【10％off coupon available】 Misokatsu Yabaton: Taste and Compare Tokyo Ginza & Osaka Shochiku-za!
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Yabaton is a famous pork cutlet restaurant from Nagoya. Today we feature Mangalica Tonkatsu (Tokyo Yabaton) and A-5 Grade Black Wagyu Beef (Osaka Yabaton), and which one our writer preferred. We also reveal three secrets to Yabaton's great flavor!
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Tokyo, Japan
Yabaton is a famous tonkatsu (pork cutlet) specialty restaurant that made its name with misokatsu, a pork cutlet with miso sauce. In recent years, its popularity has been growing overseas and the shop is regularly frequented by international visitors as well.
In this article we introduce the secrets behind the popularity and delicious taste of Yabaton―a shop that's been loved for more than 80 years.
We'll also visit two Yabaton locations, Tokyo Ginza and Osaka Shochiku-za, and give our candid assessment of their limited edition menu items! I wonder what the menu items at each location taste like? Finally, this writer will reveal which of the two they preferred.
At the end of this article we will also be featuring discount coupons, so please try using some of them.
Yabaton: Going in Search of the Ultimate Taste
Yabaton was established in Nagoya City in 1947.
This is a long-standing pork cutlet restaurant that domestic and international visitors to Nagoya can't afford to miss. Yabaton even has overseas locations. They recently opened a shop in the LaLaport Shopping Mall in Taichung, Taiwan.
To trace the origins of Yabaton we need to go back in time to the streets of Nagoya during the early Showa Period (1926-1989).
The shop's original founder at the time was selling snacks from a food stall. One day he accidentally dipped a deep-fried meat skewer into the miso sauce for the oden. After taking a bite he was surprised at how tasty it was, and this launched the Yabaton story.
From there, the founder experimented with different recipes through a long process of trial and error, and misokatsu was born.
Shortly after the shop's establishment, Yabaton became a popular restaurant among the local residents. Then before long, the shop's signature dish of misokatsu became widely known as one of Nagoya's representative local dishes.
Picture courtesy of Yabaton: Teppanyaki Tonkatsu Set (Tokyo Ginza Yabaton 2,290 yen (tax included), Osaka Shochiku-za Yabaton 2,210 yen (tax included)―as of August 2024)
Yabaton's long-selling popular menu item is the Teppanyaki Tonkatsu.
This is an exquisite dish served on a piping hot cast iron plate (teppan). A just deep-fried pork cutlet sits on a pile of crunchy grated cabbage, and is covered with the shop's secret miso sauce.
When the sweet and spicy miso sauce touches the hot cast iron plate, it sizzles and gives off a rich aroma which whets your appetite. This tasty flavor is highly acclaimed by locals as well.
In addition to the Teppanyaki Tonkatsu, there are a variety of menu items including the Misokatsu Donburi Set Meal, Waraji Tonkatsu, and Yabaton Special Curry. Here you'll be able to enjoy Nagoya's nostalgic soul food.
The Three Secrets Behind Yabaton's Addictive Flavor!
Picture courtesy of Yabaton
Secret Number One: The Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs are a key factor in producing the tonkatsu's irresistible crunchy exterior.
At Yabaton they use two different kinds of breadcrumbs: regular dried breadcrumbs and moist fresh breadcrumbs. This combination creates a good balance, and the end result is a refreshing crispy texture that's not greasy.
The restaurant is also particular about the deep-frying oil, and uses a blend of vegetable oil and lard. This brings out the crunchy texture of the coating.
Secret Number Two: The Miso Sauce
It's essential to mention the secret miso sauce when talking about Yabaton's tonkatsu.
This special sauce makes use of Nagoya's famous red miso paste. Due to the long fermentation period, the miso is characterized by a rich color and deep flavor.
Through a natural fermentation process, the red miso is made with just three ingredients: soy beans, water, and salt. We were told that the fermentation process lasts for about one and a half years.
Yabaton's miso sauce starts with this carefully prepared red miso paste. First, a soup stock is created by simmering (brings out the umami flavor of the ingredients) and then aging pork tendons. Then the red miso, soup stock, and brown sugar are gently blended together. The process is completed by letting this mixture sit overnight.
Naturally fermented miso is easily affected by the seasons and the temperature, so it's important to ensure a stable and consistent quality.
In order to preserve this traditional secret recipe, there are four expert craftsmen who's job it is to oversee the miso production at Yabaton. Every day fresh sauce is produced in Nagoya, then shipped off to the restaurants. This miso sauce is used for that day only.
This meticulous attention to detail combined with traditional techniques is what makes Yabaton's miso sauce so appealing.
