Tanuki Curry House Verified listing

In the world of traditional Japanese food in Long Beach, Philippines-born and classically Japanese-trained Chef Erwin Angeles has long been at the helm. Kihon—his Naples sushi space, which has been serving the community for over a decade—reflected a style and approach to sushi that went beyond our Thai-, Korean-, and Cambodian-influenced sushi spots that dominated the scene with elaborate rolls. Honing his own shūshin koyō—the Japanese concept of a lifetime career in a single place or profession, exuding pride in what you do—the chef is widely respected in Long Beach for his love of Japanese cuisine.

Tanuki Curry House is no exception to that. It brings the type of curry that is found on nearly every street corner in Japan—think CoCo Ichi or Hinoya—and, more locally, Gardena and Torrance. (Fun fact: Curry is Japan’s most consumed dish, surpassing sushi or ramen in Japan—and, more locally, in Gardena and Torrance.

Named after the mischievous, raccoon-meets-dog, shape-shifting creature that dominates Japanese folklore, Tanuki exercises a different side to Chef Erwin’s love for Japanese cuisine.

Photos and written by Brian Addison.

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