Junpuu — Restaurant in Honolulu

I was craving ramen and I saw that this place had good ratings so I decided to stop by. Granted I am pretty picky about my ramen but this place was such a disappointment. I ordered takoyaki and a spicy miso ramen. I don't eat meat so I replaced the char siu with spinach.

The server said they usually charge but this time there would be no extra charge for the replacement. Which in my head didn't make any sense to me since it's a replacement. Most places switch out ingredients for no extra charge, EVER.

The takoyaki came and my jaw dropped. The takoyaki was probably a little bit bigger than the size of a quarter. And the piece of tako in it was the size of my pinky finger nail. I was shocked to see how small they were and they are charging $7 for 5 small pieces.

After that disappointment I didn't have high hopes for the ramen. Ramen in my head comes with nori, bean sprouts, maybe a couple other veggies on it. But this ramen came with onions and bamboo shoots. The ramen was lukewarm and it was bland. It also wasn't spicy at all at a level 2 spice level. And I was charged $2.50 for an egg. After the first couple bites I was over the meal and wanted to get out of there.

The wait staff was friendly though.

Go somewhere else. To get ramen. Wasn't...

"Junpuu and the Ramen and Gyoza" is a delightful culinary journey that transports diners straight to the heart of Japan. From the moment you step inside, you're greeted with warm, inviting decor that sets the tone for an authentic Japanese experience. The menu showcases a tantalizing selection of ramen, each bowl crafted with precision and care. The broth is rich and flavorful, simmered to perfection, while the noodles are impressively chewy and fresh.

The gyoza, served piping hot, are a must-try. They are perfectly pan-fried, with a crisp exterior that gives way to a savory filling bursting with umami. Each bite is a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that leaves you craving more.

Service at Junpuu is attentive but unintrusive, making sure your dining experience is seamless. Whether you’re a ramen aficionado or a newcomer to Japanese cuisine, this restaurant offers something for everyone. The atmosphere is casual yet refined, making it ideal for both intimate dinners and casual lunches.

Overall, "Junpuu and the Ramen and Gyoza" delivers an exceptional dining experience that's sure to satisfy your cravings for authentic Japanese flavors. Highly recommended for anyone looking to indulge in delicious...

I ordered the garlic tonkotsu ramen with 10x spicy. My hope was a garlic ramen with a bit of extra spice. I was warned it was spicy but a friend had gotten it last time I came and it was really well balanced and the favorite of the table. So this solo adventure I went for it. When I got my bowl, it was red. As in spicy red. I gave it a college try but my taste buds had to tap out halfway through. So listen to the spicy warning! 1 star off for when I got the receipt it had “spicy tonkotsu ramen 10x spicy” with blackened garlic oil add on. Perhaps that meant it was double spicy? Spicy on top of the spicy base? It could mean nothing but it just means I’ll have to come back and get a non- spicy garlic tonkotsu to be able to sip all the tasty broth. Still would recommend. Will update with next review.

FYI: The parking behind the building is deceptive, there is a guard shack and a sign “private parking” for the medical arts building. I ended up paying for street parking…until I got to the front of the restaurant where I saw a sign for the building….medical arts building. So I could have parked in the back lot. I’m assuming because it near the HoMA that they regulate parking in that way. I’ll park...