Katsudon and Owan (pork miso soup). Katsudon. The coating is probably originally crispy with a strong bread crumb texture, but it becomes a juicy texture as it soaks in the sweet soup. The sweetness of the pork is also strong, but the taste of the soup is also solid, creating an exquisite harmony. Additionally, the sweetness of the onions and eggs adds to the overall sweet flavor. Be careful as the pork is quite hot. It's a taste that would be great as a side dish for alcohol. Owan, a pork miso soup, is also hot and doesn't cool down easily. The ingredients include daikon radish, carrots, burdock root, konjac, pork, and green onions. There is a lot of daikon, making it quite hearty. It looks thick and concentrated, but it's not as heavy as it appears, with plenty of umami from the ingredients. From July to August 2023, it's only 100 yen during Summertime. Visited around 13:00 on a weekday with about 30% of the seats filled, with customers coming in sporadically. It seems they only have one stove to simmer the katsu, so be mindful of the timing when ordering katsudon.

The tonkatsu restaurant located in a back alley near the south exit of Kanda Station serves a very delicious bowl of tonjiru (pork miso soup) for lunch. In July and August, the price of the bowl becomes more affordable. The main dish is the katsu rice. The deliciousness of this restaurant's food truly captures the essence of a traditional tonkatsu eatery in the downtown area.

On a hot day in July, I visited around 12:20 pm. There were 3 people waiting outside, but I was able to enter after a group left. I ordered the katsudon for 850 yen (tax included). It took about 15 minutes to be served. The pork cutlet was fried first, then simmered well in the sauce. After about 4-5 minutes of simmering, an egg was added and cooked further. As a result, the crispy texture was replaced by the sauce flavor soaking in, making the texture softer. The katsudon came with spicy pickled vegetables, which was a nice addition. The breading on the pork cutlet was thick and the meat had a chewy texture, not easily melting in the mouth. Personally, I prefer this kind of katsudon. The sauce was quite sweet and a bit strong for my taste. The onions were soft and added a nice touch. Overall, it felt more like a sweet simmered pork rice bowl than a traditional katsudon. If I go again, I would opt for the basic pork cutlet rice bowl.

This restaurant is not called a set meal, but it is named "Katsuraisu (pork cutlet with rice) with soup." I feel a sense of dedication here. The crispy coating and juicy meat are very delicious. The soup is miso soup and it is also very tasty. However, this soup is surprisingly hot haha. It doesn't look hot because there is no steam coming out, but it is really hot. Now I understand why the staff warned me to be careful of the heat. Thank you for the meal.

The katsu curry was incredibly delicious. I arrived at the restaurant after 12 o'clock and it was full. After waiting for about 15 minutes, I was able to get a table and ordered the katsu curry for ¥900. I noticed some people ordering the special lunch for ¥800 and others ordering miso soup for ¥200. Finally, the katsu curry arrived, and the aroma of the crispy katsu and curry was appetizing. The curry was slightly sweet but very easy to eat, appealing to people of all ages. The crispy texture of the katsu made it disappear quickly. Although the katsu curry was excellent, I look forward to trying something different next time and enjoying another recommended dish at this restaurant.

Budget: 2000 yen Pork cutlet set meal with free rice refill: The cutlet is thinner than it looks in the photos on the food review app. It's thin but large. Even without any condiments, it tastes salty. It doesn't need salt, or rather, it's not provided. The breading seems to have some flavor. It's not too greasy. There's a lot of rice. The cabbage portion is small. The side dish combo of potato salad with macaroni is the best. The miso soup is full of ingredients, lots of broth, and hot. The pork cutlet is quite large. It's delicious, but considering it costs more than double the price of a regular lunch cutlet, it's hard to feel like going there often.

I felt like eating Katsudon, so I went to Tonkatsu Yamato in Kaji-cho 1-chome♪ I've known about this place for a while, but it was my first visit. I sat at the counter seat and ordered the Katsudon for 850 yen and a bowl for 100 yen. After about 10 minutes, it arrived - be careful, the bowl is hot! The meat thickness was decent for the price, but the coating tended to come off easily. The sauce was on the sweeter side, I would have preferred a more distinct flavor. The miso soup also seemed a bit too concentrated. Thank you for the meal! (^^)

On the way to another shop, I passed by Yamato and saw a sign advertising a bowl of soup for 100 yen! I initially kept walking but then turned back to check it out. It turned out to be a summer special offer - half price on the bowl of soup, which is usually served as miso soup. I had visited this shop many times before, but I didn't remember the 100 yen offer, so I must have unconsciously avoided it during the summer. Intrigued, I changed my plans and ended up entering the shop. The usual order for me is the pork cutlet rice bowl for 750 yen plus a bowl of soup for 200 yen, but today it was only 850 yen, which was a good deal. The shop was being energetically run by a family of three, as usual. However, the shop was small and crowded, and it was hot inside. The father figure had been frying the food for decades, and while the quality of the meat might not be the best for 750 yen, I was looking forward to his expert frying skills. The simple pork cutlet with shredded cabbage on top was served. The bowl of soup, which was ordered separately, was filled to the brim with lots of ingredients and was delicious, definitely worth the 200 yen. Plus, it was half price for June and July. I regretted not ordering two bowls later on. I wiped away my sweat and finished my meal. The bill was settled with a vintage cash register sound. Thank you for the meal.

