Is Tsukiji only for sushi? The ultra-dreamy signature "thick" pork cutlet sandwich

Text & Photos byXiaohu’s Dream Food Blog

Who says you can only eat sushi and sashimi in Tsukiji? I think that should’ve been the headline. But based on my two trips to Tsukiji this year, this pork cutlet sandwich was actually my biggest highlight. So I’m using it as the first review of Tsukiji—but maybe that’s just the unexpected comparison talking? (tilts head)

That day was my first time ever visiting Tsukiji. The famously long line for Daiwa Sushi was, well, extremely long, and Sushi Dai was even farther down the queue—seemingly endless. Although we arrived around 7 PM, we eventually settled for a place with a shorter line: “Nakaya.” To be honest, it wasn’t bad, but I felt the quality was something I could easily get in Taiwan—definitely not worth the trip all the way to Tsukiji, Tokyo, especially after waking up so early to wait in line.

We found this place because it stood out visually while we were waiting at Nakaya, and it seemed like most of the people going in and out were market workers. Out of curiosity and dissatisfaction with Nakaya, our group decided to check it out.

In Tsukiji, most shops along these few rows are long and narrow with front and back doors. Before squeezing in, remember to take off your backpack to avoid bumping into other customers XD

If it’s not too crowded, Xiaohu recommends sitting on the high stools in the narrow passageway. First, you can watch the old man grill the sandwiches and pork cutlets. Second, if you know a bit of Japanese, you can chat a little and experience the daily life of local market folks.

Interestingly, MSG is just openly placed on the table… wonder what would happen if that showed up in Taiwan? (laughs)

Many Western-style diners like this are named “XX-kan” or “OO-kan”—not sure who decided that rule. Senri-kan’s (せんり軒) signature dish is the pork cutlet sandwich, and I later discovered that quite a few Taiwanese bloggers have written about it.

There are also set meals like this, and you can swap the butter toast for other flavors or change it to a sandwich by paying the price difference.

A slightly more detailed menu, though I think I took the photo a bit too small.

The owner makes coffee on the spot—while it’s a bit bitter, the aroma is rich, and it’s actually pretty good =)

This salad looks just like what many Western restaurants in Taiwan used to serve—it comes with a tangier thousand-island dressing, and the whole cucumber is super fun to bite into.

This bowl is a Japanese-style creamy tomato soup, the kind that was introduced when Japan first opened up to the West. The texture is very similar to the instant Japanese cream soup packets you can buy in Taiwan, but it’s even thicker and richer. However, it doesn’t feel overly heavy or have that unpleasantly gluey texture common in instant mixes—it has an oddly smooth and velvety mouthfeel.

The biggest highlight of this bowl is the addition of a soft-boiled egg. Break the yolk open but don’t stir too vigorously—otherwise it’ll turn the whole soup runny and you’ll miss the silky texture and sweetness of the yolk. It’s best to enjoy it semi-runny, mixing it with the potatoes and carrots using your spoon. It’s warming and comforting, especially in the slightly chilly winter.

This toast is brushed with margarine and grilled on both sides until golden and crispy—super tempting. Right before serving, they place a slightly salty piece of butter on top, which half-melts into the bread. Visually, it’s insanely irresistible, and the taste? Absolutely delightful. It’s super yummy—I’d even say it’s better than the pork cutlet sandwich itself—and they kindly cut it into four slices. Highly highly recommend.

The star of the show: the pork cutlet sandwich. Just looking at the thickness of the pork cutlet in the middle is half the joy. When you bite in, the tenderness of the meat is unexpectedly delicious—though I do prefer pork with a bit more fat. The sauce has a slightly salty miso-like flavor on its own, but when it clings to the fried breadcrumb coating and the bread, it becomes perfectly balanced. One bite of bread, pork, and sauce gives you a satisfying medley of crispy, soft, crispy, and tender textures—a purely delicious experience.

The final dessert, ice cream pudding, was also great. The ice cream might be homemade—the vanilla and creaminess are satisfying, and the sweetness is just right. The pudding is an old-school style with a stronger egg flavor, which I personally love. Even though the caramel topping is a bit sweet, the hint of bitter in the caramel adds a nice contrast. It’s highly recommended as a sweet ending after your toast and coffee—absolutely perfect.

Senri-kan (せんり軒):
5-2-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, inside the Tsukiji Market Building No. X
Tel: 03-3541-2240
Business Hours: 4:00 AM–12:30 PM (Breakfast available) Lunch also available (?)  

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If “eating” is just about filling your stomach, then “food” would be way too boring~~~