Eating out every day to conquer the top 100 restaurants. Today, I visited a tonkatsu restaurant called Maruichi in Kamata. This restaurant has been selected as one of the top 100 tonkatsu restaurants in 2022. It has been selected almost every year since 2017. Additionally, it received the Bronze award for four consecutive years from 2017 to 2020. Kamata is known for its top tonkatsu restaurants such as Maruichi, Tonkatsu Okina, and Tomizane. Some people even used to refer to them as the "Kamata Tonkatsu Four Heavenly Kings," along with Suzumon which closed in 2016. There are stories that Maruichi in Kamata was originally a branch of Maruichi in Omori, just like Maruwa and Suzumon in Yokohama. I arrived on a Saturday afternoon around 11 o'clock, and there was already a line of about 15 people in front of the restaurant. Since the turnover is fast, I decided to wait in line. It took about 50 minutes from the time I started lining up. Quite a wait. While waiting in line, they took my order, and as expected, the premium and small loin were sold out. I ordered the loin cutlet set for 1,400 yen and the shrimp fry for 800 yen. The food arrived in just a few minutes after sitting at the counter. The loin cutlet was cooked to a pink color due to being fried for eight minutes. It's a loin cutlet, but it's nice that there's no fatty meat. The salt is delicious, but the slightly sweet sauce is also good. Next, the shrimp fry was quite impressive. The shrimp was large and round, typical of shrimp, and it was nicely balanced with tartar sauce on top. It also goes well with the sauce. I want to come earlier next time to try the premium cutlet.

There are several famous tonkatsu restaurants near Kamata Station, but this place is considered the best. They open at 11:00, so be prepared to wait in line. I arrived at 10:50 and there were already over 10 people waiting. I was able to get in around 11:15, so the turnover at this tonkatsu restaurant is quite fast. I had a hard time deciding, but I went with the classic hirekatsu set. The taste of the meat was amazing, possibly the best I've ever had! The sauce and mustard were a great combination. It's perfect tonkatsu. The miso soup was also delicious, and the rice was great too. I definitely want to go back to this tonkatsu restaurant. Highly recommended!

On Saturday night, the Upper Sirloin set meal restaurant opened for about 30 minutes and was already full, with a line of about 5 people outside. However, the turnover was fast so I was able to get a table in about 15 minutes. I enthusiastically ordered the Upper Sirloin set meal. It seemed to be a family-run business, with the father, mother, son, and aunt all working together seamlessly. The son took orders, the mother served rice and miso soup, and the father skillfully cooked the meat. The Upper Sirloin had a texture that I had never experienced before, with a perfect balance of crispy on the outside and slightly rare in the middle. It had a substantial thickness but melted in the mouth. I quickly asked for more rice and miso soup, both of which were delicious. I left the restaurant feeling completely satisfied. Thank you for the meal.

My wife really wanted to eat tonkatsu, so I researched a delicious looking restaurant! We arrived after 5:30 PM and there was a line of 10 people, but the turnover was fast and we were able to get in in less than 20 minutes. We ordered the top loin cutlet and small top loin cutlet set. The tonkatsu was piping hot and crispy! The portions were generous and the meat was the thickest I've ever had. It was juicy and satisfying to eat. It was delicious. Next time, I want to try the premium tonkatsu.

The sweet pork fat of the tenderloin is best with salt. I wonder if the sauce is on the sweeter side. The tenderloin is also tender, and truly, this tonkatsu restaurant is the best. The interior of the restaurant is hot due to the heat, but the taste is really delicious, so I will come back here again. Please let me eat more! The pork miso soup is also delicious, and the rice was tasty too. It was great to share the tenderloin and loin with my friend.

Tonight, I went on an expedition to Kamata! They use brand pork from Hayashi SPF sterile pigs. They have a lunch special today. Add fried squid to the pork cutlet set meal for only 1,500 yen. The lunch portion is amazing. When you bite into the cutlet, it makes a crispy sound. The pork cutlet is cooked medium rare, so it's tender and easy to eat. I always thought Katsukatsu in Kokubunji was the best, but this... The food in Kamata is amazing!

