Tonkatsu (Japanese deep-fried pork cutlet) is a must-try dish when you visit Tokyo. Many major tonkatsu chains have branches all over the city, so it’s easy to enjoy crispy pork cutlets with juicy meat. Here are 5 recommended tonkatsu chains in Tokyo that are perfect for first-time visitors.
1. Tonkatsu Wako – Classic Tonkatsu Chain in Tokyo
- Light, crispy batter and juicy pork
- Set meals with all-you-can-refill rice, miso soup, and cabbage
- Many branches in Tokyo and across Japan
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Recommended Menu: Rosu Katsu Teishoku (Pork Loin Cutlet Set)
A juicy pork loin cutlet with a crispy coating, served with rice, shredded cabbage, and miso soup.
📍 Location: Tokyo & nationwide
💰 Price: Around ¥1,500 JPY~ (about $10 USD~)
📅 Reservation: Not required
🌐 Official Website: Tonkatsu Wako
2. Tonkatsu Maisen – Famous for Its Tender Pork Cutlets
- Very soft and juicy tonkatsu that almost melts in your mouth
- Popular tonkatsu sandwich you can eat on the go
- Calm atmosphere with a stylish, traditional Japanese interior
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Recommended Menu: Hire Katsu (Pork Fillet Cutlet)
A lean and tender pork fillet with a light and crispy coating. Good for people who prefer less fat.
📍 Location: Tokyo (flagship store in Omotesando) & nationwide
💰 Price: Around ¥1,500 JPY~ (about $11 USD~)
📅 Reservation: Available at some branches
🌐 Official Website: Tonkatsu Maisen
3. Tonkatsu Shinjuku Saboten – Long-Standing Favorite
- Well-balanced tonkatsu with carefully selected pork
- Original Saboten sauce that goes perfectly with the cutlet
- Both pork loin and fillet options are available
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Recommended Menu: Saboten Special Tonkatsu Set
A classic set with thick-cut pork loin, miso soup, rice, and plenty of cabbage.
📍 Location: Tokyo & nationwide
💰 Price: Around ¥1,500 JPY~ (about $10 USD~)
📅 Reservation: Not required
🌐 Official Website: Tonkatsu Shinjuku Saboten
4. Katsuya – Quick and Affordable Tonkatsu
- Casual tonkatsu chain that’s easy to use even on busy days
- Fast service and very good value for money
- Popular with office workers for quick lunch or dinner
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Recommended Menu: Katsu Don (Pork Cutlet Rice Bowl)
A pork cutlet simmered with egg and onions in a sweet-savory sauce, served over a bowl of rice.
📍 Location: Tokyo & nationwide
💰 Price: Around ¥800 JPY~ (about $6 USD~)
📅 Reservation: Not required
🌐 Official Website: Katsuya
5. Katsukura – Kyoto-Style Premium Tonkatsu
- Uses carefully selected pork and homemade panko breadcrumbs
- Served with Kyoto-style miso soup and a special sesame tonkatsu sauce
- Elegant, calm atmosphere – good for a slower meal
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Recommended Menu: Thick-Cut Pork Loin Katsu
A thick and juicy cutlet with a delicate crispy crust, enjoyed with rich sesame-based sauce and freshly ground sesame seeds.
📍 Location: Tokyo & nationwide (flagship store in Kyoto)
💰 Price: Around ¥1,800 JPY~ (about $13 USD~)
📅 Reservation: Available
🌐 Official Website: Katsukura
Conclusion
Tokyo has many great tonkatsu chain restaurants, from premium Kyoto-style cutlets to quick and budget-friendly meals. Whether you like thick and juicy pork loin or a light and tender fillet, these top 5 tonkatsu chains offer delicious options you can easily find around the city. Try one or two on your next visit to Tokyo!
Tonkatsu is a type of katsu made with pork. Katsu is a general word for breaded and fried cutlets, which can also be chicken or other meats.
Tonkatsu is made from pork loin or pork fillet. The meat is coated with flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs, then deep-fried until golden and crispy.
They are similar but not the same. Both are breaded and fried cutlets, but tonkatsu uses panko breadcrumbs and is served in a Japanese style.
Most tonkatsu uses two main cuts: tenderloin (lean and soft) and loin (juicier with more fat). Restaurants usually let you choose between them.
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