CoCo’s Curry in Hawaii
16 Jun
I thought the day I left Okinawa, Japan would be the last time that I enjoyed the sweet nectar that is Cocoichibanya Curry House. Fortunately enough for me, I stumbled upon a CoCo’s Curry House here in Honolulu, Hawaii that was within walking distance from my hotel.
One thing about living in Japan that I loved so much was the curry. I would have to say that my friends and I ate CoCo’s curry at least twice a month when we were in Japan. This being said, you can understand how heartbreaking it was to leave and know that I wouldn’t have this ever again.
Today I made a quick stop at the CoCo’s curry house here in Honolulu and the inside was similar in design to the CoCo’s I ate at in Japan. I was pleasantly surprised when I looked at the menu and noticed under favorites was my favorite dish, chicken katsu curry with cheese. The price was only $7.50, about two dollars cheaper than Okinawa.
One big heartbreak was when I asked for level four spice and they said,
sorry, only regular or no spice available here
I ordered regular spice and it arrived about two or three minutes later. The curry looked so tasty and I couldn’t wait to savor every last bite. I started to feel that people around me were noticing my curry madness so I decided to dig in and stop making eyes at it.
All of the build up and excitement led to curry that just wasn’t up to par. The chicken was different and even something as simple as the cheese mix was off. Because I like my curry somewhat spicy and they only prepare "regular spice" my curry didn’t have the kick and same great taste that I enjoyed for the last three years.
My biggest advice is that if you want Japanese curry, go to Japan!
You will notice that even though I didn’t think it was as good as it is in Japan, I still cleaned the plate.
Helpful Information
Hours/Phone
Hours: Fri-Sat 11am – 11:30pm & Sun-Thurs 11am – 11pm
Phone: 808-949-4590
Location
Location: 1450 Ala Moana Blvd Honolulu , HI 96814
Holy hell!
You found the only CoCo’s on American soil!
I’m jealous. Even if it wasn’t up to par with it’s Japanese counterparts.
Thanks for reviewing it just as awesome as your other reviews, man!
Thanks man….just promise me that you will never leave Japan and lose your curry connection!
I stumbled across your blog. It was great to read about all your adventures in Oki. We were there for 10 years (1992-2002) Your blogs has made me miss it tremendously.
Thanks for the amazing pictures, it is like being there.
Jennifer
@Jennifer,
Thank you very much for stopping by and leaving a comment. We just left Okinawa and I know that it is going to be hard for us. I have tons more pictures and info that I havent posted yet, so let me know if you were looking for something in specific.
Yeah I could of told you that place wasn’t that good before you went. Im glad to know that Japanese curry is much better than that, because im defiantly not satisfied with the curry house in pearl city.
Man, that’s lame. they used cheddar cheese or something. I feel you man, if you’re gonna call yourself “COCO ICHIBANYA” then you better taste just like it, otherwise, stop fooling yourself!!! haha
Matt,
The cheese was really weird. Just enjoy your curry while you still can.
I have had Japan, Hawaii, and now Korea’s CoCo’s. Japan and Korea are the same except Korea doesn’t have the awesome bicycle seat naan bread and no to go. The CoCo’s in Hawaii was awful like you said, it seemed like they put american cheese on it. Eww. I would still rather have my wife’s curry though