Shōsei in Shizuoka Opens New Store – Herb-Raised Pork Cutlet Limited to 300 Portions

▲ Cross-section of Taitung herb-raised pork cutlet showing a light pink hue. (Photo / Reporter Chen Rui-zhong, same below)

Reporter Chen Rui-zhong / Taipei Reporting

Since its introduction from Shizuoka, Japan in 2013, Shōsei Japanese pork cutlets have expanded to six branches within two years. Starting October 28 and November 18, new branches will also open at Miramar in Taipei’s Dazhi district and Far Eastern Department Store Zhongshan Branch in Banqiao. In addition to recreating classic Japanese pork cutlet dishes, this launch will also feature Taitung herb-raised pork from the Huatung Valley, offering shoppers a new dining option while they browse.

▲ The newly opened Shōsei Japanese Pork Cutlet store at Miramar on October 28.

The newly introduced Taitung herb-raised pork at Shōsei is not seasoned with herbs as a cooking ingredient, but rather the pigs are “fed” herbs. During their raising, the pigs are fed with sage, rosemary, basil, and various traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Natural herbs replace traditional growth hormones, allowing the herb-raised pigs to pass liver health inspections, making them the only breed certified by international research papers.

▲ Lotus root and grass shrimp roll with tenderloin pork cutlet set meal.

The three set meals launched using parts of the herb-raised pig include tenderloin pork cutlet, thick-cut loin pork cutlet, and herb-raised pork TORO loin pork cutlet. All are aged using a slightly vacuumed low-temperature method, each with its own unique characteristics. Japanese pork cutlet expert Hoshi Aikazu commented that Taitung herb-raised pork has a sweet taste and low fishiness, comparable to Kagoshima’s Rokuroku pork. However, due to limited production of herb-raised pork, only 300 sets are available daily across Taiwan.

▲ Sweet vinegar loin pork cutlet hot pot made with Fukuyama-cho black vinegar.

In addition to the new herb-raised pork dishes, exclusive items are also offered for the two new stores. The Dazhi branch features a Hokkaido white curry seafood hot pot, inspired by Hokkaido’s white curry, allowing diners to enjoy pork cutlet, scallops, grass shrimp, and more in one bowl; the crispy pork ribs are prepared in an American style, using marinated pork ribs paired with BBQ sauce, creating a unique fusion of Japanese and Western flavors.

▲ Crispy pork ribs with an American-style twist.

The Banqiao branch offers a sweet vinegar loin pork cutlet hot pot that uses black vinegar from Fukuyama-cho, Kagoshima as the soul of the sauce—refreshing and not greasy; the lotus root and grass shrimp roll with tenderloin pork cutlet combines ingredients like lotus root, yam, and sakura shrimp, which are deep-fried with tenderloin pork and can be enjoyed with tartar sauce.

Shōsei Pork Cutlet announced that to celebrate the opening of the new stores, a celebration event is being held during the opening period. Customers who spend a certain amount and check in can receive an omamori (protective charm) from the Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha Shrine, allowing them to share some good luck.