Throughout my many adventures in Waikiki, STIX Waikiki consistently stands out as a culinary underground spot, literally. Located in the heart of Waikiki along Kalākaua Ave., STIX Asian Food Hall presents an unparalleled collection of Asian dining options. From Hong Kong style noodles to the comforting warmth of Japanese ramen, this food court is a celebration of Asia’s rich culinary heritage.
Grab your chopsticks and dive in with me as I take you through this unique delight in the heart of Waikiki.
STIX Waikiki Location
STIX Waikiki Parking
PARKING VALIDATION
Visit their concierge counter to receive a complimentary 2-hour validation with receipts totaling $35, easy to hit unfortunately, or more from any of our STIX ASIA eateries during the following times.
Monday through Friday: 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11:00am to 10:00pm
The Underground Layout
The Restaurants At STIX Waikiki
Ramen Akatsuki
I recently had lunch here and my experience was good with some interesting options on the menu. A great place to fuel up before booking some of the best things to do on O’ahu during your vacation.
I tried the Ramen and Chamayodon Set, which is a bowl of ramen noodles with a side dish of pork over rice, and I also got some Gyoza dumplings on the side.
There was something interesting on the menu: they spelled ‘shoyu’ as ‘syoyu.’ I wasn’t sure if that was a mistake or if they did it on purpose. Based on the response from the wait staff, nobody knows really.
The place makes their noodles from scratch, mixing wheat to make them smooth and keep them from getting soggy in the soup. I despise soggy noodles in my soup and can confirm these were firm and tasty.
First up was the Chamayodon, which had really good roast pork on rice, covered with a lot of green onions and a tasty sauce. Then I had the Shoyu ramen. The noodles were just right – they stayed firm in the soup. There were fresh bamboo shoots and lots of green onions in there too.
The pork in the ramen was sliced thinner than what I’m used to. It was almost like the thin slices you get at a deli. I actually liked it a lot and might even prefer it that way now.
The Gyoza serving had five pieces, but they were a bit too doughy for my liking and didn’t have enough pork filling. The sauce that came with them was really good, though, and had a nice spicy kick.
I appreciated that they didn’t skimp on the green onions in any of the dishes. If you’re looking for a full meal, I’d recommend the combo I got. It’s plenty of food, even without the extra Gyoza on the side.
Honolulu Noodle Company
I have personally eaten here, and my experience follows.
Upon visiting the sole location renowned for its famous beef broth, I was eager to experience the culinary reputation that preceded it. I opted for the A1 beef noodles, intrigued by the promise of their signature dish.
The establishment offers a lunch special for $15, but I chose the regular portion priced at $21.85, curious to see if the quality would match the cost.
Presented with the dish, I was greeted by pickled cabbage and an intriguing slab of beef butter—a unique addition intended to enrich the soup’s flavor. The beef itself was served in various textures: substantial chunks and thin slices, all of which had been seasoned or marinated to perfection, enhancing the already flavorful broth. The noodles were al dente, providing a satisfying bite that complemented the tender beef.
This was the first time I had eaten a bowl of ramen with beef chunks versus slices and while the flavor was excellent I would prefer smaller pieces.
The beef butter, a novel concept, is skimmed from the top of the broth, capturing the essence of the fat and oils, and then blended with butter. This concoction is offered to guests to stir back into the soup for an amplified taste. I added about half of the provided amount and the enhancement to the broth was immediate, infusing every spoonful with a richer depth.
The service was on point—efficient and swift, matching the pace of the bustling establishment. Each bowl of soup served was not just a meal but an experience, reflecting the establishment’s dedication to their craft.
The A1 beef noodles lived up to their fame, and the overall dining experience was a testament to the establishment’s commitment to quality and flavor.
Baikohken
I had a nice lunch at this location and this is one of my top 3 picks for STIX Asia, here is my experience.
First opened December 1969 in Japan, this establishment has been serving customers for over 50 years and has earned accolades in the 2012 and 2017 Michelin Guide Hokkaido.
The service charge notice for the kitchen staff caught my attention immediately for two reasons: firstly, I appreciated its transparency, and secondly, the suggested amounts of 11%, 14%, and 16%—which collectively meet the industry standard of 20%—demonstrate respect for patrons amidst the tipping debates in the United States.