Hirekatsu set meal Address: 5-28-12 Kamata, Ota-ku, Tokyo Phone number: 03-3739-0156 Business hours: [Tue-Sat] 11:00-13:30 [Wed, Sat] 17:00-19:30 Closed: Sun, Mon, holidays

I finally visited a famous restaurant I had been curious about! I arrived at 10:15 and there were about 20 people waiting in line. Around 10:45 (I heard someone nearby who seemed like a regular saying they were going in earlier than usual, maybe because it was hot!?) the first group was allowed into the restaurant, and I entered around 11:10 after the first round. I ordered the lunch special, a pork cutlet set meal (1,400 yen). The pork wasn't too fatty, moist inside and crispy outside, and it was delicious!! The miso soup also had thick slices of pork in it and was really tasty!! Next time, I want to try the premium pork cutlet!!

Visited at 7:20 PM on Saturday with a party of one. Ordered the pork cutlet set meal with squid tempura and shiitake mushrooms. It was delicious - I prefer the pork cutlet over the special or premium cuts. The squid tempura and shiitake mushrooms as side dishes were perfect for snacking. The long line was unavoidable, but it might be better to go closer to closing time. Thank you for the meal!

◼️Visited the restaurant on a holiday around 6 pm. Waited for about 20 minutes. Came with my husband. ◼️Location: Came by train. The nearest stations are JR Kamata or Keikyu Kamata, about a 5-minute walk. ◼️Atmosphere: Only a counter with about 12 seats. Veteran ladies and the owner serving. Easy for solo diners (including women) to enter. ◼️Ordered Item: Upper loin steak set for 2,500 yen. The meat was thick and delicious with plenty of fat. Was quite hungry but couldn't finish it (apparently, the amount of rice can be adjusted in advance). Next time, I'll go for the small upper loin or less rice with the loin. ◼️Other: Initially served hot tea. If you want water, you need to ask the staff. ◼️Overall: It was delicious but felt a bit pricey. A common phenomenon in busy restaurants, but with limited seating and only a counter, there is a sense of having to eat quickly when a group of 4 is waiting for the next turn. I'd like to go at a less crowded time next time.

- Dish: Top loin cutlet set meal - The cutlet is thick, tender, juicy, and delicious. It goes well with sauce or rock salt, especially when paired with rice. However, it can be a bit heavy on the stomach due to the high fat content. It's recommended to either come on an empty stomach or order a smaller portion. The miso soup is also delicious. - Price: 2500 yen - Seating: Only counter seating available, with around 10 seats.

Weekday lunch - Rosukatsu set + Shiitake mushroom topping I happened to visit around 11:30 on a weekday when there was no line. The miso soup was delicious with a strong flavor, but it was too hot to drink right away. The cabbage was fresh, roughly cut, and just the right amount. The tonkatsu was thick-cut, juicy, and you could taste the meat juices. The fat was also sweet and delicious. I enjoyed eating it with the pink rock salt and mustard on the table. The rice and pickles were also delicious. I had the shiitake mushroom topping with soy sauce, and it was thick and tasty. Next time, I want to try the popular premium loin.

Located in the area between JR and Keikyu stations in Kamata, I visited this tonkatsu restaurant for lunch on a weekday. It's a popular spot, so I arrived 30 minutes before opening and there were already 5 people ahead of me, with 15 more behind me by opening time. The narrow entrance leads to a deep dining area with an L-shaped counter seating arrangement. Despite the crowd, orders were taken while waiting outside, so food arrived quickly once seated. I opted for the most expensive option, the "Premium Pork Cutlet Set (2,800 yen)", which was thick and tender, though quite filling. While delicious, the high price may make the regular lunch sets a better value. Overall, a good choice for tonkatsu lovers willing to wait in line.

Budget: 2800 yen Premium pork cutlet set meal Extra serving: Half rice, extra serving for free If asked what is the most delicious tonkatsu, I would answer Maruichi's premium pork cutlet. For 2800 yen, you get a volume of about 300g and unmatched deliciousness. I have never eaten a better pork cutlet for over 3000 yen. Let alone those that cost 5000-6000 yen. They use Lin SPF. The perfect pinkish hue from being cooked to about 80%. The crispy coating is almost burnt, with just the right amount of oil. You can enjoy it with sauce or salt, but I particularly love it with sauce. The sauce here makes even cabbage and rice taste delicious. The cabbage is thickly sliced and plentiful. The miso soup is rich and full of ingredients. I sat in a position where I could watch the frying process for the first time, and they fry everything together in the same pot without using a timer. It's impossible for an amateur to tell how long each tonkatsu has been fried, but they achieve perfect cooking every time. I think the pork cutlet here is better as a loin cutlet than a fillet.

