"At Tonkatsu Washou, there is a debate about 'ochazuke' (tea poured over rice with toppings) (laughs). Well, as everyone knows, Washou is a tonkatsu restaurant, and 'ochazuke' is what you eat at the end of your meal. Personally, I've always had a habit of making ochazuke on my own at various restaurants, not just at Washou. Basically, because I like it. I've reviewed this practice at many places in the past. The reason I wanted to write about it here is because the ochazuke at Washou is quite wonderful. There's something about the balance that really hits the spot. What exactly is 'ochazuke'? There are places like 'Chikamui' in Kyoto that specialize in ochazuke, but in general restaurants, it's not the main dish. 'Chikamui' is a pickled vegetable shop, but I've reviewed it in the past as one of the first places in Kyoto to bring 'bubuzuke' to life. In my mind, ochazuke is a simple style consisting of 'white rice,' 'pickles,' and 'tea.' The 'Kinkijiki' set (1,680 yen) with an additional 'one-bite pork cutlet' (350 yen) as shown in the photo. 'Kinkijiki' is the name of the seasonal set. It's not quite autumn yet, but it's the first taste of autumn. The main dishes are 'smoked salmon and mushroom cream croquette,' 'Hiroshima oyster fry,' 'shrimp fry,' and 'one-bite pork cutlet' set. I also wanted something meaty, so I added an extra 'one-bite pork cutlet.' The seasonal cream croquette was quite delicious. The smoky flavor of the smoked salmon is nicely pronounced. The creaminess is more like winter than autumn. It reminds me of cream stew. Overall, it was at the level I've experienced at Washou several times before. I also liked the other Washou, 'Kyowa,' but it seems to have almost disappeared, which is a shame. For example, even with the same loin cuts, the meat quality was different, and the miso soup had clams. However, they are quite similar in terms of the sauce. I feel like Kyowa's sauce was a bit more fruity, but the fundamental direction of the sauce is the same. Finally, for the finishing touch, as mentioned at the beginning, there's ochazuke. It's so soothing. The level of rice, the position of the pickles, and the subtle flavor of the tea. The balance is just right. Even if you use top-notch ingredients, it can throw off the balance and make it less comforting. It reminds me of the dining table of the common people in the Showa era, with a calm and nostalgic flavor. Perhaps I'm also immersed in nostalgia. Thank you for the meal. (By Kyonatsushuukuu, 2023.9.15) (61 reviews/3.10)"

I love tonkatsu so much that I always go to Wako to eat it. They use high-quality ingredients and the lunch menu is very affordable, starting from around 1000 yen. Plus, you can get unlimited refills of rice, cabbage, and miso soup! You'll definitely leave feeling full and satisfied. It's a chain restaurant so you can easily find one wherever you are. Check it out if you get a chance!

(Logged later) When it comes to tonkatsu, it's gotta be Wako!!! So, I headed to Wako in Sunshine City in the evening, and it was busier than usual. Whenever I come to Wako, I always end up wanting to try various types of tonkatsu, a habit I've had since I was a kid... Today, I had extra rice and cabbage and left feeling completely satisfied!!! Thank you for the delicious meal ( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ

I ordered the special "Yamabuki" set, which included pork cutlet and crab cream croquette. I walked from Seibu Ikebukuro to Parco around the time of the last order, and ended up choosing Wako. Wako never disappoints. As always, I enjoyed the meal. Even after the last order, you can still get extra rice, miso soup, and cabbage.

It's been a while since I had a meal at Washoku! When in doubt, head to the restaurant area. With that feeling, I ended up at PARCO and chose something I haven't had recently. I went with the pork cutlet set with grated daikon topping! Lately, I've been feeling that without the daikon, it's too greasy. So, I tried it for the first time. I enjoyed alternating between bites of sauce and grated daikon. The seating in the restaurant is spaced out well, and the staff actively offer refills of miso soup and cabbage, which is nice! It was a great experience!

In late November 2019, I revisited the restaurant. Yesterday, I had lunch with a elementary school classmate in Ikebukuro. We met at the east exit of Ikebukuro Station and had lunch at "Tonkatsu Wako" on the 8th floor of Parco Ikebukuro. We met at 11 am, so the restaurant was empty except for a few customers. It had been a year since I last saw him. He mentioned that we had lunch here before, but I had completely forgotten. We have been meeting about once a year since we reconnected after 48 years. This time, I had the 890 yen "Wako set meal" which included pork cutlet, rice, clam soup, and pickles. Rice and cabbage were free for refills. We enjoyed chatting about old times for about 30 minutes. I still prefer pork cutlet over other options. After that, we moved to a cafe and continued our conversation about the past.

I visited in November 2019. When it starts to get a little chilly, I always crave the katsu-ni here. I was surprised that they no longer serve it with hagama rice. It was a bit disappointing, but I still enjoyed my favorite one-bite hirakatsu, cheese-filled menchi, and katsu-ni. The katsu-ni is served warm on a solid fuel stove, so you can enjoy it piping hot. Even though it's no longer served with freshly cooked rice and freshly fried katsu, I still enjoyed it this time.

