Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya Will Stir Up Hawaii’s New-dle Scene When It Opens June 5

The new ramen restaurant will open at Kapolei Marketplace offering traditional, high-quality dishes featuring unique, modern flavors 

HONOLULU (May 27, 2020) – A new ramen spot is preparing to celebrate its grand opening – despite the pandemic. Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya is set to open its first Hawaii location in Kapolei Marketplace next to Ono Steak & Shrimp on Friday, June 5. With locations in Texas, Chicago and Atlanta, diners can now enjoy the restaurant’s most popular, mouth-watering dishes for take out such as their signature Tanaka Classic, Rich Garlic Ramen, Cold Ramen, house-made Pork Gyoza and a Hawaii-exclusive appetizer, Soft Shell Crab Bun – all at reasonable prices. 

“After graduating from the University of Hawaii it has long been my dream to return to Hawaii and bring – what I consider – some of the best ramen to the islands,” says Jue Tina Wang, owner of Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya. “Hawaii has always felt like home to me and I am excited to be able to return and to give back to this community, which has given me so much.” 

Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya had initially planned to open in March, right before the state’s stay-at-home order was instituted, which put the business’ plans on hold. Wang added “Now that the restrictions are slowly lifting, we want to provide residents with their favorite comfort foods – like a hot bowl of ramen.”

Follow Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya on social media – on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TanakaRamenHawaii/ and on Instagram at @tanakaramenhawaii – to learn more about special giveaways the restaurant will hold during its grand opening week. 

Additionally, proceeds from the grand opening will go towards a scholarship fund set up by Wang for the math department at the University of Hawaii at Manoa for the fall 2020 semester.  

In these challenging times, Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya is giving back to the community by donating approximately 75 meals to The Salvation Army Kroc Center Hawaii volunteers at their June 3 food distribution event to thank them for the amazing and important work they are doing for those in need during this time.

Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya’s menu features a wide selection of fresh and gourmet dishes, and includes the option to build your own ramen or pick from their authentic Japanese creations which include the Wonton Chicken ($13.80) – a chicken broth, wonton, spinach, green onion, fried onion, and half egg served with thin noodle – or their vegetarian options which include the Vegetarian Dan Dan Man ($12.50) – a vegetarian mixed sauce, green onion spicy bean sprouts, spinach, cauliflower, broccoli, kikurage, cabbage and black pepper served with thick noodle. A gluten-free kale noodle is also available for $1 more. 

If noodles aren’t your thing Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya also offers a variety of Rice Bowls like their Beef Sukiyaki Don ($13.80) or Karaage Don ($12.80) as well as Tokyo curry bowls including a Pork Katsu w/ Curry ($14.80) and Pork Gyoza w/ Curry ($14.80). And to start off any meal, you’ll want to check out their selection of izakaya options which range from Tempura Brussel Sprouts ($7.80) and Fried Oyster ($6.80) to Seaweed Salad ($4.80). 

Tanaka Ramen & Izakaya will be offering its full menu of lunch and dinner items for take out. To place an order, call (808) 744-1231. Delivery is also be available through Uber Eats and Bite Squad. 

All University of Hawaii system faculty and students and military will receive 10 percent off with proof of ID. The business is also planning to open two additional locations at Ala Moana Center and Pearlridge Center later this year.

Tanaka Ramen is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information on Tanaka Ramen, visit www.tanakaramen.com. Also, follow Tanaka Ramen on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TanakaRamenHawaii/ and on Instagram at www.instagram.com/tanakaramenhawaii. 

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ABOUT TANAKA RAMEN

Founded in 2017, Tanaka Ramen brings fresh, gourmet and affordable Japanese ramen bar-style dishes to more than four cities across the United States. Named after the skilled Japanese ramen chef who inspired the restaurant’s creation, Tanaka Ramen works to serve delicious, traditional flavors in a chic modern environment. With an array of options from build-your-own-ramen to a selection of signature dishes, Tanaka Ramen has something for everyone. For more information, visit www.tanakaramen.com.