Tonkatsu: The Amazing Pork Cutlet!

Tonkatsu has captured the hearts of plentiful food lovers worldwide. Whether you’re a fan of comfort food or just eager to explore the wonders of Japanese cuisine, it’s a must-try delicacy. It’s time to start a savory journey into the world of tonkatsu!

What is tonkatsu?

A popular Japanese dish, tonkatsu consists of a tender pork cutlet breaded with panko breadcrumbs and deep-fried until it reaches a satisfying crunch. The name originates from the Japanese words ton (pig) and katsu, a shortened katsuretsu (cutlet) form.

When you take a bite of tonkatsu, you’ll experience a perfect combination of textures and flavors. The deep-fried pork cutlet offers a satisfying crunch on the outside while the inside remains tender and juicy. The Japanese breadcrumbs give it an extra lightness and crispiness. And the pork used for tonkatsu can come from either the filet or the pork loin, which offers different tenderness and fat content.

One of the unique features of tonkatsu is its adaptation of Western cuisine into Japanese culinary traditions. This delicious dish originated in the late 19th century (during the Meiji Era) when European-style breaded and fried meat cutlets came to Japan. 

The cutlet initially used beef, but the pork version has gained popularity in Japan since then and has become the beloved tonkatsu we know today. The pork version of this dish debuted in 1899 at a Tokyo restaurant called Rengatei. 

However, tonkatsu is not only limited to pork and beef; many dish variants use different types of meat. There’s also gyukatsu (beef), chikinkatsu (chicken), hamkatsu (ham), and even menchikatsu (mincemeat). Each variation brings its unique flavor and textures.

What kind of dishes use tonkatsu?

Tonkatsu typically comes with a side of freshly shredded cabbage. Thus, it provides a refreshing and crunchy contrast to the rich flavors of the pork. The cutlet is enhanced with a savory Japanese barbecue sauce, adding a bold flavor and a hint of sweetness. Moreover, it found its way into various tasty dishes. One popular choice is katsudon, a comforting rice bowl with sliced tonkatsu cooked with a delightful egg and onion. 

Another choice is katsu sando (katsu sandwich). They are mouthwatering sandwiches with tonkatsu, crispy cabbage, and sauce or mayonnaise. This perfect combination of textures and flavors creates a delicious and satisfying sandwich experience. You can get them at restaurants and especially convenience stores!

Are you looking to enjoy even more delicious Japanese food like tonkatsu? Check out TokyoTreat! TokyoTreat delivers limited-edition Japanese noodles, snacks, drinks, and sweets right to your door so you can enjoy the latest treats directly from Japan!

Where can I eat tonkatsu?

Tonkatsu is not just a dish; it has become a culinary tradition in Japan. As a result, many Japanese restaurants dedicate to perfecting this delicious dish. Thus, we want to introduce to you three ideal spots to enjoy this yummy food in Japan:

Maisen

Maisen is a renowned tonkatsu restaurant that has gained immense popularity in Japan and abroad. It’s also become a go-to destination for Tonkatsu fans with multiple locations in Tokyo Central, such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, Chiyoda, and Ikebukuro.

Since its establishment in 1965, the restaurant has been committed to serving high-quality dishes by carefully selecting premium pork daily. Moreover, their mouthwatering takeaway offerings, including the fantastic bento (lunch boxes) and delicious satsu sando (tonkatsu sandwiches), have received high praise from people in Japan.

Katsuya

This restaurant is an ideal destination for affordable tonkatsu! Despite the reasonable prices, the quality of the food here is exceptional. Since Katsuya is a large and popular restaurant chain in Japan, you can easily find it in most cities. 

At Katsuya, you can indulge in various dishes with different sauces, such as mala sauce (Chinese spicy chili sauce) and curry sauce. In addition to pork cutlets, Katsuya also serves various other cutlets, including chicken cutlets, fish cutlets, and ebi furai (fried shrimp).

Ginza Bairin

Ginza Bairin, a premier restaurant in Ginza, has been delighting gourmands since 1927. They elevate the dining experience with exceptional dishes, using exclusively chosen pork, including the renowned Black Pork from Kagoshima Prefecture.

For those looking to indulge in famous Japanese cuisine, we highly recommend trying their katsudon, a harmonious combination of pork cutlet and rice topped with an egg coating.

In short, tonkatsu has become one of the most beloved “Western-style” Japanese foods offering a satisfying meal that many people can’t resist. Is there any other Japanese food you’d like to learn more about? Just give us your thoughts in the comment below!