At the heart of Waikiki Yokocho, a food paradise in Honolulu, lies BARIO – a haven for ramen lovers. What sets BARIO apart in an ocean of noodle shops is their signature dish, the Tsukemen. This particular style of ramen, where the noodles and broth are served separately, is a culinary revelation and an absolute must-try. This article is a review that comes from the discerning taste buds of Ericko, who had lunch at BARIO in Waikiki Yokocho, just downstairs from our office.
A Deep Dive into the Flavorful World of BARIO's Tsukemen
BARIO is a Japanese ramen restaurant that specializes in Tonkotsu broth—rich, creamy soup made from pork bone.Tsukemen (“dipping ramen”) is a style where the noodles and broth are served separately.Unlike ramen, where the noodles are served in the broth and soak up the flavor, tsukemen broth is much stronger. Noodles are generally served cold or at room temperature, to be dipped in the hot broth. To compensate, the noodles are also thicker so they can easily soak up the broth. There are many ramen restaurants in Waikiki Yokocho’s “Ramen Street” and BARIO is definitely a place to try if you’re a ramen lover.
BARIO has a $9.95 lunch special, making it (along with its location) an attractive option for a midday-meal. However, the lunch special is smaller than the regular bowl, so if you’re a big eater you might want to opt for the regular $13 bowl anyway. The regular cost is on the pricier side, even with the large serving size (which BARIO is known for), but locals receive a 15% kamaaina discount, which certainly makes it more reasonable.
Why we Recommend BARIO
The tonkotsu broth is great, and the portions are generous. If you’re craving Tsukemen, stop by BARIO in Waikiki! While it can be pricey, the ramen is served in generous portions, and the kamaaina discount makes it a good deal.
Notes:
- Hours: 11AM – midnight
- Lunch special is from 11AM – 2PM
- Average Price: $15~$20
- Cash only
- No take-out options
- No reservations
Keep an eye on HawaiiActivities.com for more of our tantalizing restaurant reviews. Our dedicated team is always on the hunt for the next culinary gem, ready to guide your taste buds through the vibrant and diverse food landscape of Hawaii.
