Cravings: Alohana Hawaiian Grill's spam and noodle soup

I detested Spam when I was a kid. Canned cooked pork with "natural gelatin." No thanks.

What happened: I was visiting my aunt in Ankeny earlier this month and we wanted lunch. Alohana Hawaiian Grill was close and it had a few open seats.

• I felt a bit daring and decided to give "spiced ham" another try.

On my plate: Grilled Spam saimin.

• Ramen noodle soup with diced green onions, topped with grilled Spam ($6.50).

Thought bubble: I inhaled the dish, and plan to go back for more.

• The meat was cut into thin strips, far more pleasing than my childhood memory of it being a cold, jiggly blob.

Open: Mon.-Fri., 10am-8pm; Sat.-Sun., 11am-8pm.

• 802 SE Oralabor Rd., #128 in Ankeny.