Kailua-based Tokoname Sushi Bar & Restaurant has been serving up a variety of Japanese dishes for the past 17 years. Its extensive dinner menu offers everything from izakaya-style appetizers like chicken karaage and shrimp tempura to sushi rolls, nigiri and teishoku dinner sets.
The eatery is closed for dine-in during lunch, but offers a curry takeout menu during weekdays only. The business started its curry lunch menu right before the summer season, and it’s been a hit so far with customers.
Tokoname’s curry shack menu — available for takeout from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Mondays to Fridays — features a variety of curry plates that come with rice, housemade curry and an entree.
We’re told the plates include sushi-grade rice from Japan that’s milled fresh in Hawaiʻi.
Choose from entrees like pork katsu ($13), ebi fry ($12), oyster fry ($12), mixed vegetable ($12) and more.
The chicken katsu curry with cheese ($15) is the eatery’s bestseller. The curry is made with homemade dashi instead of water, resulting in a more complex flavor. We loved the thick curry’s rich flavor, coupled with the crispy katsu and melted cheese.
The cream corn croquette ($4 add-on, $12 entree) is a unique option; its crispy, fried exterior contrasts nicely with its creamy interior. Customers can make their own combo plates by choosing one option and then selecting an add-on (like the cream corn croquette).
The delectably crispy ebi fry is like a shrimp tempura. It stays crunchy, even after the plate has been sitting for a while.
The mixed vegetable curry ($12) features a combination of eggplant, onions and carrots. The veggies are soft and flavorful, especially when mixed with the curry.
The eatery also offers shareable side dishes, including takoyaki with bonito flakes ($10), chicken wings ($12), gyoza ($9 for six pieces) and egg rolls (three for $7).
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CONTACT
Tokoname Sushi Bar & Restaurant
442 Uluniu St., Kailua
808-262-8656
tokonamehawaii.com
Instagram: @tokonamehawaii
Curry menu available for takeout only from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays
Metered street parking available
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
