北海道のふづき
"Sanka" was my first visit. I heard it was a popular tonkatsu restaurant and I've been wanting to visit for a while, so I finally made it! Arriving 10 minutes before opening, I was worried that the parking lot might be full, especially on a Sunday! Luckily, there was only one car parked when I arrived at the restaurant. At opening time, there were only three of us including me, but more customers started to arrive gradually, creating a situation where there were some waiting customers but not a full-on line. The lunch menu featured reasonably priced aged tonkatsu and hirekatsu, as well as unique options like plum katsu and garlic katsu. I couldn't decide between Sanka A or B, and I was curious about the ginger pork. I wanted to try a variety of tonkatsu, so when I saw the "Sanka's Lunch Deluxe Set (¥1000)" on the menu, I was shocked! Three pieces of tonkatsu and hirekatsu for ¥1000!? And you can also get two refills of rice and cabbage! Even during lunch hours, you can also order from the regular menu. The jumbo chicken katsu on the menu looked impressive, almost making me faint when I saw it (lol). The Deluxe Set arrived in less than 10 minutes! I apologize for my poor cutting skills, but the breading was thin and crispy, not falling off at all! The fine breadcrumbs and light texture made it crispy without being too crunchy, and the meat had a hint of pink but wasn't raw at all! The thick cuts of pork provided a satisfying chew, with the hirekatsu being tender and easy to cut through. When you chew, the meat juices gently flow out, and there's a subtle sweetness and umami from the fat, making it easy to eat without feeling greasy! The hirekatsu is light, while the pork loin is juicy without being too fatty, allowing you to enjoy different flavors. They use wine for aging, resulting in a light taste that's not too heavy, making it suitable even for older customers. Even customers over 60 were ordering the same set. While fatty meat is good, it can sometimes overpower the natural flavor of the meat, so a moderate amount of fat might be better to fully enjoy the meat's flavor. You can also try different sauces like sesame or salt, or dip in mustard for variety. Personally, I prefer salt. Since both tonkatsu and hirekatsu are on the lighter side, adding salt enhances the flavor while bringing out the meat's umami even more! The sharp aroma of the ginger rice, with a hint of spiciness and a refreshing aftertaste, is also a highlight! The small amount of fat accumulates slowly, so resetting the accumulated fat in your mouth is like a reset button (lol). The homemade dressing is tangy and pairs well with the cabbage, making it a great palate cleanser! The free refills of rice and cabbage are also great, showing that this famous restaurant is generous! Next time, I want to try the bowl or curry, but I'm also drawn to other menu items (laughs). The staff's friendly service also made the experience enjoyable, so I would love to visit again. Thank you for the delicious meal.