I LOVE ramen, but I don't consume land animals and most broth is made with pork or beef--OR is it?!…read moreNoods Ramen offers a wide selection of vegan ramen. This makes my animal-loving heart happy and my pescatarian palate scream with delight! Nothing is missing from their vegan ramen, in fact, I'd argue that the taste is more distinct and delicate than your typical pork and beef broths. Either way, I can NOT get ENOUGH.
I wanted to save this review until I tried all of their vegan menu options. But, that was biting off more than I could chew, literally. Getting through a dozen ramen bowls is going to take me a bit more time and appetite. In the meantime, I'm sharing this much overdue oratory ovation.
Here are my comments on the six different vegan ramen I've slurped down so far. All were excellent, exceptional even, each offering different flavor profiles that were quite unique. Seriously, there is something for every mood at Noods! The noodles have a nice bite to them, too. Listed in chronologically-consumed order rather than preference (because at this point I don't have a favorite):
Yuzu Shio--light and bright, clear and crisp
Truffle Shoyu--full of umami, deep and earthy
Shoyu Curry--nostalgic, rich, with a hint of sweetness
Spicy Thai Curry--exotic, spicy, complex
Tan Tan Men--nutty, creamy, with a touch of heat
Creamy Garlic Shoyu--light and slightly savory
Vegan Dumpling Soup--(tried takeout at a potluck), you can choose the broth you want, ANY broth! This one was the Spicy Thai Curry. The dumplings withstood the take out container, travel, and wait. And, it was delicious. It must be absolutely fire eaten fresh.
Speaking of dumplings, Noods also offers vegan sides which include their vegan kimchi dumplings, mushroom bao, corn tempura, and vegan fried rice. I always get the kimchi dumplings but have tried the bao and tempura. The bao was soft and savory and the tempura was sweet and crunchy.
And, my meat-eating hubby can have all the pork and beef broth ramen with pork filled gyoza, too. We very much enjoyed the shrimp dynamite together. I absolutely adore having so many choices. Everyone leaves happy, satisfied, but wanting MORE!
Noods, also has a frequent-eater incentive program and you can earn a free ramen bowl once your card is filled. Not that we needed more motivation! They also have a great happy hour between 5 and 6 pm -- $3 off ramen bowls and select appetizers. Their prices are already super reasonable, so happy hour is a slurp-worthy steal!
The restaurant has a cool vibe with black walls and chalk-inspired art. Tables and chairs have an Asian aesthetic. It's giving ramen-stall. They can accommodate a deuce to larger parties comfortably. And service is always friendly, professional, and efficient. The workers seem proud of their product, and they should be!
Parking is available in the paid lot behind the restaurant and on the street. We never have a problem finding a spot. And a short walk through the Kaimuki area filled with interesting shops and restaurants is worth the effort.
Doesn't matter if you're vegan or not, this place is a must-try. And with so many different options, you can be like me and try, try, try, try again!