Tonkatsu Lovers, Rejoice at Tonkatsu Tonki

 

Off on a side street in Meguro, there lies a hidden gem for all Tonkatsu lovers — Tonkatsu Tonki. Satisfying the bellies of Tonkatsu fans since 1939, it’s been 78 years for the long-standing Tonkatsu store, and a successful couple decades at that. If you’ve ever heard of historical-novelist Shotaro Ikenami, you probably also know he’s one of Japan’s best-known foodies. He was also a proud Tonki lover, amongst a sea of others who call Tonki “the best Tonkatsu ever had”.

The menu is simple — choose from either rōsu (fatty pork) or hire (lean) or kushikatsu, pork in smaller cuts and they’ll take your order while you’re in line to minimize the wait for food after you get seated.

Though the 1st floor seating is extremely popular since you can score a full view of Tonki’s chefs at work, the 2nd floor is equally as nice, and much cozier with a cafeteria-like atmosphere aside from the private tatami rooms in the back. The staff welcomes you in a warm and friendly manner — flash a bright smile when your dish reaches the table, and the staff will beam a smile bigger than yours.

All of their Tonkatsu meal sets come with a bowl of rice, Tonjiru (miso soup with pork), a small dish of pickles as well as an infinite refill for cabbage (aside from the mound you get for their first serving), and one refill for their hearty Tonjiru.

PSA: Don’t expect the type of Tonkatsu with pork juices oozing because that’s not how it’s done at Tonki. Instead, you’ll be offered Tonkatsu that lean more on the home-cooked-style with an extra crispy shell (emphasis on extra if you didn’t catch that). The upside for a less juicy Tonkatsu? For those who usually can’t finish a plate of Tonkatsu because it’s too heavy — stomachs will not be displeased here (order the hire). In fact, you might even be able to fit a little more in that stomach.

A good thing to know beforehand is that there will be a wait, since they don’t take reservations. On the bright side, we hear Mondays are pretty relaxed (but watch out for the third Monday of the month, doors will be firmly shut).

Restaurant info
Tonki

Tel
03-3491-9928

Address
1-1-2 Shimomeguro, Meguro, Tokyo (click to show map)

Transportation
2 min. walk from Meguro Station (JR Yamanote Line/Tokyo Metro Meguro Line)

Hours
4pm～10:45pm

Holiday
Tuesday, 3rd Monday, Obon, New Year’s Holiday season

URL
https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1316/A131601/13002040/ (Tabelog)