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Wednesday, July 12, 2023

OKINAWA KOZA: Donald`s Poke Shop...We found Poke! Super friendly owner chef from the Big Island. So Much Aloha here! (Sony RX100, Panasonic TZ60)

When in Japan where do you go for authentic Hawaiian Poke? To either Ogo`s in Akasaka or to the Islands of course! First time visit to Donald`s Poke Shop in Koza... just around the corner from Kadena US Air Force Air Base.


Someone has a nice Porsche Cayman 718 Cabrio.


Instagram! Definitely follow: #donaldspokeshop098


Wall of customer Cheki Photos.

4 Tables and some counter seating plus a nice comfy booth/couch seating area for a slightly bigger groups.

Japanese Menu

English Menu

Egg Seaweed Furikake for your rice.

Waitress mentioned today`s fresh fish selection was either Ahi or Salmon.

Spicy Ahi Poke was all me!  Honestly spicy is my absolute favorite when in Hawaii but a little hesitant because the spicy poke I had at 808 Poke Bowls Okinawa was crazy crazy spicy! Almost painful.

The fish was so incredibly fresh... had a great texture.  And soooo glad the spicy poke was a bit on the mild side and very comforting.  Plus quite the volume too!  Ono!

Side of local Mac Salad!  

This is the kinda sofa booth seating area.

Side order included Beer Battered Ahi 4 pieces for 350 yen.  Of course yes!!  The waitress verbally  told the chef in English about the order and he replied to her in Japanese...Beer-Battaa wa sa-bi-su.  I couldn`t believe this order would be on the house.  Much Mahalo`s.

Canned drinks were only 100 yen... Chef Donald is definitely in it for the community.


OMG... freshly made chunks of tender Ahi with a very addictive flavorful sauce.  This was amazing. He later explained to one of the customers that some parts of Tuna have connective tissue that can`t be used for poke. But if this is grilled then the tissue melts away and becomes very tender.  Only the best.

I have never seen any restaurants in Japan that support local sport teams. Awesome.

Lots of great Hawaiian music on the BGM.

Overheard the chef having a conversation and he is an avid fisher and whenever he caught more than he could eat he would make poke for his friends.  He started getting so many requests that eventually opened up his own Poke shop.  Seems to have a solid US military following here.





The shop is super cozy, poke was just like Hawaii, the chef from the Big Island super friendly and the bilingual staff was super attentive.  Will definitely be back on my next visit to Koza!

Restaurant: Donald’s Poke Shop
Restaurant J: ドナルズ ポケ ショップ
Address J: 沖縄県沖縄市上地1-16-2
Address E: Okinawa-ken, Okinawa-shi, Uechi 1-16-2
ハワイ料理, テイクアウト, コザ, 嘉手納基地, Japan, Japanese, Foodie, yelp, tokyobelly, hawaiian, tokyobelly, sony rx100, Panasonic TZ60, take out, lunch, beer, sushi, sashimi, U.S. Military, base, Air Force, Charity, donation, 

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