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The happiest hours in Waikiki

A La Carte

April 25, 2021

Story By: Lianne Bidal Thompson | Photos by: ANTHONY CONSILLIO

Tan Tan Udon ($25; $21 happy hour)

Since it opened its doors in 2018, TsuruTonTan has earned a reputation as the place to go for the perfect bowl of udon or ramen, thanks to its noodles and proprietary dashi, both of which are made in-house daily using specific ingredients from Japan.

Spicy Tuna Tartare Cones ($12; $10 happy hour)

In addition to those perfect noodles (the restaurant’s name is derived from the sounds of slurping, kneading, shaping and cutting udon noodles), TsuruTonTan boasts not just one generous happy hour — but two.

Hamachi Carpaccio ($14; $12 happy hour)

“We started our special takeout menu to help the local people in Hawaii during the pandemic, and now with tourists starting to return and the economy beginning to recover, we wanted to still help the locals by giving them the best deals we can for dine-in, as well,” says Takuma Lathrop, president of Dining Innovation, which owns and operates TsuruTonTan.

Creamy Spicy Shrimp Tempura ($14; $12 happy hour)

The Royal Hawaiian Center eatery not only offers two Happy Hours — 11 a.m.-2 p.m. for lunch, and 4-6 p.m. for dinner —but the entire menu is available for the special happy hour pricing.

“Some of our more popular dishes have been our Wagyu Sushi ($12), Chicken Karaage ($8), Yukari Fries ($6) and Spicy Tuna Cones ($10),” Lathrop says. As for his personal favorite? “I like the Tan Tan Udon ($18),” he says. “I enjoy a little spice so the Tan Tan Udon hits the spot.

I’m sure plenty of people have tried a tan tan ramen, but you don’t really see tan tan udon very much. I think many people will be pleasantly surprised!”

2233 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

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