By Vanessa Wolf

Char Siu Tan Tan Ramen. Photo by Kenneth Yanos, courtesy of Gilbert & Associates

Oritsu Ramen will be holding its grand opening event at the Maui Mall this Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The ramen shop has taken over the space occupied by the former Maui Mixed Plate next to Siu’s Chinese Kitchen.

Regulars at the Maui Mall may have noticed that its doors first opened back in mid-January, presumably in a “soft opening” fashion.

Oritsu Ramen’s menu offers 18 hot and cold noodle dishes. Among them, char siu tan tan ramen, which is described as having a white, mild soup base.

Their shoyu ramen features a dark broth and the restaurant mentions that it is crafted with a high quality soy sauce imported from Japan. Moreover, Oritsu Ramen’s broths apparently take 10 to 12 hours to make.

Seafood Shoyu Ramen. Photo by Kenneth Yanos, courtesy of Gilbert & Associates

If you or your dining companions aren’t so much ramen fans, there are also plate lunches such as loco moco and chicken katsu curry available. Oritsu Ramen patrons can also anticipate the availability of side orders like gyoza and shrimp tempura.

Thus far, the restaurant has garnered a few harsh Yelp reviews, but hopefully those criticisms were noticed and the kinks have been worked out.

Customers who attend the grand opening on Saturday will be eligible to enter to win hundreds of dollars in gift certificates. Diners will also receive discounts and giveaways, including tote bags, balloons and Easter surprises for the kids.

We welcome your feedback. Please let us know if you hear of any new restaurants opening or reopening, total menu overhauls, or simply know of a hidden treasure you want to share. Have a restaurant you want reviewed (or re-reviewed)? Drop us a line – Vanessa(@mauinow.com)