Agu a Ramen Bistro raised the bar for ramen in this town, and prices as well. Diners haven’t quibbled about the quality here, but do feel the pain of shelling out $18 for a bowl of ramen — even one painstakingly made from scratch with superior ingredients — plus more for side dishes that make a meal more interesting.

Full-time workers in Waikiki are particularly vocal with their demands because many are searching for a quick, affordable lunch every workday.

In response, Agu’s Waikiki store recently launched a lunch teishoku as a meal option for those who live or work in the area.

For $15 plus tax and tip, patrons dining between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily may customize their meals by selecting one of three appetizers (agedashi tofu, gyoza or Agucini, equivalent to arancini filled with char siu and Parmesan cheese) and one of six main dishes (shio jidori ramen, shoyu jidori ramen, shio tonkotsu ramen, shoyu tonkotsu ramen, vegetable ramen or pork curry).

The Waikiki branch of the restaurant is at 2146 Kalakaua Ave. Call 797-2933.