From the folks behind the Michelin-starred crab speciality restaurant Kitafuku comes a unique restaurant that elevates tonkatsu (deep-fried breaded pork) from a casual meal to an omakase experience. And with prices that won’t break the bank: lunch costs as little as ¥3,800 while dinner starts from an affordable ¥7,700.
The restaurant uses two types of pork: Yonezawa-buta Ichiban Sodachi, which has a good balance of umami and sweetness, and local Tokyo X-buta, favoured for its sweet, juicy fat. The pork is served fresh off the fryer, piece by piece, like a set course meal, and the chef will recommend the best condiment for each one. On the table you’ll find Himalayan salt as well as two types of sauces, and come dinner, the chef will bring out the restaurant’s signature balsamic vinegar sauce.
It’s an eye-opening experience exploring the various flavours and textures of pork, and you can really taste the difference from cut to cut. The trick is to place each piece meat side down on your tongue for maximum flavour – don’t be lured in by the crispy golden crusts, no matter how tempting they look.