Ikebukuro Parco Wako Lately, my favorite tonkatsu shops in Ikebukuro have been disappearing, so I've been satisfied with Wako for tonkatsu. When I came after a long time, the rice cooked in a feather pot was gone and white rice was served in a bowl instead. I was shocked and couldn't bring myself to ask for seconds. Upon closer inspection, I noticed that the feather pot was missing from the samples and menu photos, but I didn't realize it until I entered. However, the katsu-ni (tonkatsu hot pot) is delicious, so I want to come back to eat it again. However, the restriction to Parco has been lifted. I wish they would bring back the feather pot, but it's a chain store so there's nothing we can do. Originally, rice is served in a bowl at any Wako, so it can't be helped. I didn't have high expectations for the tonkatsu here to begin with. However, the sauce for the egg and pork cutlet is seasoned just right, not too strong or too sweet, and it's a flavor that I really like. If the tonkatsu was originally delicious, I wouldn't have it in a hot pot, so it's disappointing to praise the hot pot, but if there's even one favorite menu item, it's a feeling that makes you want to go eat. I hear that Mai Suien is coming to the neighboring Seibu next time, so I'm looking forward to it. But what on earth is happening in the tonkatsu barren land of Ikebukuro?

I visited at 11:30 on a weekday. As soon as I entered, the restaurant became full. I came back for the delicious Hagiwara rice I had before. - Tachibana Set Meal (¥1,100 including tax) includes pork cutlet, shrimp fry, and chicken fillet with shiso leaf fry. The rice turned out to be just normal rice in a regular bowl, which was disappointing. The rice was shiny and sweet, but I missed the fluffy texture of the Hagiwara rice. The cutlets were crispy and not greasy, very tasty. The dressing now only had yuzu ponzu instead of the sesame dressing they used to have. Overall, there have been quite a few changes from before, which made me sad. I spent ¥800 on transportation round trip to come here, but if they no longer serve Hagiwara rice, then there is no need to come here. Next time, I would like to go to Wako, which is the closest restaurant to my home.

Ikebukuro Parco Washoku Kamon's freshly cooked rice is delicious. Ever since using Washoku here, I haven't gone to other Washoku restaurants. December 2018, two people used it. - Rosukatsu Nabe Gohan This Rosukatsu Nabe is also good because it is heated on a portable stove while being hot. - Sazanka Hirekatsu and Cheese Menchi Set A favorite set.

Ikebukuro Parco Washoukai 2018.8 Used at night by two people - Mochi pork loin cutlet set meal 1,930 yen (tax included) - Daikon Oroshi +100 yen Mochi pork loin has a pale and silky texture with fine grains, making it light and delicious. It tastes even better when eaten with grated daikon. - Salad Tonkatsu set meal 1,300 yen (tax included) A menu where you eat fillet cutlet with dressing along with salad. This healthy way of eating is also enjoyable. It's good that you can save the rice.

The restaurant floor directly connected to Ikebukuro Station's PARCO. A classic tonkatsu restaurant. One of the good things about Wako here is that even if you go alone, the rice comes in a wooden tub and stays warm, making it easy to eat. Also, for those who enjoy drinking, the miso soup with clams is the best.

Mid-December 2018. Visit. Despite it being December, this week I had lunch or dinner meetings with old school friends and former colleagues almost every day, something I had never done before in my life. I used to avoid such gatherings, but as I don't know how many years I have left to live, I started to think it's not so bad. On this day, I reunited with a classmate from elementary school after a year. Last time, I visited his home. This time, we decided to have lunch in Ikebukuro as he was coming to buy lottery tickets. We first went to the Seibu Restaurant Street at the east exit of Ikebukuro station, but he didn't like any of the restaurants there, so we ended up going to Tonkatsu Wako in Parco, a place I sometimes visit. It was just past 11 am, so there were only a few customers. I ordered the affordable 930 yen "Wako Gohan" set. The rice, miso soup, and cabbage were all you can eat. The rice came out of a rice cooker and was delicious with a freshly cooked taste. The tonkatsu was a loin cutlet. I'm not a fan of cabbage, so I didn't ask for a refill, but my friend did. For this price, the quality and quantity were satisfying. We left the restaurant around 11:40 am, by which time it was quite crowded. Having lunch with my friend, reminiscing about the past, made time fly by and was enjoyable.

I went to dinner with my family. I was surprised to learn that grated pork cutlet goes well with soy sauce or dressing. I was satisfied for around 1000 yen.

I'm happy that I can get a refill! Good cost performance for lunch ☺️ The cheese menchi was delicious! ✨

I had tonkatsu with rice. The pork loin was about 2 centimeters thick, cut from the middle of the shoulder. It didn't have a strong pork smell and was easy to eat without any strong flavors. The fat and muscle quality was typical for pork loin. The breading was a light tan color, crispy with medium breadcrumbs and a slightly nutty aroma. The tonkatsu was served on a plate with parsley and a generous amount of mustard paste. The cabbage was thinly sliced and served in a separate bowl. The rice was slightly soft but not bad. The miso soup had small clams in it. The pickles were salted Kyoto vegetables. Overall, it was a satisfying meal with a well-thought-out composition and stable flavors that everyone would enjoy. The service was efficient and there were no issues. A group of ten foreign customers arrived during my meal, but they were quickly seated and served, showing excellent management. Well done and thank you for the meal. July 23, 2019 dinner.

I went to the restaurant on September 3rd feeling hungry. I was hungry again today when I went. I had shredded pork cutlet, a bite-sized pork cutlet, and a cheese-filled minced cutlet. It's been a while since I had cabbage as well, so I had seconds. I ate until I was full.

On May 6th, I had shredded pork cutlet, bite-sized pork cutlet, and cheese-filled minced cutlet. They were freshly fried and served with freshly cooked rice. It was the perfect combination.