It was late at night and the restaurant seemed closed, but I gathered my courage and went in. It was still open and everyone was busy preparing. I looked at the menu and saw a pork cutlet set meal for 2,000 yen. There were people drinking, maybe because there is a kushikatsu restaurant nearby, creating competition. The interior of the restaurant looked like it had been in business for about 40 years. The pork cutlet arrived, with a strong golden color. The portion was generous with a mountain of rice, plenty of miso soup, and pickles. The pork cutlet was just right, with an old-school flavor. The sauce provided was different from the usual tonkatsu sauce, it was Worcestershire sauce to be poured over the cabbage. The rice was soft, and the miso soup was delicious with a hint of ginger. The vegetables were well stewed, which I enjoyed. The pork cutlet was large and had a good amount of fat, making it a bit tough to finish towards the end. I realized that I can't eat as much as before due to my age. I left the restaurant feeling full and satisfied, reminiscing about the old-fashioned charm of such establishments. I would like to visit again.

Pork cutlet set meal for 2000 yen. I am very satisfied with this for 2000 yen. The tonkatsu and cabbage are served separately, showing attention to detail. The meat of the tonkatsu is well seasoned, so you need to be careful with the sauce as it can be a bit salty at times. Despite being pork loin, the tonkatsu doesn't feel heavy with fat. The set meal is quite filling, so it would be great if they also offered a smaller size beer option to go with it. I will definitely visit again.

In a quaint alley with a nostalgic atmosphere, there is a long-established tonkatsu restaurant that used to have two other branches near JR Kanda Station in its heyday. I visited for lunch on a weekday for the first time. The wooden exterior exudes a Showa-era charm, and the interior feels like a movie set. From the lunch menu, I ordered the "Katsudon (pork cutlet bowl) for 850 yen" and a side of miso soup for an additional 200 yen. First, I was served cucumber pickles and miso soup. After a while, the main dish, the katsudon, arrived in a large bowl without a lid. After a brief photoshoot, I took a bite of the generous pork cutlet covered in plenty of egg. The cutlet was cooked traditionally, with a firm texture and a good amount of fat. The sweet sauce was quite prominent, similar to sukiyaki flavor. I think it's a taste that most Japanese people would find delicious. The miso soup was piping hot and filled with ingredients. It had a rich taste that complemented the flavorful katsudon. Be careful as it is extremely hot, whether lifting it off the counter or sipping from the bowl's edge. The soup included pork, daikon radish, burdock root, carrot, and konjac, resembling a hearty vegetable soup rather than a typical miso soup. By the time I finished both dishes, I was full and sweating. The miso soup remained hot until the last sip. I visited after 1 pm, and while the restaurant wasn't full, there was a steady stream of customers coming in, indicating its popularity. After the meal, I paid the friendly lady and thanked the chef. It was a wonderful dining experience at this nostalgic restaurant in the old town atmosphere!

I visited alone at 13:41 on a regular day. There was a couple of two people already seated. I decided on the pork cutlet rice for 750 yen with half portion of rice. They asked if I wanted miso soup, but I declined. At 13:49, a simple plate of cutlet and rice was served. The cutlet was crispy and delicious. It was a great value for the price.

- The average (normal) score is 3.0 points and evaluations are made in increments of 0.5 points. - The overall score is calculated by multiplying food/taste by 4, service by 2, atmosphere by 2, and cost performance by 2, adding them together, and then dividing by 10 (alcohol/drinks are not included). - Not listed - Delicious

Visited Kanda in the early afternoon. I wanted to eat tantanmen or maze-soba, but I didn't want to sweat too much as I had a meeting with a client afterwards and didn't want to smell like garlic. I decided to visit a place that seemed less crowded. I was torn between wanting to eat katsudon as well, but in the end, I settled for the lunchtime katsuraisu (tonkatsu and rice) with an owan (pork soup). The tonkatsu for the lunch set seemed to be pre-fried as it came out quickly after being fried a second time. It's understandable considering the price of ¥750 for the katsuraisu at a location just a few minutes walk from Kanda Station. The thickness of the tonkatsu was average and the rice was a bit mushy. The owan was a simple pork soup with a unique touch of ginger which made it delicious. While there are many delicious tonkatsu restaurants around these days, this place may not be the best choice for tonkatsu, but for a quick and affordable meal, it was satisfying. The katsuraisu and owan together cost ¥950, making it a great value for money in Kanda.