I opted for the shoyu special, which was generously portioned and priced reasonable for Waikiki.
The noodles were perfectly firm with a delightful char, accompanied by Siu pork, ample green onions, and sprouts. The broth was exceptional, arguably the best I’ve experienced in the sticks at the Waikiki Asian food court, with a flavor that remained consistent in every spoonful.
The ramen was absolutely delicious.
I arrived around 11:30 AM and found the place empty, but by the time I left just after noon, it was bustling. As I passed by other locations, I noticed that this was one of the few spots that was quite busy—a testament to its popularity.
Nana’s Green Tea
I’ve been to STIX Asia often and tried various places there, but I haven’t had the chance to check out Nana’s Green Tea yet. It’s known for its modern twist on traditional Japanese tea and food. The place is supposed to be a cool mix of old Japanese culture with a new vibe, and it’s on my list to visit. It’s in the Waikiki Shopping Plaza, open from 11 am to 10 pm daily. I’m looking forward to giving it a try soon.
You can learn more about this location here.
Tempura Kiki
I have had lunch at this spot, here was my experience.
Upon arrival, the super friendly staff presents a red box filled with Japanese pickles, complete with tongs for self-service. Additionally, a full pitcher of water is provided at the counter, ensuring guests never run out—a smart and efficient touch.
Their lunch menu special, available from 11 AM to 3 PM, offers a selection that includes pork, shrimp, squid, and vegetables. For an additional five dollars, you can substitute the rice with Udon. At $17, it’s a great value in Waikiki.
The staff at STIX Waikiki greeted me with a thank you in Japanese, which was a pleasant touch.
They promptly served a bowl of white, sticky rice, various sauces for dipping, and a bowl of miso soup. A tray was also provided, its purpose initially unclear.
The tempura—pork and vegetables—arrived next, neatly placed on the tray.
The pickled vegetables were exceptionally fresh, crunchy, and cold, though I would have preferred a stronger pickling flavor. Despite this, the freshness was undeniable.
The tempura vegetables were served hot, having been cooked just beyond the glass partition, ensuring they were not overly oily.
The miso soup was served nice and hot, maintaining the high standard I’ve come to expect—tasty and authentic.
For the second round of tempura, the chef brought the items directly from the pan to my plate, ensuring peak freshness. This batch included shrimp, green pepper, and another vegetable.
All the tempura was delicious, with a light and delicate seasoning. Don’t forget to use the dipping sauce to enhance the flavors at the table.
STIX in Waikiki is currently one of my top three picks for tempura in the area.
Shingen
I’ve been around STIX Asia quite a bit and enjoy their variety, but I haven’t had a chance to try Shingen yet. It’s known for authentic Japanese noodles, especially Soba made with fine buckwheat flour from Hokkaido. The menu also features Udon, Tempura, and grilled beef tongue. It’s another spot in the Waikiki Shopping Plaza that’s open from 11 am to 10 pm every day. I’m curious to experience their traditional dishes myself.
For more details, you can check out Shingen’s website.
HK Cafe
HK Cafe is one I haven’t tried yet, but it’s on my radar. It’s known for its unique fusion of Western and Hong Kong cuisine, offering dishes that promise a mix of flavors and textures. The cafe is open from 11 am to 10 pm every day, and it’s situated in the Waikiki Shopping Plaza. I’m looking forward to experiencing the blend of cultures in their menu.
For more information, you can visit HK Cafe’s website.
Niu Wagyu
While I’ve sampled many culinary delights at STIX Asia, NIU Wagyu is next on my list. This place is all about authentic Pan-Pacific Asian dining, offering an array of premium Wagyu Beef that you can enjoy in their signature golden broths or grilled Yakiniku style. It’s open daily from 11 am to 10 pm, located in the Waikiki Shopping Plaza. I’m eager to dive into what promises to be a top-notch Wagyu experience.
For more details, you can check out NIU Wagyu’s website.
