If you’ve never been to Shiro’s Saimin Haven, it might take at least 15 minutes to read through the menu and the homey descriptions written by late owner Shiro Matsuo.

On the cover are several lines of his poetry, the first line conveying a basic philosophy about Shiro’s: “Where the customer(s) are never always right, but we don’t argue. We’d rather cook than fight.”

He had a wacky sense of humor, liked to play with words, and made up a few himself, like “Dodonpa.” That’s the name of Shiro’s best-selling bowl of noodles ($12.45). For those who want it all, get the “Dodonpa, The Ultimate King of Saimins, Bombarded with 10 Garnishes: Fried Shrimp, Roast Beef, Char Siu, Wun Tun, Chinese Roast Pork, Luncheon Meat, Imitation Crab, Mushrooms, Eggroll and Vegetables.”

Customers have a choice of dashi or miso broth.

>> Related: Shiro’s Saimin Haven celebrates 50 years in Hawaii

Freshly made hamburgers — “hamburgas” or just “burgas” — are made with 100 percent Big Island beef, and all the Hula Burgas are distinguished by a dressing of tartar sauce and ketchup. Or try the half-broiler of chicken that’s “kachikachi crispy,” Shiro’s Original Shov-Um-Up Hotdog or the Groovy Burga.

Sizes include “big brah” or “beeg” or “supa.”

Other popular items are the beef stew, Hawaiian plate and pork adobo. Dishes covered with gravy come with the assurance that: “We make our gravy the ‘old’ way. We take all the bits of beef, juices and drippings; add in onions, garlic, carrots and celery; and braise it for hours until all the flavors are melded into a caramel wonder.”

Every customer is guaranteed one free toothpick.

“Dear Hearts,

I love to sing all day

In a squeaky, whimsical way.

I love to sing of people, places and things

How well it brings

Peace and contentment

In what ’er I do.”

— Shiro Matsuo, whose poems were published in weekly newspaper ads for decades