"Dear Hearts, At Shiro's, the customer is never always right. But we don't argue. Cause, we'd rather cook than fight. And we bless you too with our love for real and true. ~Shiro"
Owner Franz Shiro Matsuo of Shiro's Saimin House & Family Restaurant, wrote "Dear Hearts" poems, such as the one above, noting the words of wisdom about life, with some of the poems adorning the walls of his restaurants. The poems were meant to make people laugh and contemplate their actions.
While in the army during WWII, Shiro gained a passion for food, as he served as a cook assistant and personal chef for a colonel. After the war ended, he held various jobs, such as being a chef at Mochizuki Tea House in Liliha, to learn about cooking and the restaurant business, and even was a personal chef for Governor John Burns. He also flew to Japan to learn about the art of making sushi and noodles. He also taught culinary arts at Kapiolani Community College
Shiro opened his 1st restaurant in Aiea Bowl in 1969 and moved to its current location at Waimalu Shopping Center in 1971. He is credited with creating 58 versions of saimin and turned saimin from a snack to a meal. He created the "Dodonpa," the king of saimin consisting of beef broth, noodles, with 10 garnishes of fried shrimp, roast beef, char siu, won ton, Chinese roast pork, luncheon meat, imitation crab, mushrooms, eggs, and veggies. Shiro was the 1st to introduce these items to glorify saimin, and to sub spaghetti in potato-mac salad.
Shiro was also a free-spirited entrepreneur, being a self-taught ukulele player and singer, which oftentimes, he would be entertaining his diners in his restaurants. He also visited schools, senior citizen clubs, and rotary clubs to give motivational talks about following your dreams.
With the passing of Shiro and his wife, his daughter and her 3 sons own and manage Shiro's today. They own their own noodle factory, established a 2nd location of Shiro's Restaurant in Ewa Beach, and introduced modern technology to facilitate management.
Shiro's Restaurant also offers non-noodle dishes that include American, Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino cuisines, as well as burgers, sandwiches, and breakfast. Many of these items can be combined with a saimin. Some of the saimin items are named after local celebrities, such as Ron Mizutani, Jesus Salud, and Joe Moore.
I am just amazed as to the menu choices which makes it difficult to choose! I normally go with whatever craving I have at the moment, such as roast duck, sushi, teri beef, or gau gee. As I like roast duck, I enjoy Joe Moore's Special, as the saimin has roast duck, won tons, won bok, and garnishes of chair siu, luncheon meat, and green onion. And always nice to pair it with a Hula Burger, which is Ron Mizutani's Special Pretty much all items are delicious with inexpensive prices with generous servings.
Family operated and run, Shiro's daughter, Linda Matsuo and her family, continued the legacy of Shiro. Longtime employees were efficient, dedicated, hardworking, and friendly in maintaining positive relationships to customers.
Nothing fancy with the interior, with its many tables and booths for diners. Walls are adorned with poems by Shiro and local awards. The restaurant is clean and bright.
Hours of operation are daily 7a to 9p. Located in the Waimalu Shopping Center in Aiea, free parking is available in the complex that is shared with other businesses. However, during peak times, it may be difficult to find parking with so many eateries in the complex, but patience will make spaces available when drivers leave.
With good local homestyle saimin and comfort food at reasonable prices, and with an extensive menu that has something for everyone, I'll certainly be back to try different menu items! Happy to support this locally owned and family-managed business, thanks to "Mistah Saimin!" Support local! read more