Ramen shop serves ‘liquid gold’

Shiroton Tonkotsu Shibori ($9.50)

There’s something special about Manichi Ramen, a top-notch ramen shop located on Kona Street. It could be its perfectly textured noodles, mouthwatering assortment of broths, affordable prices or all the above that makes it the ideal place to enjoy a meal with friends. Whatever the case may be, many locals and tourists seeking authentic Japanese ramen deem this hot spot ichiban (No. 1 in Japanese).

Manager Chris Jon explains it takes time to create the eatery’s famed ramen broth, but he believes it’s worth the effort — the tonkotsu (pork bone based) broth takes about six hours to make. And judging from the eatery’s popularity, customers must agree.

Akaton Spicy Tonkotsu Shibori ($10.50)

The best way to soak in and savor the Tonkotsu soup, or as the Dining Out team calls it, “liquid gold,” is by ordering Shiroton Tonkotsu Shibori ($9.50). This bowl lets the savory golden broth shine with slices of pork char-siu, noodles, green onions and bean sprouts. Jon explains many customers often go for the more complex bowls of ramen like Manichi Akaton Spicy Tonkotsu Shibori ($10.50) Special Tonkotsu-Shibori ($13.25), which is flavored with karamiso (spicy miso) and ma-yu (black garlic oil), as they think the fancier the better, but he encourages patrons to also appreciate simple ramen like Shiroton Tonkotsu Shibori.

“I want (customers) to realize simple ramen tastes good, too,” says Jon.

Kuroton Tonkotsu Shibori ($10.50)

On the spicy side of the ramen spectrum sits Akaton Spicy Tonkotsu Shibori ($10.50) — a bowl of heated goodness featuring karamiso broth, noodles, pork char-siu, bean sprouts and green onions.

Another tantalizing ramen option that’s sure to please is Kuroton Tonkotsu Shibori ($10.50), a decadent bowl of noodles, pork char-siu, green onions and bean sprouts bathed in an aromatic black garlic oil-flavored broth.

While Manichi’s ramen bowls are clear standouts, there are many other delectable items one can enjoy, such as Karamiso Pork Char-siu Don, a bowl of steamed rice topped with homemade pork char-siu and karamiso; Yakitori Chicken Don, grilled chicken served over steamed rice; and an assortment of pupus like Manichi Gyoza, Chicken Tatsuta Karaage and Pork Kakuni.

If you happen to be a vegetarian or you’re just looking for a meatless option, there’s something for you, too — Soy Milk Ramen, a miso-based ramen topped with vegetables like water-cress and mushrooms.

What’s more, customers can enjoy $1 off all Asahi Beer during happy hour (5:30 p.m.-closing) — banzai!