Golden panko-crusted pork cutlet — Japan's crunch.
What it is
Tonkatsu is a thick pork cutlet coated in panko and deep-fried to a shattering crisp, sliced and served with shredded cabbage, rice, miso soup and a fruity-savoury tonkatsu sauce. Rosu (loin) is richer; hire (fillet) is leaner.
What it means
A star of yoshoku — Japan's own take on Western food, born in Meiji-era Tokyo. It became comfort-food royalty, even a good-luck meal before exams (katsu sounds like "to win").
Why it's wonderful
The contrast is everything: an audible crunch giving way to juicy pork, the cabbage and rice keeping it light. Many counters fry to order and let you grind your own sesame into the sauce.
What to order
- Rosu (loin) or hire (fillet) set
- Free cabbage & rice refills
- Grind sesame into the sauce
- Katsudon: cutlet & egg over rice
FAQ
- What is Tonkatsu?
- Golden panko-crusted pork cutlet — Japan's crunch.
- Is Tonkatsu vegetarian, vegan, halal or gluten-free?
- Pork, wheat panko and egg — not for pork-free or gluten-free diets, but a Japanese comfort-food essential.
Recipes and preparation vary by restaurant, so this is a general guide. If you're ever unsure, please confirm directly with the venue before you order — they'll appreciate the heads-up.