Nori's Saimin & Snacks

Frommer's Review

Like Naung Mai, Nori's requires some searching out, but it's worth it. Unmarked and not visible from the street, it's located across from the Hilo Lanes bowling alley, down a short driveway into an obscure parking lot. You'll wonder what you're doing here, but stroll into the tiny noodle house with the neon sign of chopsticks and a bowl, grab a plywood booth or Formica table, and prepare to enjoy the best saimin on the island. Saimin comes fried or in a savory homemade broth -- the key to its success -- with various embellishments, from seaweed to won-ton dumplings. Ramen, soba, udon, and mundoo (a Korean noodle soup) are among the 16 varieties of noodle soups. Barbecued chicken or beef sticks are smoky and marvelous. Plate lunches (teriyaki beef, ahi, Korean short ribs) and sandwiches give diners ample choices from morning to late night, but noodles are the star. The "big plate" dinners feature ahi, barbecued beef, fried noodles, kal bi ribs, and salad -- not for junior appetites. The desserts at Nori's are also legendary, with its signature haupia and sweet-potato pies flying out the door almost as fast as the famous chocolate mochi cookies and cakes.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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