sindou
Ordered menu: Rosukatsu set meal for 2090 yen, Hirekatsu set meal for 2090 yen. Located a 5-minute walk from Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line Kyoto City Hall Station, this tonkatsu restaurant has been selected as one of the top 100 tonkatsu restaurants in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022. Situated in a quiet residential area, the restaurant is marked by a curtain with the characters for "skill." Upon entering, you'll find a historical atmosphere with a stone-paved alleyway. The interior is predominantly black, with only a counter seating area available. As there were two of us, we ordered the Rosukatsu set meal and Hirekatsu set meal. The dishes arrived in about 15 minutes. The tonkatsu had a small breadcrumb coating, a deep tan color, and a thick, flavorful crust. It had a crispy texture and a strong aroma of frying oil, with a prominent black pepper flavor. The thickness of the coating was not consistent, and when lifted, the meat tended to separate. The Rosukatsu had a firm texture, with a chewy and meaty bite. The presence of fat was subtly felt, and it paired well with the tangy Worcestershire sauce, complementing the rice perfectly. The Hirekatsu was cooked slightly rare, retaining a moist and tender texture, emphasizing the meatiness. The light meat and rich crust balanced well together. The rice was slightly soft, enhancing the sweetness of the grains. The cabbage served on the side was roughly chopped, reminiscent of kushikatsu. Accompanied by pickled radish, pickles, and miso soup. The pickled radish had a light and mild seasoning, while the pickles had a distinct aroma that might be divisive. The miso soup had a sweet and savory miso flavor, with a fragrant touch of sansho pepper. Overall, it was a tonkatsu that embodied the long-standing history of Kyoto's tonkatsu scene. Thank you for the meal.