Picture courtesy of Yabaton
Secret Number Three: The Fresh Pork
To ensure the ultimate cut of meat is used with their secret sauce, Yabaton only uses carefully selected pork from the southern part of Kyushu (*1). The main feature of this meat is that it doesn't have the odor that is typically associated with pork.
The pork is brought in fresh, just as it is, so the special tenderness really stands out. It also features a moist yet light texture.
The meat itself is really tender, so it doesn't need to undergo any tenderizing process to break down the fibers and soften it up. According to a shop spokesperson, using a mallet to tenderize meat breaks down the meat's structure and the pork flavor gets reduced by half.
At Yabaton they also use a top-quality pork, Roppaku Black Pork from Kagoshima. These black pigs are carefully raised and given a special diet that includes sweet potatoes. This results in a meat with a sweet flavor and a relatively low amount of fat.
Roppaku Black Pork is extremely rare so it's only offered at three Yabaton locations: Yabaton-cho Honten in Nagoya, Tokyo Ginza, and Osaka Shochiku-za. The pork is available in limited quantities, so if you really want to try it we recommend making a reservation.
*1 Kyushu: one of the main islands that make up Japan, located in the southwestern part of the archipelago.
Tokyo Ginza Yabaton: Eat Tonkatsu in a Luxurious Space!
Tokyo Ginza Yabaton stands right in the heart of Ginza, an area lined with world-famous brand shops and first-class department stores. It's only one minute on foot from the subway station, Ginza-itchome Station. For sightseeing visitors this is the perfect drop-in location.
At Yabaton's Ginza location they have private rooms. This is ideal for families and visitors traveling in groups. So during a shopping or sightseeing break, please stop in and enjoy the delicious food and relaxing space.
The first floor features a red brick wall with a mosaic pattern. There's a nostalgic kind of feeling here, and diners can enjoy their meal in this warm and cozy space.
Some people might have an image of tonkatsu shops being like greasy spoons. But Tokyo Ginza Yabaton gives the opposite impression―it's a shop full of luxury.
The second floor uses the natural texture of wood with attractive wood inlays, and also features a wall with a bamboo design. Then the decorative wooden lattice boards maintain a sense of openness creating an elegant Japanese-style atmosphere.
There's also a private room that accommodates up to 12 people. A long table made with a single piece of cypress wood has been placed in the center, giving the space a luxurious and sophisticated feel.
One of the shop highlights is the shinboku (*2) placed outside the private room (see photo above). This special 500-year-old sacred tree, which is said to possess the energy of Ise Shrine (Mie Prefecture), appears to be quietly looking over the shop premises.
*2 Shinboku: A sacred tree that is believed to be a home to the gods.
Tokachi Royal Mangalica Fillet Tonkatsu: Pork From Hungary!
Tokachi Royal Mangalica Fillet Tonkatsu is a limited edition menu item at Tokyo Ginza Yabaton.
Mangalica pork, which originated from Hungary, is the only Edible National Treasure in the world. As the name suggests, the Tokachi Royal Mangalica pig is a rare pig variety that was bred in Hokkaido's Tokachi City. While preserving the purity of this bloodline, these pigs are carefully raised in the natural surroundings of Hokkaido.
Mangalica pork is highly regarded as one of the two most famous pork varieties in Europe, together with Iberian pork. The moment you take a bite, the pork almost melts in your mouth. It tastes as delicious as top-quality Wagyu beef.
Mangalica pork has the perfect balance of lean meat and fat, and has an elegant tenderness to it. Among foodies it's said to be the most delicious pork in the world, and once you try it, you'll realize that this is no exaggeration.
Tokachi Royal Mangalica Fillet Tonkatsu is a limited edition menu item at Tokyo Ginza Yabaton (6,000 yen after tax―as of August 2024). This set meal consists of condiments (tonkatsu sauce, rock salt, and secret miso sauce), Japanese pickles, salad, side dishes, shigureni (simmered beef with ginger), rice, and miso soup
If you take a look at the cross-section of the meat―which is slowly deep-fried at a low temperature―you'll see a delightful pinkish-red color that looks just like a perfectly grilled medium-rare steak.
After slowly deep-frying the tonkatsu at a low temperature, it's deep-fried for a second time at a higher temperature. This gives the outside coating an attractive golden-brown color and a crunchy texture, and seals in the rich juices of the pork.
It's extremely tender and flavorful. With each bite you can enjoy this luxurious taste.
For your first bite, please enjoy this pork―a Hungarian National Treasure―just as it is without putting anything on it.
After taking a bite, you'll be surprised by the taste and wonder if this is really pork. It doesn't have the odor often associated with pork, and the meat is very tender.
Next, sprinkle a little rock salt on top and give it a taste. The pork's natural sweetness gets brought out allowing you to enjoy a slightly different flavor.
