Ro's Recz

Address: 449 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815

Tonkatsu Tamafuji is one of the most popular restaurants in Hawaii, and it is always super difficult to get in during normal times. However, recently I went for takeout, and the food actually held up really well (even after a 30 minute drive home). Also, it was a lot easier to place a takeout order rather than having to wait to get in (sometimes you have to wait 1-2 hours just to get in the restaurant).

The battering of Tonkatsu Tamafuji is different from Ginza Bairin. After eating both recently, I would actually have to change my opinion and say that Tonkatsu Tamafuji’s tonkatsu is better. However, I would still go to Ginza Bairin too because their menu is more diverse, and I really like getting tonkatsu curry (which unfortunately, Tamafuji does not have).

In normal times, Tamafuji lets you customize your order, and you can choose between different grains of rice and different flavorings of miso soup. These are just small things, but I enjoy having the flexibility to choose. For takeout though, they just give white rice and normal miso soup, but the rice is super fluffy and high quality. I would say the side dishes are better than Ginza Bairin as well, but both are good because they have unlimited cabbage.

I was really impressed by Tamafuji’s takeout, and I think it is definitely worth going back. While nothing can beat fresh katsu, takeout is a good option considering the current circumstances.

Tonkatsu Tamafuji Recommendation Rating: 4

This post has now been updated to reflect a new ratings system that I have implemented, which is scored as follows:

1: Something worth checking out if you have time

2: Something that is a hit for some people, but not a must for everyone

3: Something worth prioritizing if interested

4: Something worth making time to check out

5: An absolute home run, worth going out of your way for