Pacific Rim Flavors Converge at Asian Mix

Hawaii is recognized as a unique melting pot of cultures and cuisines, and as diners at Asian Mix can attest, a multitude of tastes and flavors from around the Pacific Rim are similarly blended to craft delicious fare infused with local essences.

Situated conveniently at the corner of Beretania and Piikoi streets on the ground level of the Safeway building, Asian Mix serves up quality menu items at affordable prices without the long wait times usually associated with typical sit-down restaurants. The eatery draws inspiration from owner Daniel Leung and his skilled staff — the same culinary wizards that operated Panda Cuisine near Ala Moana for 20 years.

While the majority of Asian Mix regulars order food to go, the restaurant offers plenty of clean seats and tables outside amidst a welcoming breezeway 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 and offer excellent portions. You won’t be disappointed.”

Upon entering Asian Mix, customers immediately notice the large, eye-catching menu complete with photos that illustrate the diverse dining options available. Diners may choose from a host of different entrees stemming from various locales in Asia, including Roast Duck Hong Kong Style ($12.50 half, $24 whole). Leung explains that the customer favorite usually sells out daily, and features the highest quality ducks available prepared in a special sauce before being cooked to crispy perfection.

Noodle dishes also steal the show at Asian Mix, including House Pan-Fried Noodle ($10.50). The popular choice includes a hearty portion of vegetables, shrimp, scallops and chicken atop a bed of fresh, crunchy “skinny” noodles and savory gravy. Chow Fun with Yellow Curry ($9.50) embodies a fusion of flavors as yellow curry is stir-fried with the tasty noodles, shrimp, barbecue pork, green bell peppers, onions and bean sprouts.

“The presentation is very beautiful, the taste is special and the portion is very large — most people end up sharing one order,” Leung says. “If you like curry, this is the winner.”

Asian Mix also offers a collection of refreshing teas and beverages that complement any meal and hit the spot on a hot Hawaiian day. Based on Taiwanese recipes, many of the drinks include freshly brewed tea to guarantee peak taste and consistency. Okinawan Milk Black Tea ($3.50) is one of the restaurant’s best sellers thus far, and can be enjoyed with Tapioca Pearls (additional 50 cents). Peach Jasmine Green Tea ($3.50) features sweet peach notes, a dash of lime juice and flavor bursts from rainbow jellies to quench one’s thirst.

“We use the freshest teas and ingredients. The tea must be kept at a certain temperature or else the flavors will change, so we brew fresh tea every two-and-a-half hours,” Leung explains.

Customers may also choose to build their own Asian Mix Plate during the lunch rush from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. 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 multiple entree selections are available each day for mix plate combos, 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 Japanese-influenced bento and ramen choices. Leung suggests Special Won Ton Noodle ($6.95), which features noodles specially ordered from Los Angeles along with barbecue pork, vegetables, and won ton filled with hand-chopped meat and shrimp enveloped in Hong-Kong style wrappers. The authentic ingredients and classic flavors meld perfectly to satisfy diners with each hearty spoonful and slurp.

Leung explains that the combination of taste and quality ingredients incorporated in each Asian Mix dish coupled with incredible value and affordable pricing create a can’t-miss experience.

Asian Mix also offers party trays in small (12-15 people), medium (20-25 people) and large (40-50 people) varieties for catering events ranging from business functions to birthday parties and graduation celebrations. Customers may choose from a vast array of favorites such as Beef Chow Fun or Curry Chow Fun ($25 small, $35 medium and $70 large), as well as popular entrees including Sweet & Sour Pork, Orange Chicken, Spicy Eggplant & Tofu in Garlic Sauce and Chicken with Broccoli or Vegetables ($28 small, $38 medium and $76 large). Most orders can be filled quickly, but with requests for more than 50 people, Leung asks for at least one day’s notice.

Asian Mix

1234 S. Beretania St., Shop A-1, Honolulu
521-1688
Daily, 10:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m.
HiAsianMix.com

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