Where to Find the Best Asian Food in Waikīkī!
What makes Waikīkī such a beloved tourist destination is its diverse array of restaurants, shops, and activities– all located alongside beautiful beaches. But with so many options to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to eat!
Hawaiʻi is known for its strong Japanese influence and authentic Asian cuisines of all kinds. If you’re looking to experience top tier Asian cuisine without leaving the Waikīkī strip, check out this guide and explore our blog for more Waikīkī recommendations!
Best Sushi in Waikīkī
It would be a shame for any seafood or sushi-lover to leave Oʻahu without getting some great sushi! Here are our top picks.
Omakase
If you’re looking for an elevated and unique Omakase dining experience, look no further than Sushi Fukurou. Established in 2022, Fukurou is tucked away in a hidden room inside of one of Waikīkī’s most popular rooftop bars, Buho Cocina Y Cantina.
This sushi bar serves omakase only– leave it up to Chef Miki Yanagihara to present you with a delightful coursed meal that masterfully blends Japanese Kaiseki with a delicate touch of Mexican flare.
Why we picked it:
With 12-course Omakase priced at only $90 per person, you get so much bang for your buck! You’ll be hard pressed to find a better deal anywhere on the island. The seafood is always fresh and the subtle nods to Hawaiian and Mexican flavors can’t be found anywhere else. Make sure to make a reservation for one of their two nightly seatings on Tuesday-Friday evenings! Fukurou validates parking up to 3 hours for the Waikiki Shopping Plaza parking lot.
Casual Dining
If you prefer dining a la carte, head to Sushi Matsuri for a more casual, family-friendly dining experience without sacrificing quality. Dine-in to enjoy a casual, clean space with an ambiance that many travelers say feels just like home in Japan.
Why we picked it:
Sushi Matsuri is known for its fresh fish shipped directly from Japan and its friendly, attentive staff. Enjoy fresh seafood caught in the Seto Inland Sea at this restaurant located in Stix Asia Food Hall!
Best Ramen in Waikīkī
Ramen is a delicious and satisfying way to refuel for another day of relaxation or adventure. For top quality and convenient seating, you can’t go wrong with any of the options at Stix Asia Food Hall’s iconic Noodle Street.
Hokkaido Style
Baikohken Ramen is a Michelin-recognized Japanese restaurant that was founded in 1969 in Asahikawa, Hokkaido. Luckily, you no longer have to travel to Japan to try their famous Asahikawa ramen! Baikohken’s mission is to bring ramen to the world, and their Waikīkī location definitely delivers.
In addition to ramen, try a variety of small plates like gyoza, seared chashu don, and Hokkaido style deep fried chicken. They’re great as sides or appetizers and are also a perfect option for kids and small eaters.
Why we picked it:
It’s simply delicious. Their original ‘double soup stock’ is a perfectly balanced blend made from ‘animal essence’ from pork bone and chicken bone and ‘seafood essence’ from dried fish and seaweed. Vegetarian and Vegan eaters can also enjoy their Vegan menu including popular soup bases like tomato, ginger miso, and more!
Tokyo Style
For authentic Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen, make sure to check out Ramen BARIO! Established in 2009 in Shinbashi, Tokyo, Ramen BARIO quickly became a well-loved staple that now has six Tokyo locations and two Hawaiʻi locations- one at Ala Moana Shopping Center’s Makai food court, and one at Waikīkī’s Stix Asia Food Hall. The Waikīkī location offers dine-in seating or takeout with food court seating, and the Ala Moana location offers takeout with food court seating only.
Why we picked it:
In addition to their classic Tonkatsu pork broth ramen, BARIO also has an extensive selection of Tsukemen. Dip their thicker cold noodles into garlic tonkotsu shoyu soup and choose from a variety of toppings and flavors. You won’t regret it!
BARIO is great for kids and spice lovers alike- choose from spice levels mild, hot, fire, kilauea, and ghost for any of their noodle dishes.
Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese Cuisine and More
The streets of Waikīkī are packed with shops and restaurants, but to find the most authentic Asian restaurants, you may want to venture off the beaten path to find hidden gems located down alleys, inside shopping centers, or a few blocks away.
If you’re not sure where to start, you can always count on Stix Asia Food Hall on the Lower Level of Waikiki Shopping Plaza for quality Asian cuisine and a nice place to sit and relax. Their collective features a wide variety of Asian traditions in one space, but each restaurant operates independently to preserve the authentic flavors they are known for.
- If you’re craving Vietnamese, head to Ribs & Broth Waikiki for Vietnamese-style ramen, pho noodle soup, vermicelli, banh ni, and more.
- For a perfect Korean street food snack or meal, head to Good Chicken Waikiki for Korean Fried Chicken, mandoo, and tteokbokki!
- Skip the line at Marugame Udon and try Udon Yama for authentic Sanuki Udon & Tempura!
- For Chinese, enjoy the unforgettable Hong Kong cuisine at HK Cafe, including dim sum, stir fry, curry, rice dishes, roast duck, and more.
All Stix Asia eateries validate parking at the Waikiki Shopping Plaza garage for purchases over $20. Whether you dine at Stix Asia or end up somewhere else, we hope you get to enjoy a taste of Asia while you’re here!