Popular ramen shop adds more vegan options

Adding more vegan options to the vegetarian miso ramen at AGU A Ramen Bistro is a tomato ramen, which made its first appearance at the Hale ‘Aina Awards 2018 Gala where AGU swept the Gold Medal for Best Japanese Noodles. The tomato ramen, now available at all locations, was joined last month by two more vegan ramen—Hakata ramen and tan tan men.

Tan Tan Men. Courtesy: Sean M. Morris

In response to the increased growth of unique ramen presentations in Japan, AGU A Ramen Bistro decided to launch its own tomato ramen. Possessing a hearty warm broth comprised of tomato, carrot, soy milk, garlic, ginger, onions, olive oil, and vegetable broth, the soup noodles boast a rich flavor that is reminiscent of an Italian pasta dish.

The other two vegan offerings that launched in December were two ramen crafted as a collaboration between AGU A Ramen Bistro owner and chef Hisashi “Teddy” Uehara and Vegan Hills owner and chef Megumi Odin. The Kyushu-rooted Hakata ramen, which is normally served with a rich creamy pork-based broth, will replace all animal-related products with a broth derived from almond milk and creamy miso. The Sichuan-originated tan tan men, or “peddler’s noodles’ known for its spicy and nutty notes, will also incorporate almond milk as its based, but enriched with tan tan chili spices and tahini. The ramen are priced at $15.

“As more people are seeking healthy options, we want to meet the increasing demand while offering a sense of diversity,” says Hisashi “Teddy” Uehara, owner and chef. “Trends such as this are already taking place in Japan, and it will just be a matter of time before we start to see similar currents take shape here in the United States.”

Those who wish to enjoy AGU A Ramen Bistro menu items in the comfort of their own homes are invited to utilize Uber Eats, Uber’s food delivery service, with which AGU A Ramen Bistro is working. Simply order online at https://www.ubereats.com/honolulu/.

AGU A Ramen Bistro operates five other locations throughout Oahu. For more information, go to  www.aguramen.com or call (808) 797-2933.

Diane Ako

Peace of mind By Diane Ako I like to reflect on life. Sometimes it’s philosophically. Sometimes it’s humorously. For all its beauty, life is far too difficult a journey to take alone. You need the support and connection with others to help carry you along the way. Writing brings me that connection– within and without. It clarifies my thoughts and feelings. It helps me reach out to others for advice, wisdom, or feedback. Your thoughts become your actions. Your actions become you. A wise yogi- Patanjali- said, “Speak what is true. Speak what is pleasant.” Let’s speak of things pleasant to one another and seek some peace of mind along the way. ABOUT Diane Ako joined Hawaii: In Real Life in October 2016. She likes being part of a community of local bloggers – people who like writing and sharing, like she does. Ako is an anchor/ reporter at Island News (KITV4 – ABC) in Honolulu. She previously anchored and reported at KHON2 (FOX) and KHNL (NBC), and at stations in California, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania. She freelance writes for NMG Network's magazines. In between news jobs, in 2017, she launched and ran her own p.r. company, Diane Ako PR. From 2010-2014, she headed the public relations department at Halekulani Corporation, which oversees luxury resort Halekulani and boutique hotel Waikiki Parc. She’s been blogging since 2009 – before Hawaii: IRL, she wrote for The Honolulu Star-Advertiser, the state’s largest daily newspaper, where her stories garnered a dozen journalism awards and an Emmy nomination. Ako has a BA in Communications from Menlo College and an MA in Political Science from University of Hawaii at Manoa. She volunteers as a board member of the Honolulu Gay & Lesbian Cultural Foundation, a Shinto shrine maiden at Daijingyu Temple, a citizen-scientist studying shrimp, and a yoga teacher at a senior center.

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