucks… see my pic)
1. Oyako Don
2. Yakitori Don
3. Tatsuta Age Don
4. Combo (Fried Chicken with Vegetable Tempura)
Then I see the other menu items… where I see the Curry Chicken Katsu for $ 7.00 bucks.
I quickly order the Curry Chicken Katsu, as I love Japanese Curry, and since I did not get a good chicken katsu the other day… this was my second chance at redemption!
My friend decides to order the lunch special combo with a diet coke… for me, I go with da free «Moiliili Water» as bruddah Eric would say! Lol! (I love dat!)
The biggest thing that surprised me about this place, was they actually had 4 tables on the back side to sit down & eat. Granted, the seating area was not of 5 star quality… at best, maybe it was just a ½ star above sitting on the sidewalk curb eating your plate lunch, but hey maaaaaaaaaaaaan! At least you got one place fo’ sit down & grindz!
The food is not pre-​ordered, it is made fresh to order… so there is a slight wait. When it was ready, the young girl calls me to pick up da grindz. My friend & I sit at a small table, and grindz away.
What can I say about da grindz?
Let me tell you folks… Bruddah Fran GOT DA GRINDZ today!!! Da Curry Chicken Katsu was Winnah’s! How can you go wrong for $ 7.00 smackaz!
I mean think about it —
1. Japanese curry… ummmmmmmmmmm good! The curry was not sweet, not spicy, not salty, but favored just right!
2. Chicken Katsu, try look da pic! See how plump da chicken is??? Unlike the other place where I went to the other day… where you could see I got «Pressed Chicken Katsu».
3. The meal came with a small amount of pickled vegetables, and a potato/​mac salad, and of course white rice.
I only wished I had brown rice, and I do not know if they served brown rice here, as I did not bother to ask, so if someone knows if they do brown rice… let a bruddah know. K?
My friend enjoyed the combo lunch, he said that it was a dealage for $ 6.00 bucks, and he said the vegetable tempura was very enjoyable… even better than the fried chicken.
They do take credit cards here, but I saw a sign that said you had to buy a minimum of $ 10.00. As for me, I paid with hard cold cash! Two plate lunches, and a soda… all of this for just $ 14.25. Wot A Dealage!!!
There is very limited parking here, I believe there are like 2 parking stalls in front of the restaurant.
The other options for parking —
Is to do the street metered parking.
Or you can do the good ‘ol Hawaiian trick — where you go to the Ross Dress for Less, park in their parking lot… then make like you shopping there, and when no one see’s ya… you make a bee-​line to Yamagen!
‘Eh, I neva do dat today, as I wen’ pay fo’ da street metered parking (I not cheap!)…and don’t tell anyone dat I said you can park at Ross! I no like dem get mad at me! Lol!

I stopped by here yet again today to make this my fourth visit so far! I really like this small place and it makes me think of what a Japanese restaurant in Japan could be like off in some dark alley some where. I have not been to Japan yet, but I would love to experience fancy restaurants as well as smaller, obscure, and lesser known restaurants when I finally do go.
The menu is limited with mostly rice and noodle dishes. If you come during lunchtime, you can get some amazing deals. You won’t be able to sit inside the restaurant for lunch, but you will be able to sit under the green canopy with gravel under your feet. Inside seating is only for dinner time.
I ordered the Oyako Don and it was only $ 6! It was such a deal being that it was a full-​sized plate with a side of tsukemono, and macaroni and potato salad. What gets me the most is how good it tastes. Even though it’s cheap, there is no skimping on quality.
Service was friendly with a smile. Food took a little while, but that’s to be expected when the food is made to order. Parking is limited with only two stalls in front. Besides that you will need to find street parking if those are taken.

Ummmm… Yamagen…I would go again! Oh, yes, I would.
Yamagen is one of those places that provides their customers with delish comfort Japanese food at… C…R…A…Z…Y cheap prices. Besides the yummy food with cheap prices, the portions are big.
I ordered the yakitori don special that cost 6 bucks only. The plate came with marinated chicken bites with a sprinkling of strips of seaweed on a bed of white rice. On the side, there was a scoop of potato macaroni salad and pickled cabbage.
I really enjoyed my don. I thought the chicken was very tasty… just the right amount of saltiness with a nice balance of sweetness. The potato macaroni salad reminded me of Shirokiya’s one… Japanese style. Loved it. The pickled cabbage was ok. A little bland.
I also enjoyed eating my lunch out back in their outdoor seating area. It was cool and breezy.
Helpful tips:
*Located across the street from Chiang Mai Thai restaurant.
*Only two parking stalls in front of restaurant: street parking available.
*Order your lunch from the take out window.
*Restaurant dining area closed during lunch: May dine in outdoor seating adjacent to the restaurant.

Finally crossed this place off my bucket list and now I am wishing I had done this a long time ago.
FOODWISE (⁵⁄₅): Found the food to be very tasty and full of flavor while being affordably priced. The Ebi (Shrimp) Ten Don on the Early Bird dinner special was a great deal at $ 8.50 which also included soup, tsukemono and a drink with the meal.
SERVICE (⁵⁄₅): No complaints. The workers were friendly and very efficient. Our water glasses were always topped off and they check on us throughout our meal asking if everything was okay and if we needed anything.
PARKING (¹⁄₅): There is only 2 parking stalls BUT a lot of street parking if you time it right.
BONUS (⁵⁄₅): They have a take out window which is definitely a plus if you are in a rush.
We will definitely be back to try more of the items menu especially the Early Bird specials.