Cheap eats on Keeaumoku

Vegetable tan tan men

OK, we get the no-MSG thing, we get that the skinny, al dente noodles come from a special recipe known only to Goma Ichi and Sun Noodles. We even get that weird Japanese advertising that says the flavor dances with sesame. But what else makes us scarf the broth like nomads at an oasis? What? WHAT?

Whatever it is, we’re not alone. We show up on a Saturday at 1:45, 15 minutes to closing, and get the last two seats. The crunchy-chunky bamboo shoots take us back to small-kid time, and the chili in the tan tan broth tickles the back of our throat and makes us happy.

What else is there: Different tan tan, shoyu and sung hon ramen bowls

Cost: $7.40
Goma Ichi Ramen