Kristyn P.
Yelp
When you visit Marugame Udon in Waikiki, be prepared for a line--sometimes even around the block! But don't worry, it moves fast, and you'll have your udon in no time. If you're in a hurry, you can also order online and pick it up to go.
I went around 7pm on a Thursday and expected a bit of a wait, but the system runs smoothly. You follow the line, order your udon at the counter, grab some tempura if you want, check out, and then find a seat. It's a cozy spot, so a staff member will guide you to your table, either inside or in the shared outdoor area.
As for the food, I went with the Nikutama udon, topped with tempura flakes and green onions. The noodles were fresh and had the perfect chew, and the sweet beef and boiled egg were a great touch. The sauce had a nice umami flavor without being too heavy.
There's a decent selection of tempura with varying price ranges, so tonight I also grabbed a potato croquette and shrimp tempura--both were crispy, fresh, and lighter than typical fried food. Definitely don't skip the tempura dipping sauce!
I've been here several times, and the food and service have always been consistent. It's not really a place for lingering after you eat, but I always come back when I'm craving a good bowl of udon.