***REVIEW BASED ON THEIR FRIED CHICKEN***
So, I've been hearing so much about this fried chicken that's cooked at one of the locations of Aloha Petroleum (AP), a gas station. Say whaaaaaat? Chicken being cooked at AP? Yep.
I then went on resourceful Yelp and read a handful of reviews, where I found some amusing. I had some good laughs from reading them. But then, I do like to eat fried chicken so I was on a mission to try this place. Today, I finally tried them. But it was my second attempt though.
You see, last night I had dinner with friends in Waikiki. I was able to convince them to change venue for dessert, rather than eating it at the same restaurant. I must have good convincing skills because I also mentioned this location of AP's fried chicken and the next thing I know, ALL followed me over by foot.
As I walked in shortly after 8pm and made my way to the back, lo and behold I find Jeana P., an Elite Yeep, working behind the chicken counter. She burst our bubble by advising us the pressure cooker fryer is shut off at 7pm and were pretty much sold out, with the exception of a few sad looking chicken wings. They were so tiny and clearly sitting there as the residual of the day. I was told to come back again but be aware of the price increase effective 10/9/2019.
Earlier today at work I mentioned my disappointed visit to AP last night and my plan on going today after my meeting. With convenient customer parking, I would drive over to give this fried chicken a try. The next thing I know I'm taking lunch orders.
I'll concur to the fact that as you enter this AP's convenience store, you do indeed immediately notice there's fried chicken. Yes, the smell is that strong. To my delight, I walked to the display case filled with fried chicken (wings, thighs, drumsticks and breasts) and no line. ***HAPPY DANCE*** This time there was a different staff and I was stunned when she mentioned "Didn't you come here last night?" Yes, she remembered me walking away disappointed with no fried chicken.
I placed my order and was asked which sauce for my chicken and whether or not I wanted furikake (seasoned seaweed topping) on the rice for the chicken bento. Within a couple of minutes, my food was packed up and off I went to pay for my food at the cashier.
As I left the store, I looked back to see a line deep with at least 8 people standing in line for chicken! DANG, I guess the word is out.
THE VERDICT: If you like fried chicken, AP will NOT disappoint. It's deep fried until perfection for the nice golden color and moist meat. It is seasoned at a minimal and you have assorted dipping sauces (i.e. ranch, BBQ, honey mustard, sweet and sour, marinara, etc.) if you wish.
Overall, the fried chicken sure didn't disappoint and with the consensus with my colleagues, this is such a great deal (low prices in Waikiki) that will satisfy your tummy and not cause a dent in your wallet.
NOTES:
1) Shout out to Tammy, the cashier, who caught an error where I was about to be overcharged. She confirmed my order and made the adjustment which brought my bill down.
2) Technically this is BROASTED CHICKEN, which is NOT to be confused with FRIED CHICKEN. BROASTED chicken is chicken that's been fried in oil but cooked in a pressure cooker. read more