K Town Foods
STIX Asia has been my go-to for a diverse dining experience, and K Town Foods is the next spot I’m excited to try. It’s a Korean street food haven featuring the famous “ChungChun” rice hotdog, which has made a name for itself worldwide. The place offers a taste of Korea with favorites like Tteokbokki, Bulgogi, Korean-style Ramen, and Japchae. Plus, they have a selection of Soju to complement the meal. Open from 11 am to 10 pm every day, K Town Foods is conveniently located in the Waikiki Shopping Plaza.
For more information, you can visit K Town Foods’ website.
Scratch Xpress
I like this place but it seems to be closed when I come by now. I made a quick call to the main location and they mentioned they are not sure if it will open again. A bummer for sure but I will share my experience having lunch here and you can always visit the full-service location.
This is an express version of the Kakaako full service restaurant Scratch. I ordered the Gyu Toro Don, which is a beef, tofu and rice plate. Asian-style marinated meats, tofu, sweet onions braised in house soy sauce, steamed white rice, and fresh greens.
For $16 a bit on the small side but hey it’s Waikiki, the large scoop of rice could easily be 2 regular scoops.
I have been to the Scratch in Kakaako and it is a great restaurant put it on your list if you haven’t been there yet.
The tofu and meat were seasoned well and had a great flavor. The rice was cooked well and the salad was fresh.
It came with a quail egg, very cool but not very tasty. It had a thick white part and a sweet taste, very unique.
Udon Yama
STIX Asia clearly has become a familiar spot for me, and Udon Yama was a hit with my tastebuds but also a big hit to my wallet. They’re known for their homemade Sanuki Udon, crafted from a renowned broth recipe that hails from Kagawa, Japan. The Udon is paired with a selection of delicious tempura, promising an authentic and memorable dining experience. They’re open from 11 am to 10 pm every day, right in the Waikiki Shopping Plaza.
So this is an udon and tempura restaurant that is self serve you grab one large tray, and then you put smaller trays for the various tempura that you want to get as you move down the line.
You serve yourself whatever tempura add-ons you want and you order the bowl of soup which they make in front of you.
This is probably the priciest lunch in the STIX Asia dining area that I have had to date. Grab your own utensils and they have a nice table with all the extras that you can add as needed. Self-serve water, and at the end, you return your tray to the window cafeteria style.
I was disappointed in the tempura vegetable and tempura mushroom as they were both cold, even though they were stored on a heat lamp. My potato croquette was warm and fried perfectly.
The Nikutama udon bowl was absolutely delicious. I will look to maybe just order that again next time and will probably go with the large size which is only one dollar more.
A very tasty udon bowl and would come back but be careful of the add-ons as it increased the price quite quickly. Overall my lunch here was about $22 including the tip.
For more details, you can visit Udon Yama’s website.
Sushi Matsuri
As a frequent visitor to STIX Asia, Sushi Matsuri is on my list for a relaxed sushi experience. They’re all about the balance of flavors, using carefully selected rice, natural soy sauce from Tokushima, and seaweed from Setouchi to craft their sushi. Open from 11 am to 10 pm daily, this spot in the Waikiki Shopping Plaza is where I plan to savor authentic sushi in a laid-back setting.
For more details, you can visit Sushi Matsuri’s website.
Nanamusubi
I visited this spot early on in my visits to STIX Asia and forgot to take a shot of the musubi I ate. I was, hmmm, very healthy. I am used to white rice with spam, not so healthy.
It did seem popular among shoppers and the variety available was definitely unique. Will visit again and try another option for comparison.
Shanghai Bar
I only hit the bars for lunch when on vacation but will keep this one in the crosshairs for when I am in Waikiki for the evening and will let you guys know what it is like.
Ao Gelato
A dessert place that I have no idea why I keep skipping by but I do like a good parfait and I am coming around to the green tea taste, will keep you updated.
Final Thoughts on STIX Waikiki
Wrapping up my exploration of STIX Waikiki, it’s evident that this gem stands out among the unique places to eat in Waikiki. This underground eating spot provides a distinct haven for food enthusiasts seeking a medley of Asian flavors.
For those deliberating on where to eat in Waikiki, STIX Waikiki is an excellent choice, offering an immersive experience that goes beyond the plate, right in the pulsing heart of Waikiki.
