It may have been the best news I’ve had all year.

Kiwami Ramen, the little ramen shop that used to be in the food court on the bottom floor of the Waikiki Shopping Plaza, has, after almost an entire year, re-opened, this time on Keeaumoku Street.

I’m not exaggerating when I say this: I thought about the ramen shop often and still pined for it after it closed in December 2012.

Not only did Kiwami have stellar noodles, but it offered the best tsukemen, or dipping-style ramen (shown at left), I’ve had in Hawaii.

In fact, it was one of the few ramen shops that served it that way — and served it well.

Chef Yasuyoshi Sato has a ramen philosophy I can respect: 1) The ramen must be served as quickly as possible. 2) The dashi must be hot. 3) The taste must be consistent. And he holds himself to very high standards.

So when I heard it had re-opened — and there was parking located beneath the building, too — I rushed over to get my tsukumen fix.

Here’s what we ate:

Inside the shop

Image 2 of 9

The U-shaped seating area from the Waikiki location has been replaced with simple tables and chairs.