Budget: 750 yen Food eaten: Pork cutlet lunch Wait time: 11 minutes I had a pork cutlet lunch for 750 yen, which was about 150g. It was a simple pork cutlet with nothing special. The restaurant was very crowded during lunchtime, so I ate quickly and left. However, the taste was surprisingly good. Because of this, I felt like going back to try the pork cutlet dinner set next time. The meatball, which was the size of a fist, was priced at 700 yen for two pieces and looked delicious.

As I was looking for a lunch spot around Kanda Station South Exit, I suddenly saw a sign for "Tonkatsu Yamato" in the back of an alley. The restaurant had a Showa-era atmosphere, and its exterior was very nostalgic, making me hesitate to enter. Despite the early time of 11:30 am, there were already 5 customers (2 at the counter, 3 at tables) inside, which made me take the plunge and visit "Tonkatsu Yamato" for the first time. When I asked the staff, "Which is the most delicious pork cutlet?" a regular customer at the counter replied with a smile, "They're all delicious♪" The atmosphere was welcoming, with the owner also smiling, creating a good vibe. I decided to order the "Pork Cutlet Set" (1,900 yen) as I waited, and within just 5 minutes, the small restaurant was already full, heightening my expectations. However, most people had ordered the "Cutlet Rice" (750 yen) with a side of "Owan" (miso soup) (200 yen), which made me a bit anxious about my choice. But seeing the "Cutlet Rice" being served to customers who arrived later reassured me that there were differences in thickness. After about a 10-minute wait, the crispy and golden "Pork Cutlet Set" arrived. When I took a bite from the fatty part in the middle, I could feel the crunchy texture of the coating, a hint of lard aroma, followed by the juicy fat and meaty flavor, which was quite delicious. Although I'm not a fan of strong lard aroma, it was not overwhelming at this restaurant, and the crispy texture of the coating stood out in a good balance. The "Pork Cutlet Set" comes with a soy-based sauce on the side, which, when dipped, was refreshing yet flavorful, making it incredibly tasty. The cabbage was average in size, and the potato salad was a personal favorite, perfect as a beer snack. The "Owan" miso soup was rich in ingredients and delicious, which explained why everyone was ordering it. Overall, the nostalgic ambiance, subtle lard aroma, crispy coating, ample fat, tender meat, and satisfying taste made for a delightful experience. I was grateful to have discovered this hidden gem and rated it 4 stars★★★★! I am definitely looking forward to revisiting to try the "Cutlet Rice," "Cutlet Curry," and "Cutlet Bowl." Thank you for the meal. Visit the Sake Blog here: https://reerac.net/blog/?p=1250

People have started calling me an old man for some reason... It feels like a Showa-era atmosphere. There's a father in the kitchen and a mother in the dining area. The quiet father fries the tonkatsu perfectly, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior. It's delicious. The side of pork miso soup is also flavorful and tasty. This tonkatsu, made with the blood of a craftsman, is the best in Kanda. It was amazing. I was treated to a wonderful meal.

Located just off Nihon-dori Street, right after exiting the south exit of Kanda Station, is a small alley where you can find the famous chicken soba shop. However, I decided to visit "Yamato," a tonkatsu restaurant that was recommended to me by my boss almost 30 years ago. Stepping inside, I felt a sense of nostalgia. The atmosphere was a bit chaotic but not unpleasant. I chose the menchi rice from the lunch menu, which is a combination of menchi katsu and rice served on a Western-style plate. I decided to skip the miso soup as it was a hot summer day. The menchi katsu was fried to a crispy golden brown with a slightly oily appearance. However, the taste was surprisingly light and not greasy at all. The menchi itself was fluffy and juicy. Adding a bit of Worcestershire sauce with mustard made the rice go down smoothly. It seems that many regular customers come here seeking this unique flavor. They are doing a great job.

