Ramen to rave about

Big Bowl ($12.25)

Since opening its flagship store at the Queen Kaahumanu Center on Maui more than 10 years ago, Ramen-Ya has been serving up delicious noodles and more to hungry islanders.

A key to Ramen-Ya’s success is the broth, made by cooking ingredients such as pork bone, chicken and vegetables for 10 hours. For the ultimate meal in a bowl, there is the aptly named Big Bowl ($12.25). Chicken katsu, char siu and an assortment of healthy vegetables come together in a miso-based broth. “It’s a huge bowl that can be very challenging to finish!” says company president Dorothy Lee.

Seafood Ramen ($9.75)

Seafood lovers have several items, including both Seafood Ramen ($9.75) and Spicy Seafood Ramen ($9.75). The Seafood Ramen is a chuka (Chinese) style ramen, while the Spicy Seafood Ramen is made in the sapporo style of Hokkaido. Both come with a rich assortment of shrimp, squid, fish and mixed vegetables. The spiciness of the Spicy Seafood Ramen can be adjusted to suit guests’ tastes. “Those who love seafood and large portions always enjoy these!” says Lee.

In addition to ramen, Ramen-Ya offers a variety of local favorites such as fried rice, fried noodle, chicken katsu curry and mochiko chicken.

A WINNING COMBINATION

Combo Set A ($12.95)

A great way to sample what’s made Ramen-Ya a go-to spot for noodle lovers is to order one of the Combo Sets. Combo Set A ($12.25), for example, comes with mini ramen, four pieces of gyoza, and your choice of mini fried rice, chicken katsu, spam katsu, mochiko chicken, beef curry or gyoza curry. “It’s the best value we have,” says company president Dorothy Lee. “You get three items in one package.”