Tonki

Tonki is a famous restaurant specializing in tonkatsu.
They are located in Meguro. A visit to this popular establishment in the peak hours means standing line outside the entrance. Often the line is 20 to 30 people deep.

As you enter the restaurant, you notice a rather sterile decor. The first floor consists of a counter that lines around the restaurant surrounding the cooking area. You can sit at the counter and watch the chefs cook.

There is also a line up the stairs to the second floor which includes tables and several zashiki rooms.

I must say that this is the finest tonkatsu that I have had. There are choices in the cuts of pork that you would like to have. Roast and filet. Filet is a leaner cut.

What makes the tonkatsu special??? I think is the light crust of the breading of this cutlet. The breading is not coated on the meat rather it creates a shell around the meet. When cut, it is possible to seperate the meat from the breading. The tonkatsu is not overbearing in grease. Believe it or not the tonkatsu really is not oily and rather light.

There are a few other dishes that are of note. One is the menchi (minced) katsu which is a pork based hamburger deep fried in batter and breading. This is a juicy hamburger rich in flavor.

The kushi katsu is also of note. It is a kabob alternating pork and onions. A really good combination.

The sauce is not special however complement the juicy katsu well. I do not think it is exclusive to the restaurant.

Meals come with rice, ton jiru ( a pork based miso soup) and oshinko (japanese pickles).
also, all you can eat shredded cabbage which complements the katsu really well.

A tonkatsu meal is about 1,200 to 1,800 yen. Not cheap but well worth it.