A List of Hidden Gem Restaurants in Tokyo！Authentic Japanese Tonkatsu from an 87-Year-Old Establishment

Text and Photos byHappy Yun

In this era of advanced internet, are there still any hidden gem restaurants or off-the-beaten-path attractions?? It seems not!! Secrets are getting harder to keep, and if you’re also fluent in multiple languages, it’s even more difficult to stay under the radar!! Two springs ago was when I, Yun, first set foot in Tokyo properly; though many friends found it unbelievable, I was thrilled that the cherry blossoms had bloomed a week earlier than usual, allowing me to witness a breathtaking Tokyo — a pink, spring-filled Tokyo.

Because of this, the places I originally wanted to visit and the food I planned to eat were completely cast aside — wherever the cherry blossoms bloomed, that’s where I went!! But that year, my friend asked a local in Tokyo about the tonkatsu rice locals eat. We followed the address, got lost in Asakusa for quite a while, and after asking passersby, we finally managed to find this local favorite tonkatsu rice spot.

It was an old house tucked away in an alleyway, a shop that looked deserted. Upon entering, there were already a few tables occupied, and during our meal, more customers kept coming in, eating, and then leaving; it felt just like a neighborhood cafeteria.

The menu inside was only in Japanese, with no other languages or pictures. Thankfully, my friend who came along knew a bit of Japanese, which helped us order successfully. We each ordered a tonkatsu rice and also a shrimp tempura rice. The three of us enjoyed our meals heartily, and I was deeply impressed by the deliciousness of the tonkatsu here. The two of us promised that such a wonderful place should remain our little secret, hoping it would maintain its original look and quality.

Unfortunately, about a year later, my friend ended up revealing the shop on a TV program at the request of a production crew. Even so, perhaps because the name and location were still unclear, and also because of the nearby famously popular "Omoide Yokocho" and other well-known eateries, thankfully it didn’t become overrun with Taiwanese visitors.

Almost two years passed, and in January of this year, I, Yun, set foot in Tokyo once again; I still couldn’t forget this shop. I thought to myself, how wonderful would it be if I could find this tonkatsu shop again based on memory alone!?..........

In January, I chose to stay in Asakusa in Tokyo, perhaps still drawn to the old-world charm of Japan; even in such a modern city as Tokyo, I longed for a taste of old Japan. Of course, I was also thinking about that delicious tonkatsu shop.

After settling into my accommodation and getting everything in order, I headed out for a walk!! Guided by memory, I wandered through the alleys of Asakusa. I believed I could definitely find that shop again. January in Tokyo was damp and cold, and just as I was about to give up, a small alleyway ahead gave me a familiar feeling. After turning a corner, I discovered it was the very same tonkatsu shop I’d visited two years prior!!

Wow!! I was overjoyed. Just as I was about to open the door, I noticed they weren’t open for business today. Ah!! I really wanted to eat!! I could only come back tomorrow. So, I turned to the famously talked-about "Omoide Yokocho," where the weather wasn’t great and there were fewer people. After waiting in a short line, I went in and ate. But I have to say, it just wasn’t my thing. With full anticipation, I looked forward to returning to the tonkatsu shop I hadn’t been able to eat at the day before when it opened at noon.

The next day at noon, I was the first customer as soon as the shop opened. Still unable to speak Japanese, I wondered how I’d manage to order. The staff noticed my dilemma, so they brought over a menu that had English on it — hahaha, now I could order!! I ordered the tonkatsu that I remembered being delicious. Mmm!! It was still juicy, and the coating and meat were perfectly combined. The crispy texture and flavor after frying were exactly what I loved. I savored the long-awaited tonkatsu with immense satisfaction. I was so happy!!

After eating and coming back to my senses, I suddenly realized that this year there was actually an “English menu.” Could it be that more and more foreigners are coming here now??

(After eating, I took the receipt to pay)

Last month, during another short trip to Tokyo, I stayed in Asakusa again; of course, I had to pick a day to come and enjoy that delicious tonkatsu again!! This time, luck was on my side — on the first day I arrived, after dropping off my luggage, I came here and got to eat it smoothly. I was so happy!!

(The menu now included Japanese, English, and pictures to help customers order)

This time, besides the English menu, there were also pictures!! I thought to myself, could the next time I come, I might even see a “Chinese menu”!? Perhaps good restaurants can’t stay hidden, especially one that’s been around since 1928 — almost ninety years old. The tonkatsu was still as delicious as I remembered, and the staff now greeted customers with a few simple phrases in English. The coating and the juicy pork slices were still just as I liked them. It was comforting, a flavor that belonged to me. It reminded me of Japan’s atmosphere, reminiscent of the Japanese drama “The Solitary Gourmet.” If only I could speak Japanese, I’d totally follow in the main character’s footsteps, eating at one place after another to soak in that unique vibe!!

(The menu now included Japanese, English, and pictures to help customers order)

I can’t remember exactly when I started liking Japanese-style tonkatsu, but I know every time I walk by and catch the aroma, I can’t help but salivate. Japanese tonkatsu is called “とんかつ” (tonkatsu), which sounds the same as the Japanese word for “victory” (“かつ” / katsu), hence it’s also referred to as “victory food.”<”；在日本，不少学生会因为取其意义在考试前吃炸猪排，讨个吉利，虽然云不考试，但就是喜欢吃炸猪排。

It’s a dish that may sound simple, but it’s not that easy to make; the version you get in Taiwan is very different from the one in Japan!!

(Crisply pickled shredded radish)
This nearly ninety-year-old tonkatsu shop, YUTAKA (ゆたか), — I don’t know the owner’s story, nor do I know the secret to its deliciousness. But to me, it’s just the right kind of place, and it’s quite serendipitous that I was able to find it again based on memory two years later. It’s my own hidden gem. When you go to Tokyo, and to Asakusa, besides the well-known spots everyone talks about, you should also give this place a try. There are really quite a few interesting eateries around Asakusa. I’ll share more with you all next time if I get the chance!!

(Since I don’t speak Japanese, fearing I wouldn’t find the shop again next time, I quickly took a photo of the chopstick sleeve to record the shop name and phone number)

YUTAKA (ゆたか)
Tonkatsu Yutaka
Tonkatsu Yutaka
Website:http://www.tonkatu-yutaka.com/history.html
Address: 111-0032 Tokyo, Taito City, Asakusa 1-15-9
Phone: 03-3841-7433
Business Hours:
Mon–Wed & Sun Daytime Session: 11:30–14:30
Mon Evening Session: 16:30–20:30

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