It’s been some time since I last had a taste of premium tonkatsu. I’ve been craving those flavorful pork cutlets, breaded with panko, deep-fried to a beautiful golden brown and accompanief by fluffy Japanese rice and its own katsu sauce.
But first, how about some trivia about one of my favorite dishes? For example, did you know that…
- Katsu is a shortened form of katsuretsu which means “cutlet?”
- The dish was introduced in Japan in the 19th century during the Meiji period when the country opened its doors to the West?
- At first, beef was used for katsu bit was later eclipsed by pork as the meat of choice by the 1900s, hence the rise of the term tonkatsu with ton referring to pork
Well, what comprises tonkatsu anyway?
You will know that you’re enjoying good quality and authentic tonkatsu when these are present:
- Thick cuts of meat. Expect generous cuts of meat of at least 0.75 inches, giving you a viand that’s flavorful and filling.
- Premium pork. Only the finest pork from local farmers delivered fresh to the kitchen should be used to ensure meat that’s tender and juicy.
- Fresh panko. The panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) that coat the katsu should be freshly made, resulting in long, light and crispy flakes that adhere to the meat and gives a satisfying crunch to the bite.
- Heat. The katsu should be cooked at precisely 165 degrees C and allowed to rest properly to help it retain its juiciness and tenderness.
- Bright and golden. The resultigg katsu should be served fresh with a bright, golden color and crisp coating.
With these to look forward to, I went to the Yabu House of Katsu branch at Ayala Malls Feliz for lunch for my return to katsu. My solo food adventure was a Hire (Pork Tenderloin) Set (Php375 for 80g) which consisted of a thick and juicy pork cutlet with no fat, plus refillable Yabu staples which include steamed white rice, miso soup, shredded cabbage and fruits.
I also got myself a glass refreshing Ripe Mango Juice (Php125) to go with my katsu meal.
What a happy return to an old favorite!
This Yabu branch is located at Ground Floor, Ayala Malls Feliz, Marcos Highway, Dela Paz, Pasig City, open Mondays to Thursdays from 11am to 9pm and Fridays to Sundays from 11am to 10pm. For inquiries and reservations, call +63 2 82531746.
Other branches are located at:
- Pasig: Ayala Malls the 30th
- Quezon City: Robinsons Galleria, UP Town Center, Robinsons Magnolia, Ayala Vertis North, SM North EDSA The Block
- Mandaluyong: SM Megamall
- Taguig: SM Aura Premier
- Makati: Powerplant Mall, Glorietta 2
- Manila: Robinsons Place Manila
- Muntinlupa: Alabang Town Center
- Las Pinas: SM Southmall
- Pasay: MOA Main Mall
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