Highly recommended by netizens: this flavor is a must for Japanese tonkatsu

Japanese tonkatsu boasts an enticing aroma, golden and crispy batter, and the delightful burst of juices when you take a big bite. It has enjoyed consistently high popularity in Taiwan. For netizens, a delicious tonkatsu also needs to be paired with creative flavors; otherwise, it can get boring after just a few bites. DailyView’s Online Thermometer, through the "KEYPO Big Data Key Engine," compiled public opinions to find out who the internet’s most talked-about “tonkatsu bestie” is.

Fifth place: Korean kimchi

When Korean kimchi meets Japanese tonkatsu, it’s like a beautiful love story between two cultures — an unexpectedly perfect match that has sparked quite a bit of online discussion. There are no shortage of online articles sharing how to make kimchi-stuffed tonkatsu. Nearly every Japanese tonkatsu restaurant includes kimchi as a side dish, making it somewhat of a staple. After all, following the crispy, greasy tonkatsu, a tangy and spicy bite of kimchi not only cuts through the richness but also tastes absolutely right.

Fourth place: Shredded cabbage

More common than kimchi, shredded cabbage is definitely the number one supporting role no matter where you go for tonkatsu. While some think shredded cabbage is just there for plating — to avoid the plate looking too empty with just the tonkatsu — many more netizens argue that the shredded cabbage beside the tonkatsu is actually the star. Some restaurants even serve huge portions, with some joking that the cabbage is the main dish and the tonkatsu is just a bonus.

Third place: Seafood

Experiencing the luxurious combination of land and sea is also a favorite among many netizens. Dishes like fried shrimp or mentaiko pair wonderfully with tender tonkatsu. With countless types of seafood, the land-and-sea combo possibilities are endless. Many restaurants have caught onto this trend — for example, one Japanese tonkatsu shop launched a winter delicacy quartet in November, which includes not only whole prawns but also giant oysters. One bite of meat, another of seafood — it’s almost confusing whether you’re eating seafood or tonkatsu.

Second place: Cheese

Don’t think cheese is only for pizza or potatoes. Placing a slice of cheese on hot tonkatsu, shaving a snow-like layer over it, or even wrapping it in the batter and deep-frying it — biting into it and feeling the rich cheese melt in your mouth is absolutely a killer combo for any “cheese lover.” The taste battle between cheese and tonkatsu is so irresistible it’ll have you drooling just imagining it. In fact, adding cheese to almost anything makes it instantly popular, and it’s now a common item at most Japanese tonkatsu restaurants. Cheese has claimed the second spot as the netizens’ favorite pairing.

First place: Curry

That’s right — the internet’s top choice to pair with Japanese tonkatsu is curry. Since frying tonkatsu causes some moisture loss in the meat, pairing it with thick, rich curry not only enhances the fragrance of the golden, crispy batter but also compensates for the drier texture of the meat. The spicy kick of the curry stimulates the taste buds, making you want bite after bite. Not to mention, the already aromatic tonkatsu combined with the multi-spice-infused curry sauce creates a blend of intense aromas that satisfies both the palate and the soul. So, if you want to know how good a tonkatsu shop is, just order their curry tonkatsu and you’ll find out.

For any tonkatsu aficionado, the pairing of every ingredient is extremely important. (Photo/ Courtesy of the publication and the restaurant)

Additionally, for any tonkatsu enthusiast, apart from the ingredients themselves, the moment you step into the restaurant, you’ve already started subconsciously rating the meal — from the service of the staff, the dining atmosphere, to even seemingly minor details like the quality of the three-compartment side dishes and the shredded cabbage. Every element matters.

The standard Japanese tonkatsu set usually includes tonkatsu, shredded cabbage, white rice, and a few side dishes. As a result, these seemingly minor sides are actually a key focus for many netizens. If the variety of sides is lacking, the entire meal can feel a lot less satisfying. At the same time, side dishes are also great for cutting through the richness.

Miso soup, an essential offering at any Japanese restaurant, also holds a very important place. After all, when you’re craving miso soup, it’s not easy to think of where to get it — and the first place that comes to mind is often the Japanese tonkatsu shop. A good bowl of miso soup depends on everything: from how long the kelp is soaked, to the ratio of miso to water, and even the control of heat during cooking. Each factor is crucial.

Finally, a good sauce not only helps prevent the tonkatsu from getting boring but also serves as the finishing touch — it’s the essence of the tonkatsu and also the secret recipe of each Japanese tonkatsu shop. Nowadays, many shops create their own unique sauces, innovating and experimenting, which has become one of the highlights when netizens discuss their favorite tonkatsu spots.

(China Times Online)