Reasons for its popularity among foreigners
Japanese “tonkatsu” is one of the most popular dishes among foreign tourists. Here are some reasons why:
- The crispy batter and the juicy meat
create a perfect harmony. This contrasting texture captivates the taste buds of foreign tourists. - Diverse seasonings:
Tonkatsu can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, including with sauce or salt, or with an egg as katsudon. Also, typical Japanese accompaniments such as shredded cabbage and miso soup have also boosted its popularity. - Tonkatsu is hearty and satisfying
, and is well-received as a hearty main dish for foreigners who prefer meat dishes due to differences in food culture.
The origins of tonkatsu
The history of tonkatsu dates back to the end of the 19th century, during the Meiji period. At that time, Western culture was spreading in Japan, and the European “cutlet” was introduced. Taking inspiration from this, a dish using pork as the main ingredient was invented, and it is said that this is what gave rise to the tonkatsu we know today.
The restaurant known as the original tonkatsu is Rengatei, located in Ginza, Tokyo. Rengatei served pork cutlets in the early 1900s, which evolved into the uniquely Japanese dish known as tonkatsu.
After that, tonkatsu spread all over the country, and many styles and regional variations were born. Today, tonkatsu has become a dish that allows you to enjoy the unique characteristics of each region, such as miso katsu in Nagoya and sauce katsu in Kansai.
Reputation from foreigners
On social media and travel review sites, there are many comments from foreign tourists praising tonkatsu. Below are some examples.
- “Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside! The best fried food I’ve ever had!” (American tourist)
- “I especially like the miso cutlet. The sweet and salty taste goes perfectly with rice!” (French tourist)
- “When I ate the katsudon, I felt like it was Japanese soul food. The warm flavor was wonderful.” (Taiwanese tourist)
Additionally, an increasing number of Japanese tonkatsu specialty restaurants are now offering menus in foreign languages, creating an environment where tourists can easily enjoy authentic flavors.
Tonkatsu is an appealing dish that allows foreign tourists to experience the taste of Japan. Its deep history and the variety of ways it can be enjoyed make it special. It’s sure to be an unforgettable dish for any traveler!
