Daiichi Ramen - Kailua Kona

I would give this place 3.5 stars for taste and 4 stars for options and price. We ordered the Veg-Ramen, the Kimchee udon, and a side of Croquettes (made with fried sweet potatoes and panko). The ramen was simple and needed more taste, so I made my own chili pepper, soy sauce and garlic available at the table. The kimchee udon was very chic. I had vegan better ramen in my life, but I'm sure I'm happy. When I asked the server for their vegan options, it brought a selected menu with enough options to visit several times without ordering the same twice. Update: went back and ordered Mapo tofu fried noodles. It didn't look appetizing like a blob. Wouldn't recommend. But I also ordered the Kimchee wheels and it was EXCELLENT.

I would rate this restaurant 3.5 stars for taste and 4 stars for options and price. We tried the veggie rays, the cheek udon, and a side of croquettes made from fried sweet potatoes and panko. The dish was mediocre and lacking in flavor, so I added my own chili pepper, soy sauce, and garlic from the table. The kimchee udon was underwhelming. I've had better vegan crumble before, but overall I was satisfied. When I asked the server for vegan options, they provided a special menu with plenty of choices to keep me coming back without repeating the same order. On a return visit, I tried the mapo tofu fried noodles which looked unappetizing and felt like a blob. I would not recommend it. However, the kimchee wheels were great when ordered again.

We discovered pieces of meat in our supposed vegetarian soup broth. As vegans, we were disappointed and do not plan on returning.

I tried the vegetable ramen and found it to be just average. It lacked flavor and protein. I had to add my own tofu and spices to make it more enjoyable. In general, it could use more seasoning to enhance its taste.

The soup was tasteless and we discovered a piece of meat in our supposedly vegetarian dish. We are not likely to visit again if we are looking for vegan options.