Restaurant #60: Saboten, Taipei

(Visited in March, 2011)

Saboten is a Tonkatsu restaurant from Shinjuku, Tokyo. I haven’t heard of this restaurant until I saw in Taipei. In Taiwan, this tonkatsu restaurant (勝博殿) locates in some department stores; SOGO and Mitsukoshi. I tried “Anzu”, which is another Japanese Katsu restaurant in Taipei, and it was OK, so I was not sure if I should have tried this restaurant… Yet, my friend asked me to, so… let me report this.

I chose the branch in ZhongXiao SOGO. It was a long line, so we waited for 30 minutes or so. The waiter guided us to the comfortable table. Our seat was in good place, and I was quite happy about it. The décor was simple, but it looks old. Also, some families with kids and babies were eating dinner, so it was quite noisy.

The other waitress came to us and explained their menu and system since it was a first time for us to visit them. According to them, shredded cabbage, rice, miso soup and appetizer are all refill free. Yes! (^^) Their workers were well trained, and friendly.

Compared to Anzu, Saboten’s items are slightly expensive. I hoped that their katsu taste better. I ordered Negi Oroshi Rosu Katsu (ねぎおろしロースかつ) (NT$ 300), and my friend chose Tender Hire Katsu (やわらかヒレかつ御膳) (NT$300).

Appetizer

Their appetizer was black beans and Japanese radish pickles. This Daikon pickles reminded me of one Japanese restaurant my friend and I always went in the states. Good memories… Black beans were a bit sweet, tasted alright.

Shredded Cabbage

Shredded cabbage (キャベツの千切り) is always served with Katsu. I always eat a lot.

Sesami

Same as Anzu, sesame was served.

Item was served in front of me.

Negi Oroshi Rosu Katsu

Negi Oroshi Rosu Katsu looked great! Katsu was politely laid on the plate, covered Daikon Oroshi. I thought their Oroshi was a bit dry, but it was still tasty. Katsu was juicy and chewy enough to enjoy the taste of pork. Unfortunately, my rice was already cold. What happened!?!?!? I asked Okawari, and the second bawl was warm enough.

Hire Katsu Set

My friend’s Hirekatsu was, to be honest, so disappointing. I don’t know what happened. Did they serve different item or what? This katsu was quite different than we expected. Meat was thinly sliced, and wrapped to make it katsu shape. I found the similar item on their menu, which was called “Kasane Katsu” (千層錦豬排). But… Hire is usually not Kasane Katsu, right? I really want to know if we ordered it wrong, or they served wrong item… Taste of meat was not bad at all, but still quite different than Hire. Sorry my friend…

Oshiruko

Green Tea Ice Cream

Both katsu set included a small dessert. Both dessert items were good: Oshiruko and Green tea Ice cream. We enjoyed it.

Overall, I liked their appetizer and everything but Katsu, such an ironic. I believe Anzu’s Katsu matches more to my taste, and it is close to a real Japanese style, although their sauce and other appetizer are alright. As a Japanese, Katsu in here couldn’t satisfy me.

I would like to visit them again to confirm their Hire katsu... If that was all they have, then I’d rather cook it by myself. It is all about a quality of the meat. I hope I will be satisfied with their food next time.

Total: NT$ 660 (for 2 people + 10% service fee)

Saboten: Japanese Tonkatsu Restaurant

http://www.saboten.com.tw/index.php

Restaurant #55: Wako, Sapporo

(Visited in February, 2011)

This was my second visit to Wako. Same as last time, it took me 10 min to decide what I should eat. Everything looks perfectly delicious... Eventually, I chose Shobu Set, 1260 yen.

Organized interior.

Shobu Set

Shobu set (Hire Katsu, Deep Fried Shrimp, Deep Fried Eggplant with minced pork) was served with Oshinko (お新香) and Chawan Mushi (茶碗蒸し: Japanese Egg Custard). Chawan Mushi is my favorite Japanese dish, as well as Tonkatsu. Therefore, you can imagine how much this meal set made me satisfied.

Hire Katsu (一口ひれかつ) was a bit small, but it was okay because other items were more enjoyable; deep fried shrimp (海老フライ) and deep fried eggplant (茄子のはさみ揚げ). I have to say that I have never huge fun of fried shrimp. It is just because I love fresh, raw shrimp, instead of fried one. Yet, it is good to have big fried shrimp!!!

Minced pork said hello to me from between the fried eggplant!

Japanese Egg Custard

I love Chawan Mushi. I sometimes eat it outside, but usually the taste is too strong. However, their Chawan Mushi had perfect taste. If you have a chance to eat Katsu in here, please try Chawan Mushi as well.

I enjoyed this gorgeous lunch as usual. I would love to go back there again and try out other menu! Also, I should introduce other Tonkatsu restaurants to you guys next time.

