Saimin Says

Saimin is a noodle dish that is unique to Hawaii and was created during the sugar and pineapple plantation era. Chef Mark "Gooch" Noguchi likes to say, “ramen is trendy, but Saimin is life!” Join Gooch as he takes his fellow chefs on a tour of the iconic mom and pop Saimin stands, and meet a cast of cool characters along the way.

Episode #1: I Love It When You Call Me Big Poppa

Guest Chef: Roy Yamaguchi

Join Chef Mark “Gooch” Noguchi and Chef Roy Yamaguchi to experience the family-owned and -operated Shige’s Saimin Stand in Wahiawa, O‘ahu on this episode of “Saimin Says.” Although Gooch has never worked at Roy’s, Roy has always been a mentor and father-figure to him, which is why Gooch affectionately calls him, “Poppa.”

Episode #2: I Put On For My City, On-On For My City

Guest Chef: Royden Ellamar

It’s a homecoming for Chef Mark “Gooch” Noguchi and Chef Royden Ellamar when they head to Hilo’s favorite Saimin spot, Nori’s. On this episode of “Saimin Says” Gooch and Royden link up with Casey Halpern and Kuhao Zane to talk about Hilo, hula and grind some good local food!

Episode #3: Sky Is the Limit and You Know That You Can Have What You Want

Guest Chef: Kelley Pittman

What Luke Skywalker is to Obi-Wan Kenobi, Kelley Pittman is that to Mark “Gooch” Noguchi. 

The Jedi Master and Padawan Learner catch up over a visit to Fitted, excursion to a fishpond and a meal at Palace Saimin.

Episode #4: Oooh La La La, It’s The Way That We Rock When We’re Doing Our Thang

Guest Chef: Eddie Huang

Chefs Eddie Huang and Mark “Gooch” Noguchi were raised on opposite ends of the country, but they both come from immigrant families with strong cultural roots. Watch them find common ground and share culture as they eat Saimin at Jane’s Fountain and check out the OG Sun Noodle Factory.

Episode #5: I Heard It’s the Bomb and You Got It Goin’ On

Guest Chef: Belinda Leong

Mark “Gooch” Noguchi and The Queen of Kouign-Amann, Belinda Leong, take a special trip to Kauai to visit the Hanapepe Salt Ponds. Join them as they road trip with Chef Mark Oyama, visit Kilauea Noodle Company and eat at Hamura’s Saimin with Kepa Kruse.

Episode #6: Pour Up, Drank

Guest Chef: Chris Kajioka and Guest Mixologist: Justin Park

Food has a way of bringing people together, and so does single-barrel whiskey. Chef Mark 

“Gooch” Noguchi, Chef Chris Kajioka and Mixologist Justin Park spend the day eating brunch at Zippy’s, sipping cocktails at Bar Leather Apron and chasing it with a spread of local food at Shiro’s Saimin Haven.