BEST RESTAURANT, KAUA'I
Hamura Saimin

	Hamura's, which earned the 2004 and 2005 'Ilimas for Best Kaua'i Restaurant, is an unassuming family- owned saimin house on a Lihu'e side street where the secret is the flavorful and filling broth, and the quick and friendly service.
	Advertiser library photo

If you're envisioning white tablecloths and tuxedoed waiters, think again. This third-generation noodle shop is composed of two U-shaped Formica counters, a short wall-mounted menu and members of the Hamura/Hiraoka clan presiding over steaming pots. Aside from the classic saimin created by the late Aiko Hamura (dense noodles in a full-bodied broth sprinkled with onions), there's won ton mein, BBQ stick, and the tall, house-made liliko'i chiffon pies.

2956 Kress St., Lihu'e. (808) 245-3271. 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-midnight Friday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Sunday. No reservations. No credit cards. No checks. $.

Checks: Local checks and travelers’ checks only