As I mentioned before the Missus' cousin Long Hui is quite a character, she lives life in a carefree way, loves bright colors, wears high heels to the beach, and basically keeps the Missus in stitches. Even though she doesn't speak much English (though it's better than my Mandarin), what little she says still cracks me up. Whenever I take a photo of her, she'll assume a faux glamorous pose, one hand on her hip the other raised behind her slightly tilted head, eyes looking off in the distance. Once the photo is snapped, she'll tell me "YES or No, yes or no!" Basically, she needs to give her approval before the photographic evidence lives in perpetuity. Oh, she also loves to eat….and as I found out, really loves Jia Ji….fried chicken.
So here's her rating of the three different fried chicken she had during her stay:
1 – Tanioka's Seafoods & Catering
During our stop directly from the airport we picked up some of Tanioka's boneless fried chicken. Little did we know how much Long Hui loves her chicken……..
Man, did she love this…… Not sure why, I'll have to have some on my next trip. Long Hui is not sure either telling the Missus maybe it's because this was the first she had.
Tanioka's Seafoods & Catering
94-903 Farrington Hwy
Waipahu, HI 96797
2 – Fukuya Delicatessen
One early morning, I went for a visit to my Mother's gravesite. I stopped by Fukuya one of my favorite, albeit expensive okazuya's. My Mom loved their fried chicken so much that I ended up using them to cater her wake.
Love that Fukuya has the old-fashioned okazuya hours – open at 6am (or earlier). The place has been around way longer than I have (founded in 1939) and will probably be going strong long after I'm gone.
In the typical local-style, it's all thighs, all the time. Temptingly salty, this is really good stuff….not sure why it didn't make numba' one though…..
Fukuya Deli & Catering
2710 South King Street
Honolulu,Hawaii 96826
Open Wed – Sunday 6am – 2pm
I did leave a piece for mom……….
3 – Zippy's
The stuff we picked up from Zippy's in Ewa Beach just didn't measure up. But Long Hui wasn't complaining……
After all, someone had to finish last……
The Missus tells me that Long Hui is very witty, using puns and rhymes skillfully. It almost makes me wish I understood Mandarin. I'm hoping she'll visit again….this time we know she loves fried chicken, we'll be better prepared.
To quote cousin Long Hui: "we are all middle aged, too old to care, we should just relax, have fun, and eat!"
ooh I’ll have to try the fried chicken at Tanioka’s, must’ve been good.
I’m putting the first two on my list for fried chicken on the next visit! I think Cousin Long Hui’s philosophy is spot on!
Why do okazuyas open so early? Are you really suppose to eat such heavy foods for breakfast?
Hi Kat – I’m thinking you’ll be back home before I am next….so let me know!
Hi Carol – For sure check out Fukuya!
Hi FF – Historically, this is working class food and many of the folks who eat this start early (i.e. field workers). Since traditional okazuya items keep well, it was an alternative to packing a lunch….stuff like musubi, etc. So if you’re starting work at, say seven, you’ll hit the okazuya on the way to work to pack a bento for lunch. It probably started with the a Japanese food cart type of business in the fields and expanded to the village lunch box type shop, eventually making it into the cities as Hawaii grew and folks moved from the plantations.
The past few times I’ve been home and gone to Zippy’s, I’ve been disappointed. I think I’m going to stay away from there so that I can preserve the memories of what I think it tasted like. 😉 As for me, my favorite Okazu is Masa and Joyce in Kaneohe.
知我者，kirk也！真是心有灵犀一点通！我抓紧学英语，你抓紧学汉语，再聚首共享美食！
The skin on the Tanioka’s chicken looks amazing!I want to try it!
I absolutely agree with cousin Long Hui…might as well enjoy life!
Hi James – I agree, other than the one I had at Kaimuki Zippy’s the chicken has been a disappointment. I need to check out the windward side next time.
Greetings Long Hui! TGhanks for being the inspiration for this post.
Hi Ange – Yes, I sgree!
Oh My…..
Long Hui and Ms Ped Ma need to get together, both camera hogs for sure, same styleeee. (Yes both pics and food)Now, Ms Ped Ma, being the Thai version of Long Hui vis a vis, food and good time, would enjoy the ride!
Hope you are well…..
Stopped in finally, (after a long long time), to see K at Yara. Always an adventure for sure..
Hope you both are well..
Ciao,
Hey PedMa – Really? I’d never had thought that! I hope all is well.
Thanks man, all is well but working like a dog…
Oh yes, get Ms Ped Ma in a new place with a camera and forget it, bra….you’ll see one day.
Went to a place, called Bahn Thai on Park(?). Place is kind of take out, but chef is from issan. Using my limited Thai language skills, got some Kuatiao Pad Kee Mao Gai, ped zip zip to go, they made it Thai hot and I added very limited amount of dried chilli and prik nam som (jalapenos or serranos in white vinegar). Now, I can eat Thai food that is on fire, so for me to add not much chili to a dish means something. Even our Thai friends are suprised that a falang can eat more spicy than a Thai or Lao. Not to brag but just the taste buds I guess. Took Ms Ped Ma back and has a snack, som tom & pad thai. Pad kee mao was better, som tom & pad thai too sweet, but we can have them adjust next go around. Might want to check it out, nice people.
Hi PedMa – I’ve got to check them out then….