Tonkatsu in Tokyo - The Big 3
Tonkatsu in Tokyo is more than just a meal—it's a culinary experience that perfectly combines crispy, golden breaded pork cutlet with tender, juicy meat. Served alongside shredded cabbage, miso soup, and rice, this beloved dish is a staple of Japanese cuisine.
In this post, we’ll introduce you to three top-notch places in Tokyo where you can savor some of the best Tonkatsu!
Tonkatsu Aoki in Ginza (とんかつ檍 銀座8丁目店)
Tonkatsu Aoki in Tokyo's glitzy Ginza neighborhood is renowned for its use of high-quality "Hayashi SPF" pork. This pork is prized for its tender and sweet characteristics. Aoki ensures a premium dining experience by selecting the finest ingredients, from breadcrumbs to frying oil. Furthermore, what sets Aoki apart is the size of the pork cuts. They're remarkably large and incredibly succulent.
Each bite of the Hayashi SPF pork bursts with flavor, making it some of the juiciest tonkatsu you'll find anywhere. The "Toku" or special meal, pictured, features a particularly thick and tender piece, with a beautifully fatty section towards the end. The panko breading is perfectly crisp, offering a delicate crunch without overwhelming the pork.
The accompanying pork miso soup is another highlight, featuring generous portions of chicken, carrots, and burdock root. Another standout at Aoki is the selection of condiments, including Himalayan rock salt, Okinawan sea salt, Mediterranean sea salt, and spicy karashi mustard—offering much more than the standard tonkatsu sauce.
You can also ask for more cabbage to refresh your palate. While Aoki's flagship location is in Kamata, their Ginza branch (pictured) is just as popular. For any tonkatsu lover, Aoki is a must-visit.
Tonkatsu Marugo in Akihabara (丸五)
Marugo, nestled in Tokyo's anime hub of Akihabara, is a legendary destination for tonkatsu, cherished by both locals and visitors. With years of dedication to perfecting the art of frying pork, Marugo has earned its place as one of the city's top tonkatsu spots.
Despite being in the bustling Akihabara area, Marugo maintains a traditional, relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant often has a line during peak hours. But the wait is worth it, as the focus is on quality rather than speed. Marugo’s approach is also more old-school compared to tonkatsu spots like Aoki.
The breading is softer and less crispy, allowing the rich pork flavor to shine through without being too greasy. They offer both the classic *rosu katsu* (fattier loin cut) and *hire katsu* (leaner fillet cut), catering to different preferences. The *rosu katsu* is slightly more cooked and less juicy than at Aoki but still of excellent quality.
The pork is accompanied by the usual sides—shredded cabbage, pickled cucumbers, rice, and a light miso soup with nameko mushrooms. Marugo’s tangy, rich tonkatsu sauce, paired with mustard and even umeboshi plum, adds an extra dimension to the meal.
The traditional interior, reminiscent of an old Japanese house, adds to the experience, with counter seating downstairs and a cozy upstairs area with tables. For anyone serious about tonkatsu in Tokyo, Marugo is a must-visit, offering a timeless experience that continues to attract both locals and visitors.
Tonkatsu Agefuku in Gotanda (とんかつあげ福)
Agefuku in Gotanda is just as well-regarded. They're operated by the Yazawa Meat group and appeal to both locals and tonkatsu enthusiasts who appreciate a traditional dining experience. The tonkatsu its perfectly fried, with a golden-brown coating that remains light and crispy.
The pork cutlet inside, made from high-quality Ibaraki pork, is tender and juicy, maintaining a soft texture and a delicate, pale color, thanks to the careful cooking process that avoids overcooking. The balance between the panko breading and the pork is just right, ensuring that each bite is flavorful and satisfying without being too heavy.
Along with the main dish, Agefuku serves an excellent variety of sides, including rice, shredded cabbage, miso soup, and pickled vegetables. You can also get refills on both rice and cabbage. In addition to the the usual tonkatsu sauce and dressing, the meal tray includes a sweet ginger sauce and salt from Awajishima (they're famous for salt).
In short, Agefuku offers the ideal setting for an intimate dining experience, perfectly blending traditional tonkatsu with refined culinary techniques. It's a must-visit for those seeking both authenticity and sophistication in their meal.
We hope you found this list of three top Tonkatsu spots in Tokyo helpful!
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