Customers Get Their Local Favorite Fix at Asian Mix

Just like the melting pot of cultures that Hawaii embodies, Asian Mix incorporates flavors from around the Pacific Rim as customers are treated to a vast array of Chinese and Japanese cuisine infused with local favorites.

Located conveniently at the corner of Beretania and Piikoi streets on the ground level of the new Safeway building, Asian Mix serves up quality cuisine at affordable prices without the long waiting time usually associated with typical sit-down restaurants. The eatery opened its doors last May under the ownership of Daniel Leung, and his skilled chef and staff — the same team that operated Panda Cuisine near Ala Moana for 20 years.

“We’ve been running a sit-down restaurant for 200 people until we decided to simplify things a bit,” says Leung when asked about the motivation for launching Asian Mix. “Whatever we’ve done before, including preparing upscale Chinese food, we do the exact same thing here — except that we’re trying to do it in a fast-food environment. But you still get to enjoy quality food.”

While the majority of Asian Mix diners order items to go, the restaurant offers plenty of clean seats and tables outside for customers to enjoy a delicious meal before heading home or to work.

“The idea is that people can come — there is plenty of free parking — and pick something up before they get on the freeway to go home, or head back through town,” says Leung. “We believe that we’re the most reasonable place in town.”

Upon entering Asian Mix, customers immediately notice the large display of freshly prepared Roast Duck Hong Kong Style ($22 whole, $11.50 half). Leung makes sure to utilize the best ducks available in order to provide more meat, and the birds’ crispy golden skin and alluring aroma satiate the senses.

“Local Flavors” plate lunches highlight the restaurant’s eclectic menu, which features mainstays such as Chicken Katsu ($5.95 mini, $7.95 regular) and Garlic Shrimp ($6.95 mini, $8.95 regular). The katsu features two large pieces of the succulent chicken along with a homemade dipping sauce, while the large, juicy shrimp are cooked to order in a signature garlic butter sauce.

“We have a chef who prepares each Garlic Shrimp order as it comes in, and pan-fries the shrimp so they don’t dry out and hold in all the flavor,” Leung explains.

Customers also may choose to build their own Asian Mix Plate with a choice of side dish and varieties of entrees ($5.75 for one choice, $7.45 for two choices and $8.95 for three choices). Leung notes that eight to nine choices are available each day for mix plate selections, and customers are able to order and go in a matter of minutes.

Asian Mix offers much more than just entree plate selections, including an array of soup and ramen choices. Special Won Ton Noodle ($5.95) soup features diced pork and shrimp prepared fresh along with vegetables, barbecue pork and special noodles imported from Los Angeles. Customers also like Miso Ramen ($8.50), which includes char siu pork and a miso base that are both imported from Japan. The authentic ingredients and classic flavors meld perfectly to satisfy diners with each hearty spoonful and slurp.

“The won ton filling includes shrimp and pork that are hand-chopped, so you can notice the texture compared to some places that just use a meat grinder,” Leung says. “We also have located the exact same noodles that they serve in Hong Kong, and the price is the best in town.”

Asian Mix also offers party trays in regular (12 or more people) and large (20 or more people) varieties for catering all sorts of events. Customers may choose from sides ($22 regular and $32 large) including Chow Fun, Gon Lo Mein and Fried Rice, as well as popular entrees ($25 regular and $35 large) such as Sweet & Sour Pork, Orange Chicken, Tofu with Vegetables and Zucchini Chicken & Mushroom. Most orders can be fulfilled in less than an hour, but with orders for more than 50 people, Leung asks for at least one day’s notice.

As a special offer for Dining Out readers, Asian Mix is featuring the popular Ginger Sauce Chicken ($8.50 half order) for just $6.50 — a sweet deal that runs through this week only.

Asian Mix

1234 South Beretania St. Shop A-1, Honolulu
521-1688
Open daily, 10:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
HiAsianMix.com