Hidden in the business parks and warehouses that surround the IKEA in South Renton near Kent, is a tasty lunch spot for local workers and out of town shoppers alike, Saimin Says.

The Hawaiian restaurant’s name is a play on the name of a Hawaiian egg noodle soup dish called Saimin. Along with different varieties of Saimin with toppings like green onions, char siu, spam, eggs and Kamaboko, the restaurant also offers other Hawaiian comfort foods.

Their menu included Lau Lau, a dish made of pork and butterfish wrapped in taro leaf and steamed tender, Shoyu marinated chicken, and breaded and fried Tonkatsu pork among others.

I elected to try a combo plate with Kalbi marinated beef short ribs and Mochiko garlic chicken, which I learned is a crispy popcorn chicken breaded in rice flour, fried crispy and soaked in a garlic sauce. The Kalbi short ribs were tender with a chewy bite that I enjoyed. They had a sweet and tangy flavor thanks to the marinade and they had been grilled until the fat rendered out to a delicious tenderness. The Mochiko chicken was remarkably tender and juicy while still maintaining a crunch.

The garlic sauce was tangy and savory and worked well to take on flavor with the crispy breading. The plate also came with a side of white sticky rice, perfect to soak up the juices left by the saucy meats, as well as a delicious and creamy Hawaiian mac salad.

It was an absolute treat of a lunch, accompanied by friendly service, and I would recommend the spot to anyone in the area.