Total: 1239 yen

Wako: Tonkatsu Restaurant

6F, Stellar Place Sapporo
011-209-5104
http://www.stellarplace.net/floor_guide/SR144.html
http://www.wako-group.co.jp/

Restaurant #53: Anzu, Taipei

(Visited at Dec 27, 2010)

Anzu, a Japanese Tonkatsu restaurant, opened a new branch at Hankyu department store. It is easy to access from MRT station, and there is always a looooong line waiting for delicious Katsu. Anzu came from Kyushu of Japan. Let’s see how they are doing here in Taiwan.

As usual, it was a long line in front of the restaurant. My friend and I waited for 45 min, which is normal in such a busy and crowded city. Workers welcomed us with “Irasshaimase!” Since I heard their greetings with Japanese, my mind automatically started expecting their service.

My first impression towards them was great; workers were smiling and kindly led us to the table. Décor was beautifully organized, and lighting was appropriate as well. Their menu could be a bit expensive for Taiwanese people, but I think it was reasonable compared with the prices among other Tonkatsu restaurants in Taiwan. Those atmosphere and food quantity must make them satisfied. We ordered Hirekatsu set (腰內豬排套餐) (TW$ 290) and Thick Sliced Rosu Katsu set (厚切里肌肉豬排套餐) (TW$ 330).

Appetizer: Kiriboshi-Daikon

As an appetizer, Kiriboshi Daikon (切り干し大根) was served. A bit salty, but it was acceptable. Yet, an accident happened—hair in the food. Well… no one is perfect, I know. I asked the worker to change the appetizer… To be honest, I was just uncomfortable to pay the service fee…

If you like, add grated sesame.

Shredded cabbage

Shredded cabbage is an important side dish for Tonkatsu. Usually, refill free. I like shredded cabbage, so I refilled several times. They prepared house-made dressing, but I prefer Tonkatsu sauce.

Their sauce was not my taste, because it was too sweet, yet my friend liked it.

Hirekatsu Set

Our dishes were finally served. I was very happy to see my dish, ヒレかつ膳, with golden-colored crispy skin. It was perfect!!! Their Koromo (crispy skin) was really Japanese style and crispy~! Meat was tender and perfectly juicy. I was astonished! I couldn’t even find such a Real Tonkatsu dish in Los Angeles. I am glad that I could enjoy in Taiwan. My choice made my day.

Thick Sliced Rosu Katsu Set

My friend ordered Thick Sliced Rosu Katsu set (厚切りロースかつ膳). When we ordered this item, a worker warned us that it would be oily. When we saw the item, her warning made sense. It came with lots of fatty part. There is another Rosu Katsu set with Kurobuta, which was a bit expensive. I believe Kurobuta Rosu would be better than this. Excluding the fatty part, Rosu was tender, and again, Koromo was perfectly crispy. Katsu, cabbage, siso soup and other appetizer… Those made us full and really satisfied.

Although I prefer lighter-taste Kiriboshi Daikon, their food made me satisfied. Please improve their hygiene, so that I can go back there again.

Total: TW$ 682 (for 2 people + 10% service fee)

Anzu: Japanese Tonkatsu Restaurant

http://www.anzu.com.tw/

Restaurant #06: Wako Tonkatsu, Sapporo

Wako is a small tonkatsu chain located in Stellar Place Sapporo, the neat shopping mall next to Sapporo train station. I haven’t eaten a good katsu for a long time, so I jumped into this restaurant. This shopping mall has a great variety of restaurants.

dining room

The décor was modern and clean. I went there for a dinner, and they dim the lights and the atmosphere was pretty cool. Their menu was various; I ordered one of the set menus comes with Rosu (pork loin) and Cheese Menchi Katsu (fried minced meat cake) (1200 yen).

Workers are well trained. They explained the menu well, and they know the right timing to bring a cup of tea or other things. I know it is their job, but it is not easy to get good service in such a small restaurant. Easily packed the place during the dinner time, but workers helped each other well. I was reading a book in a restaurant, but I didn’t feel uncomfortable. If I go there earlier or later, it would be much easier for me to stay there for a while and enjoy the atmosphere like a café.

Tonkatsu Set

Tonkatsu, a deep fried pork cutlet, is a popular dish in Japan, and it usually served with shredded cabbage. Hire (pork fillet) or Rosu (pork loin) is generally used. I sometimes cook tonkatsu, but it is difficult to make it crispy outside and juicy inside. Wako uses their original Panko (Japanese breadcrumbs), and deeply fry it with the blending of corn and soy bean oil. This Tonkatsu Set also served with shredded cabbage, steamed rice, veggie miso soup, Japanese pickles, and a pot of tea.

Rosu Katsu was in great condition. The outside was crispy enough and in great brown color. When you bit it, the delicious pork oil came out, and the pork was so tender. The color was pink. My favorite, Menchi Katsu, was also great taste, the melted cheese was inside. You can also enjoy their original Tonkatsu sauce, mixture of juice from tomatoes, apples, onions and some other ingredients.

Overall, I was pleased with their food and service.

Total: 1200 yen

Wako, Tonkatsu Restaurant
6F, Stellar Place Sapporo
011-209-5104
http://www.stellarplace.net/floor_guide/SR144.html
http://www.wako-group.co.jp/