East Side Eateries: Restaurant Kenichi

Walking into Restaurant Kenichi, I was greeted by the familiar scene of what once was Kay’s Lunch Center, along with the calming yet boisterous hums of families conversing over their dinner plates, obviously stating their praises about whatever it was they were consuming. The place was packed, so you knew this was definitely a good place to eat. Surprisingly, only after a few minutes wait, we were seated – a party of three, all first-timers at Restaurant Kenichi.

Normally, three people who have never eaten at a certain restaurant would order three different dishes so that all three could sample an array of what the restaurant has to offer. Needless to say, the overwhelming consensus on the table was that everyone had to have the miso ramen with barbeque chicken.

We were not disappointed.

Just a few short moments after taking our order, our energetic server brought us three steaming bowls of miso ramen
with large paddle-like wooden spoons. No one said a word as we took in the warmth of the homemade broth; too busy taking in all the flavors. There was a little kick of spiciness in the soup, which was nice and gave it character. Note that you can order the spicy miso ramen if you so desire. The ramen noodles themselves were cooked perfectly; not too tough and not too soggy. “Jus rite.” The beansprouts were crisp, and the barbeque chicken was simply ‘ono: delicious. All this coupled with kamaboko (fishcake), half a boiled egg, a sprinkle of green onion, nori, and a garnish of pink pickled ginger that puts the zing in this ama-zing dish.

Restaurant Kenichi is definitely worth the visit. And another visit. And another. Maybe five… ten… twenty visits. If you don’t care for ramen, they still serve up other local favorites such as chicken katsu, barbeque chicken and barbeque beef, and Korean chicken just to name a few. (The barbeque beef and Korean chicken are prepared the same way Kay’s Lunch Center made them.) They even have panko furikake salmon, and grilled saba. I know I am most certainly going back just to try their kim chee fried rice. Maybe I’ll build up the courage to attempt the spicy miso ramen.

Dining at Restaurant Kenichi was a very pleasing experience. You can expect to pay around ten to fifteen dollars per person, depending if you eat dessert. I hear the blueberry cream cheese crumble is excellent and frequently sells out. The service and staff are quick and personable. The atmosphere is very relaxed; you feel right at home. If you are planning a party, they have a banquet room that can accommodate up to sixty people. Catering is also available.

Restaurant Kenichi gets two big thumbs-up from this very satisfied customer. Granted, this Hawaii real estate agent is no credible food critic.

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Restaurant Kenichi

684 Kilauea Avenue, Hilo, Hawaii 96720 | (808) 969-1776

Open Monday through Saturday, 10:00a-2:00p & 5:00p-9:00p