When you enter the first alley to the left from the south exit of JR Kanda Station onto Nihonbashi Street, you will find a row of charming shops. There are traditional izakayas like Kuranomoto Izakaya Seiryu, standing bars like Kaion, and Izakaya Tsuriyoshi, as well as a French-style brasserie called Brasserie Zan. Further down the street, you'll come across the well-established Tonkatsu restaurant, Yamato. I visited around 8 pm on a weekday to enjoy a leisurely evening of authentic Tonkatsu while sipping beer. Inside the restaurant, there is a kitchen and a counter with 8 seats on the left, and three 4-person tables on the right. There is a TV in the back playing professional baseball. When I entered, the owner, the female owner, and a bearded man (perhaps their son?) were watching TV, but they all sprang into action as soon as I arrived. The owner started frying, the son prepared the pork miso soup, and the female owner began preparing pickles. I felt a bit sorry for inconveniencing them just for myself. When I tried to sit at the counter, the female owner kindly directed me to a table. She brought out a basket of hot towels for me. I ordered a large bottle of beer (650 yen) and the Tonkatsu set meal (1,900 yen). The Tonkatsu set meal is more than double the price of the Tonkatsu rice lunch (750 yen), so I had high expectations. The beer was Kirin Ichiban Shibori. They served pickles made of turnips, cucumbers, Chinese cabbage, and carrots. The pickles were delicious. Soon after, the rice, pork miso soup, Tonkatsu, and special sauce arrived. There was also Tonkatsu sauce on the table. They explained that the Tonkatsu should be eaten with the special sauce, while the cabbage should be dipped in the Tonkatsu sauce. The Tonkatsu was large and cut into 8 pieces. It was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The cabbage, radish sprouts, and potato salad were served as side dishes. I carefully selected a piece of Tonkatsu, dipped it in the special sauce, and took a bite. The special sauce was like Worcestershire sauce, thin and flavorful. The meat was cooked perfectly and tasted delicious. It may not be a refined Tonkatsu, but the flavor was exceptional, surpassing even Michelin-starred Tonkatsu. The pork miso soup was generous and flavorful, with well-seasoned ingredients and a rich miso flavor. While I was eating, the three of them were focused on the baseball game on TV. I felt like a guest enjoying a meal in their home. It was probably a Giants game given the location, but it turned out to be Eagles vs. Marines. After I finished eating, the female owner poured me barley tea. She said, "Would you like some?" in a friendly tone, making me feel like I was at a friend's house. Everything was delicious. I left feeling full and satisfied, both in body and spirit.

I visited a tonkatsu restaurant that I had been wanting to go to for a while. I had the loin set meal (1900 yen). For the loin, they take out a chunk of loin meat from the refrigerator and cut it up. They trim off excess fat and throw it into the fryer. The lard flavor seeps into the oil in the fryer. They sprinkle salt, pepper, and a mysterious powder on one side of the loin meat (I saw it on a shelf, so the mysterious powder might be garlic powder?). They dip it in egg and coat it with coarse breadcrumbs. I thought they would put it in the fryer, but they started frying it in a separate pot. The oil in the small pot seems to be at a lower temperature, as it took twice as long to fry as the rice. The shredded cabbage is relatively thick and has a crunchy texture. A little bit of potato salad is also served. The loin cutlet was exquisite. Pork that is this tender is rare to come by. The juiciness of the meat mixed with the richness of the fat is very delicious. It is on par with the high-end tonkatsu restaurants. The frying level is perfect, with the edges cooked through but the middle having a pinkish, medium-rare look. For the loin, they provided soy sauce in a small dish and told me to dip the cutlet in it, but it was so delicious that I just had it with salt. The loin set meal comes with miso soup from the start. If you order the cutlet rice (750 yen), you need to order it separately (200 yen). The miso soup has a generous amount of daikon radish, carrot, and fried tofu, with chopped green onions floating on top. The miso is red miso, similar to red dashi in color. It is not too rich but has a strong miso flavor. The pickles are lightly pickled Chinese cabbage and daikon radish. The rice was also delicious. It seems that the cutlet rice comes on a plate, but for the loin set meal, they serve it in a large teacup. The restaurant is honestly old and not very clean. The side menu items are not exceptional, just delicious. However, the loin cutlet here is truly delicious. If we're talking just about the cutlet, I think it's even better than the famous restaurant in Awajicho. It's the kind of place I don't want to tell others about. Thank you for the meal. I will definitely come back for the loin cutlet.

At the first alley to the left after entering from the south exit of JR Kanda Station onto Nihonbashi Street, you will find the well-established tonkatsu restaurant, Daikichi. Inside the restaurant, there is a kitchen and an 8-seat counter on the left, and three 4-seater tables on the right. There is a TV in the back. I stopped by for lunch on a weekday. Lunch is served until 2 pm, with affordable options priced under 1,000 yen. The menu includes: - Katsudon: 750 yen - Menchikatsu Rice: 700 yen - Special Lunch: 800 yen - Curry Rice: 650 yen - Katsu Ka Rear: 900 yen - Menchi Curry: 800 yen - Katsudon: 850 yen I ordered the Katsudon (750 yen) at the counter. The tonkatsu made by the master is surprisingly large for the price. The breading is thin and delicate, so I ate it carefully to prevent it from falling apart. For 750 yen, you get a satisfying meal. It's not just about the portion size, but you can also feel the skill in the preparation. I would love to revisit at night, enjoy some beer, and savor their authentic tonkatsu. I accidentally deleted the photos from early December, so I plan to return at night and enjoy another hearty meal.