First off: RIP Coco Bloom, located near Times Kaimukī (and home of the egg salad sandwich that I loved). In its place is Rice Burger & Café Korean Cuisine, which just celebrated its grand opening on Saturday.
As its name implies, the biz specializes in rice burgers — which are called “bapburgers” — and are a popular South Korean fast food item. “Bap” means “rice” in Korean.
All burgers are made to order using Japanese rice that’s pressed into a mold. Upon receiving their burgers, customers are instructed to press down on the top rice “bun” to flatten the burger, making it easier to eat.
Although the business just opened, its Spam burger ($6.99) is predicted to be a customer favorite. It features Spam, kimchi and tuna mayo. Other available fillings include spicy chicken ($6.99), bulgogi ($6.99) and kimchi bulgogi ($7.99).
Of the rice burgers we tried, the tonkatsu mayo was my favorite. The chopped-up tonkatsu boasted a crunchy exterior, and paired nicely with the sweet-and-tangy tonkatsu sauce.
The eatery also features a few side dishes like kimbap ($7.99), bibimbap ($14.99) and tteokbokki ($7.99). The latter is more traditional-style and packs some heat.
More dishes — including a shrimp burger — will be added to the menu next month.
CONTACT
Rice Burger & Café Korean Cuisine
3221 Waiʻalae Ave. Ste. A3, Honolulu
808-600-4125
Instagram: @rice_burger_hawaii
Open daily, 10 a.m.-7 p.m.
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
