Tonkatsu

Basically, tonkatsu is pork cutlet wrapped in panko breadcrumbs and then deep fried. Sounds like your typical breaded pork chop, right? Wrong. There’s nothing typical about authentic tonkatsu.

First, you bite into crispy, golden panko crust revealing a succulent pork cutlet hiding inside, then you wonder how something deep-fried can be so juicy and not at all greasy. While deep in thought, your attention is caught by the sesame seeds that you have to pound with the accompanying mortar and pestle to release a nutty fragrance that adds another dimension to your tonkatsu. You’re caught up in that glorious moment so you forget about the sides of cabbage, rice, and miso soup.

True story.

Here are the best places to have tonkatsu in Tokyo.

• MARUGO | Akihabara
  For tonkatsu that has 40 years of history
  What to order: Toku Rosu Katsu, Hire-katsu Teisyoku, Toku Hire-katsu
  Price range: 700 to 2,000 Yen ($6.40 to $18.29)
  When: 11:30 – 15:00; 17:00 – 21:00 Daily except Mondays, third Tuesdays
  Where: 1-8-14 Sotokanda, Chiyoda, Tokyo
• MAISEN | Shibuya
  For good tonkatsu that is easily accessible at many shinkansen stations
  What to order: Okita-Kurobuta, Benibuta, Yuwaku
  Price range: 500 to 2,000 Yen ($4.57 to $18.29)
  When: 11:00 – 22:00 Daily
  Where: 4-8-5 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
• HASEGAWA | Ryogoku
  For juicy thick-cut tonkatsu with a hint of sweetness
  What to order: Jou Rosu, Rosu Katsu Teishoku, Soba
  Price range: 1,000 to 2,500 Yen ($9.14 to $22.86)
  When: 11:30 – 15:00; 17:00 – 22:30 Daily
  Where: 3-24-1 Ryogoku Ozaki Building 103, Sumida, Ryogoku, Tokyo