Garlic Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen ($10; pictured with ajitama for $1.50 extra)
When the weather is cold and stormy the way it has been lately, ramen is the dish that always hits the spot.
Hot, steamy noodles steeped in a hearty broth made of pork bones simmered for 16 hours is exactly what you need, and you’ll find them at Junpuu on South King Street.
“For most of our ramen, the base is made out of tonkotsu (pork) that we cook on high heat,” explains Junpuu owner Eiji Kato. “This gives the soup a whiter look than most broths and makes the soup richer.”
Tantan Men Special ($13.50). Photo courtesy of Junpuu
The eatery’s Tantan Men ($10.50) is the most popular selection. It’s served with spicy ground pork, spinach and bamboo shoots.
Junpuu also offers a range of upgrades for ramen, and you can order a large portion for $1.50 more, or substitute gluten-free noodles (in any ramen) for $3.50.
Garlic Tokyo Tonkotsu Ramen ($10) is Junpuu’s second most popular item and utilizes cooking techniques that Kato, who has lived in Hawaii for 13 years, derived from his Japanese roots.
Spicy Miso Ramen ($10.50; with ajitama for $1.50 extra) FILE PHOTOS
“I’m originally from Tokyo, and we pre-cook the bones to take out the gaminess, and so that it has a smoother texture, rather than the typical way to do it. It’s the more refined way of tonkotsu,” he says.
Another rich option is Spicy Miso Ramen ($10.50), which comes with the restaurant’s signature char siu, bamboo shoots and a mix of onions. An ajitama (marinated egg) is a delicious addition to this for $1.50. Junpuu’s ajitama is soaked overnight in a special sauce and cooked to soft-boiled perfection.
Aside from the food, one attractive aspect of Junpuu is the ample parking. There are often many stalls available at the Medical Arts Building where Junpuu is nestled, and the restaurant validates from lunchtime until 5 p.m. on weekdays.
After 5, parking is free there. On weekends, Junpuu validates until noon and parking is free after that.
Furthermore, visit Junpuu today and use your Dining Out coupon (see page 14) to get a free three-piece gyoza after 2 p.m. with the purchase of a bowl of ramen.
Junpuu
1010 South King St., Honolulu
260-1901
Daily, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Honolulu, HI 96814
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