Hidden Gem: Tonkatsu KEITA in Nishi-Ogikubo, Tokyo

A Highly Rated Tonkatsu Spot

One such example is とんかつ KEITA ( Tonkatsu KEITA ) , a highly praised Japanese pork cutlet restaurant located in Nishi-Ogikubo, Suginami Ward. This restaurant is recognized as one of the "Top 100 Restaurants" on the popular Japanese food guide Tabelog and boasts a Google Maps rating of 4.6. Tonkatsu KEITA actively engages with its customers on social media, particularly Instagram, where you can find links to their online reservation system. Although the system primarily operates in Japanese, it offers English assistance, making it accessible for visitors from Hong Kong. Upon arrival, staff members can communicate in simple English, creating a welcoming atmosphere for international guests.

とんかつ KEITA(Tonkatsu KEITA) restaurant is recognized as one of the "Top 100 Restaurants" on the popular Japanese food guide Tabelog. Unique Cooking Techniques Low-Temperature Slow Frying

Despite being just a short walk from JR Nishi-Ogikubo Station , the area itself feels quite ordinary. What draws people here is the tonkatsu. So, what makes this place so special?

Firstly, Tonkatsu KEITA employs a low-temperature slow-frying technique. While this method is becoming more popular in Japan and even appearing in some Hong Kong restaurants, the quality here remains unmatched. The restaurant uses a blend of natural pork lard and local oils. Contrary to the assumption that lard is unhealthy, it actually has a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying and allowing for a more natural flavour without chemical extraction.

Tonkatsu KEITA boasts a Google Maps rating of 4.6. Tonkatsu KEITA employs a low-temperature slow-frying technique. The restaurant uses a blend of natural pork lard and local oils. Kagoshima Rokuhaku Kurobuta Pork Sweet Flavour and Tender Texture

e, the restaurant serves Kagoshima Rokuhaku Kurobuta, a rare breed known for its sweet flavour and tender texture. The balanced fat-to-meat ratio makes it ideal for the slow-frying method. The panko breading is low in sugar, which not only reduces the heaviness often associated with fried food but also helps achieve the signature light, crispy texture of their tonkatsu, making it less greasy compared to typical varieties. For condiments, in addition to the usual rock salt and homemade tonkatsu sauce, the restaurant suggests trying soy sauce and wasabi for a surprising twist.

The restaurant serves Kagoshima Rokuhaku Kurobuta, a rare breed known for its sweet flavour and tender texture. Rokubaku Kurobuta Special Tenderloin Set Meal Rokubaku Kurobuta Special Tenderloin Set Meal Rokubaku Kurobuta Tenderloin Set Meal Rokubaku Kurobuta Tenderloin Set Meal

A Modern Dining Philosophy

Interestingly, while many high-end Japanese restaurants discourage or even prohibit photography, Tonkatsu KEITA encourages it. They welcome patrons to share their experiences on social media, reflecting a modern and innovative approach to dining.

とんかつ KEITA(Tonkatsu KEITA)

Address : 3-41-1 Matsuan, Nishi-Ogikubo, Suginami-ku, Tokyo, Japan.

Instagram : tonkatsukeita

Reservation: https://www.tablecheck.com/en/shops/tonkatsu-keita/reserve