Kanda Ponchiken

Among Japan’s many well-known foods, tonkatsu — deep-fried breaded pork cutlet — is by far the meatiest and heartiest offering. And for the meatiest and heartiest experience among tonkatsu, look no further than Ponchiken. Ponchiken is located in Kanda Ogawamachi, a town historically known as a fiercely-contested battleground for the best tonkatsu. No official winner has ever been named in this silent conflict, but as a restaurant consistently awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand every year since 2015, the answer seems obvious. Ponchiken’s tonkatsu is a Kanda legend, expertly balancing the thickness of each cut of meat with the thickness of the breadcrumb coating for the perfect bite. Each cutlet is then immersed in the restaurant’s special corn-sesame oil blend, emerging from the hot oil to be further slathered with a healthy amount of yuzu-kosho seasoning. The restaurant’s signature tonkatsu sets, which include a hefty serving of cabbage salad, miso soup, and rice, allow for a choice between beef or pork. Flip a coin, or better yet — have one at lunch, and try the other when it comes time for dinner. Michelin Guide: 2015 - Bib Gourmand