High-temperature flames enhance the aroma — juicy hamburger patties wrapped in tomato

▲ A delicious hamburger patty is nestled inside the tomato.

Reported and photographed by Huang Shiyuan / Taipei

The hamburger patty specialty store "My Tonkatsu Yamamoto" Taiwan No. 1 branch is currently in trial operation and is scheduled to officially open in Taipei's East District on September 1. Currently, My Tonkatsu Yamamoto offers seven flavors of hamburger patties plus one children's meal, priced between NT$290 and NT$340 (NT$150 for the children's meal). Here, the hamburger patties are first pan-fried and then baked in an oven to keep them tender and juicy.

"My Tonkatsu Yamamoto" uses imported Australian wing rib beef and locally raised Taiwanese pork, with the whole fresh meat cut and prepared on-site. After mincing, kneading, pounding, shaping, and pan-frying, except for the Kimchi Cheese Pot hamburger patty which is pure pork, the others are a mix of beef. My Tonkatsu Yamamoto emphasizes that all hamburger patties are made to order daily. The patties are first pan-fried on an iron plate for two minutes (one minute per side), then baked in the oven for about eight minutes (depending on flavor and thickness). Therefore, customers need to wait about 15–20 minutes after ordering. The store also notes that delays may occur during peak hours.




▲ The classic Yamamoto hamburger patty features a blue cheese, mixed mushroom, and cream filling.

Although they are pan-fried then baked, the preparation for the Tomato Pot hamburger patty is slightly different. The chef first stuffs the minced meat into hollowed-out processed tomatoes, then while pan-frying on the iron plate, uses a blowtorch to scorch the tomato. The chef says this not only warms the inner meat but also adds a smoky aroma to the scorched tomato, before it is then baked in the oven. Meanwhile, Japan’s most popular signature item, the "Classic Yamamoto Hamburger Patty," is also prepared differently. Before pounding, the meat is wrapped with a blue cheese, mixed mushroom, and cream filling, then pan-fried on the grill for about two minutes. Instead of going into the oven, it is simmered in sauce, then served with a secret sauce.

Uniquely, the Tomato Pot hamburger patty, Classic Yamamoto hamburger patty, and Kimchi Cheese Pot hamburger patty are served in hot pots with bubbling sauces. "My Tonkatsu Yamamoto" brand manager Lin Zhen explains that these three flavors come with special sauces, and to maintain the temperature of both the sauce and the patty, the pots and sauces are preheated before serving (customers should be careful of hot pots). Lin Zhen also mentioned that the Tomato Pot and Kimchi Cheese Pot hamburger patties were originally limited winter-only flavors in Japan, but after their efforts, they have become permanent menu items in Taiwan.


▲ The Citrus Vinegar Radish Mash hamburger patty — the restaurant suggests adding some citrus vinegar to the radish mash first, and if the flavor isn’t strong enough, add more.

The rice served at My Tonkatsu Yamamoto Taiwan is sourced from golden rice grown in Yingqi Township, Shangchuan District, Asahikawa City, Hokkaido — locally known as "Seven-Star Rice." This variety is certified by "Third Generation Oyama Rice," directly purchased from local farmers, ensuring no polishing or polishing-induced damage.

▲ The Kimchi Cheese Pot hamburger patty is the only pure pork flavor.

Currently, the menu highlights seven main dishes, including the signature Classic Yamamoto hamburger patty, Chef’s hamburger patty, Citrus Vinegar Radish Mash hamburger patty, Tomato Pot hamburger patty, Kimchi Cheese Pot hamburger patty, Grilled hamburger patty, and Mentaiko hamburger patty. There is also a children's hamburger patty meal suitable for kids. Additionally, those ordering a hamburger patty main receive a small cup of homemade vegetable juice before the meal — partly to encourage fresh fruit and vegetable intake, and partly to help slow the rapid spike in blood sugar and sugar absorption when eating meat, reducing fat formation.


▲ The restaurant has a designated children’s play area, allowing parents to keep an eye on their kids while dining, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable meal.


▲ A la carte Chicken Katsu (NT$180)


▲ A la carte appetizer, Fried Burdock Strips (NT$80)

Address: No. 1, Lane 260, Guangfu S. Rd., Da’an District, Taipei City (Exit 2, National Father Memorial Hall MRT Station)
Phone: 02-27113816
Business Hours: Monday–Sunday, 11:00–14:30, 17:30–22:00