The refreshing tastes of Asia

Enjoy tasty ramen at Ramen Akatsuki. Photo courtesy STIX ASIA

In the heart of Honolulu’s top tourist destination in the Waikiki Shopping Plaza is a hidden Asian food hall that brings hungry customers through its maze of restaurants to experience authentic cuisine from Japan, Taiwan, China, Korea and Singapore.

Among the 17 eateries in STIX Asia is Ramen Akatsuki, which prides itself on its clear Tonkotsu-style broth paired with smooth handmade noodles. Until the end of June, kamaaina can enjoy 30% off.

Try the Miso Ramen ($18 regular; $20 large), which uses a miso sauce blended from two kinds of quality miso and spicy original gapao alongside pickled radish to enhance soup flavor. The Shio Ramen ($17 regular; $19 large) uses a saltier broth blended with carefully selected salts that concentrates the flavors of bonito and kombu seaweed. For a refreshing zest, add a squeeze from the attached lime.

For a brothless noodle option, try the Mazemen ($9.90) topped with an original flavored oil mix with vegetables; any remaining sauce can be mixed with rice for a delicious finale.

The eatery also has sides such as Ajitama ($3), Chashu ($4), Gyoza ($6) and Seasoned Rice with Clams ($4). Or, try its Combo A ($6), which comes with four pieces of gyoza and rice, or Combo B ($8), which includes four pieces of gyoza and seasoned rice with clams.