It’s a classic comfort food. It’s simple yet has so much flavour. Tonkatsu is, simply, one of the best Japanese dishes! This pork dish is a loved by people of all ages in Japan and around the world; and while it’s available at restaurants all year round, the great thing is, with the right ingredients and technique it can just as easily be made at home.

Tonkatsu is believed to have originated in the late 19th century. The Meiji Period (1868-1912) was a time when Japan as a whole changed dramatically. It went from being a country ruled by samurai and feudal lords to one open to the world. The Japanese began adopting western culture and customs, including of course, food. Renga-tei in Ginza is known as one of the first western-style restaurants in Japan. They opened in 1895, serving up a variety of fried food including something they called ‘pōku katsuretsu’ (pork cutlet). This new pork cutlet dish grew in popularity so much that other restaurants started adding it to their menu. The term tonkatsu–literally, pork (ton) cutlet (katsu)–is said to have been introduced at Ponta, a restaurant that opened in Ueno in 1905. Gradually, specialty restaurants spread across the country and tonkatsu became a permanent fixature in Japanese cuisine.

So what exactly is tonkatsu? Typically, you can choose either pork fillet (hire-katsu) or pork loin (rōsu-katsu) – both boneless. The fillet is slightly thinner and very tender, while the loin is a thicker cut with a strip of fat on one edge. The meat is breaded with flour, egg and panko (a flaky breadcrumb) and deep fried for around 5 minutes depending on the thickness. Panko is essential to get that airy, delicate texture tonkatsu is known for. Other types of breadcrumbs will make it too crunchy or heavy. The batter locks in the juices, while the outer layer remains crispy.

On top of the cooked cutlet, you drizzle some deliciously sweet tonkatsu sauce. This dark sauce is similar to Worcestershire sauce but with added vegetables and fruit. In addition to the sauce, it’s what is served with the tonkatsu that makes it a ‘Japanese pork cutlet’. Tonkatsu almost always comes with a mountain of shredded cabbage. I used to think it was their way of adding a vegetable to make the dish more healthy… but actually it helps balance out the oil. Remarkably, it really does make a big difference and I’ve noticed so long as I have cabbage with my tonkatsu I can just keep on eating (probably not so great for my waistline)! At many restaurants, you also have the option of ordering teishoku, a set meal that comes with rice, miso soup and pickles. All in all, it makes for a very filling lunch or dinner.


If you want to try tonkatsu in Tokyo, there are an overwhelming number of restaurants to choose from. Personally, I recommend Agefuku in Gotanda or Tonkatsu Tonki in Meguro. I’ve also heard good things about Tonta and Narikura in Takadanobaba, and Maruichi in Kamata.
Have you had tonkatsu before? What is a dish you often crave?

This is one of my favourite meals–either at home or in a restaurant.
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Which is your favourite tonkatsu sauce?
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Yes!! Glad you agree! Do you mean the sauce brand or flavour? I use the regular Bull-dog one – it goes so well with lots of dishes. How about you?
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Bulldog is. My favourite.
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We loved tonkatsu when we were in Tokyo. Really yummy.
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Oh good!! Did you have it at a specialty or regular restaurant? I’m always looking for new recommendations!
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I remember having tonkatsu in Okayama and it came with a massive amount of fresh shredded cabbage which was very nice to balance the richness of the cutlet. I think I drizzled sesame oil over it which made the vegetable even tastier. Now I know that the cabbage mound is indeed the norm.
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Yep, the mound of cabbage is very much standard. I remember thinking it was strange at first too, and it wasn’t until I found out the reason for it that it all made sense. Some restaurants even offer all-you-can-eat cabbage, so people must eat loads of it!
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Japanese cuisine has been one of my favourites most of my life. I especially like tonkatsu but am very partial to katsu don. Lyn
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Japanese food is pretty exceptional, isn’t it! I LOVE katsudon, too. It’s my go-to conbini food if you can believe – 7/11 has the recipe down pat!
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I love tonkatsu! When we visit Osaka, my wife (who is from there originally) always takes us to a katsu restaurant that has an amazing cheese-filled pork cutlet. It’s so yummy. The restaurant is called Tonoharu. Try it if you are ever in Osaka! http://www.tonharu.co.jp/honten.html
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I’m drooling thinking about that cheese katsu! Thank you so much for the rec – I’ll definitely check it out whenever I’m in Osaka next. You must love that your wife is from Kansai – so much good food originated there!
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I’ve had tonkatsu in Oahu and it was delicious. Looking forward to trying this when I make it to Japan.
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Tonkatsu teishoku is definitely a must-try while in Japan! I wonder if Hawaiians make and present it the same way as the Japanese….?
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Mine was presented to me on a square platter with separate side bowls of white rice, lightly pickled cabbage (?), and lemon. Then they came to the table and made two different sauces for me to try with the tonkatsu.
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Sounds like they give you more flavours there, with the picked cabbage, lemon and different sauces! Interesting!!
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Hey
The first McDonalds in Japan was opened on 20 July 1971, and it was located in Tokyo. At the moment Japan has 3164 operating McDonalds restaurants. The number of operating McDonalds restaurants in a country is indicative of the influence of Western culture and globalization in that country. Operating McDonalds restaurants could also have a direct impact on the health of a nation’s citizens. Around 5% of the population of Japan are obese.
http://www.confiduss.com/en/jurisdictions/japan/culture/
Thanks
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