One of the three famous tonkatsu restaurants in Tamagawa. Waited for about 20 minutes to enter on a Saturday afternoon. Ordered the lunch set with loin cutlet for 1400 yen. They use sterile pork here, and it seems to be fried about 80%. It has a slightly rare feel. It has a good thickness and is satisfying to eat. I ate it with just salt, but the sweetness of the meat wasn't really there. It was delicious, but maybe I had too high expectations. You can get a half portion of rice, and you can get refills of miso soup and cabbage for 100 yen each. In terms of cost performance, it's not the best.

I visited during lunchtime. The store had only been open for about 10 minutes, but there was already a line of about 10 people, so I waited for about 15 minutes. The store staff come to take your order while you're in line, so it's recommended to decide on your order after looking at the menu beforehand. It seems that the top-grade and special-grade items can sell out, so if you're interested, it's best to come early. This time, I tried the special-grade. The thickly cut meat was fried carefully, allowing you to taste the richness of the fat. The portion of meat was also satisfying!

I chose to visit Maruichi, a renowned tonkatsu restaurant in the competitive tonkatsu district of Kamata, after struggling with the decision of where to eat on a weekday when I start work in the afternoon. It was my first visit to the restaurant. I passed my workplace station and took a 30-minute train ride to Kamata. It was about a 5-minute walk from the station to the restaurant. When I arrived, there was a line of about 15 people waiting outside, with no shade available. I ended up ordering the premium loin cutlet, as the person in front of me ordered it, and I thought it would be interesting to try the best item on the menu. The staff came to take orders in advance, which helped reduce the wait time inside the restaurant. I finally entered the restaurant around 11:20 after waiting in line outside. The premium loin cutlet was incredibly thick yet tender and juicy, with a rich flavor that impressed me. I tried various condiments like salt, sauce, and mustard, but I personally preferred mustard and sauce together. Other customers were freely refilling their rice and miso soup, which were also delicious. Despite the relatively high price for lunch, I felt that the taste and portion size justified it. I definitely want to revisit this restaurant when I come to Kamata again. Thank you for the delicious meal!

This was my second visit. Last time, I ordered the pork loin and jumbo shrimp, and the shrimp was impressive and firm. The pork itself was fatty but not too heavy, and I enjoyed it until the end. This time, I had the pork tenderloin and squid. The tenderloin was juicy and tender, not dry at all. The squid fry was crispy, and for only ¥100, it was a great deal! Next time, I might try the mixed fry or another premium option. There is a line, but the turnover is fast so the wait isn't too bad, although it may depend on the time of day.

I arrived 15 minutes before the store opened, but there were already about 10 people lined up, and more people continued to arrive after me. I was able to snag a seat at the counter, which has 12 seats, and entered the restaurant right after it opened. The tonkatsu was incredibly delicious, one of the best I've ever had. It was worth lining up in the heat for such a tasty meal.

I arrived at the restaurant around 10:20 and was fourth in line. While waiting, I placed my order for the lunch special, which was a pork cutlet set. The line quickly grew, and by the time the restaurant opened, there were about 15 people waiting. We were seated in the order we arrived, and my freshly fried pork cutlet arrived just a few minutes after entering the restaurant. I tried a bite of the tender and sweet pork cutlet without any sauce first. I enjoyed it with both sauce, hot mustard, and rock salt, all of which were delicious. The miso soup that came with the set was also tasty. I finished my meal in no time. The pork cutlet from this renowned restaurant was indeed delicious.

I visited a restaurant that I was curious about for the first time. I arrived at the restaurant at 12:50 and there were 2 people waiting outside. I waited in line for about 10 minutes before entering the restaurant. I was asked about the menu in advance and the food was served in about 5 minutes. The pork cutlet was thick and incredibly delicious! It was very tender and juicy with a generous portion. The rice was also very tasty with a sweet flavor. The pork cutlet set meal was a feast. Thank you for the meal!