Then, finally, it's time for the secret miso sauce. When you put some sauce on top of the meat, it gives the pork a nice salty taste. Then the pork's natural sweetness is brought out even more, and a new taste sensation occurs inside your mouth.
The surprising feature is that, from start to finish, it doesn't taste the least bit oily even though it's pork. The refreshing, light taste continues right up until your last bite.
Various products are for sale including goods related to the shop's mascot boochan, the secret miso sauce, and the ideal accompaniment to rice, shigureni (simmered beef with ginger). *These are the prices at the time of the interview. Please note that these prices are subject to change.
Tokachi Royal Mangalica Fillet Tonkatsu completely changes tonkatsu's image as a greasy menu item, and offers an unforgettable gourmet experience. Even when it cools down, the tonkatsu doesn't dry out and it maintains a crispy outer texture.
The refreshing salad with the shiso dressing, and the the shigureni (side dish for rice) that are served together with the main dish, are equally as delicious.
You'll find the salty and sweet taste of the shigureni simply irresistible. Before you know it, you'll be eating more and more of your meal!
By all means please pay a visit to Tokyo Ginza Yabaton and fully enjoy the supreme taste of the Tokachi Royal Mangalica Fillet Tonkatsu.
Please also try adding rock salt or sauce and savor the subtle differences in flavor.
Mangalica pork is a rare menu item that's available in limited amounts. We recommend making an online reservation before stopping in.
Tokyo Ginza Yabaton
Location: Tokyo, Chuo, Ginza 2-11-2, Ginza Daisaku Building
Access: Take the Tokyo Yurakucho Subway Line to Ginza-itchome Station and then walk for about one minute.
Business Hours: 11:00-22:00 (L.O. 21:30)
Telephone: 03-3546-8810
Official Homepage: Ginza Yabaton
Osaka Shochiku-za Yabaton: Savor Pork and Beef Cutlets!
Osaka Shochiku-za Yabaton is located on the basement level (B1F) of the Osaka Shochiku-za Theater Building. It's located right beside the gigantic Glico electronic billboard, known as the symbol of Osaka.
Osaka Shochiku-za is a famous theater in Osaka. Kabuki performances, theatrical plays, and musicals are held here. The building's marble exterior speaks to the history of this Western-style architecture, and showcases a unique charm.
Boochan, the shop's mascot, stands like a guardian deity on both sides of the entrance welcoming diners.
The interior of Osaka Shochiku-za Yabaton has inherited the appeal of the historic theater in an impressive manner.
The walls feature a combination of wood and black stone slabs, and the pine tree patterns that are found throughout the building lend an air of sophistication. Also, the warm lighting gently envelopes the whole room, creating a Japanese-style space that combines both elegance and tranquility.
The two private rooms, each holding up to 20 dining guests, is another special feature of Osaka Shochiku-za Yabaton. We recommend the rooms for families and office groups.
Above photo-bottom left: The counter seats are ideal for solo diners. Office workers also regularly stop in.
Above photo-bottom right: The private rooms accommodate 20 diners and are also popular with groups of international visitors.
Above photo-left: Boochan the mascot can be seen everywhere on the shop premises.
Above photo-right: A 300-year-old cypress tree from Ise Shrine (Mie Prefecture) decorates the restaurant.
Just like Tokyo Ginza Yabaton, Osaka Shochiku-za Yabaton is also decorated with a cypress tree. This one is about 300 years old and is said to be protected by Ise Shrine in Mie Prefecture.
Visitors are also permitted to touch this sacred tree. It's said that your luck will improve when you touch it. So after you've settled your bill and are getting ready to leave, please try touching this tree.
Beef Fillet Cutlet Meal: Uses A-5 Grade Domestic Black Wagyu Beef
This is the Beef Fillet Cutlet Meal (5,000 yen after tax―as of August 2024). In addition to the beef it comes with Japanese pickles, shredded cabbage, side dishes, shigureni (simmered beef with ginger), rice, miso soup, and four different condiments (beef fillet sauce, rock salt, miso sauce, beefsteak plant leaves and grated daikon).
The Beef Fillet Cutlet Meal is a limited edition menu item that's only available at the Osaka Shochiku-za and Osaka Daimaru Shinsaibashi locations.
The meat is an A-5 grade domestic Black Wagyu beef fillet. The meat is gently dipped into an egg wash and then covered with breadcrumbs, before being deep-fried.
This beef cutlet is prepared slightly different from the Mangalica pork in that it's deep fried at a high temperature for a short period of time. The outside is crispy and the inside is filled with tender beef and sweet-tasting juices that have been locked in.
When you slice the meat and look inside, the beef is evenly coated with oil and has an eye-catching brilliant crimson color. Just looking at this meat will whet your appetite and make your mouth water!
Many people might think that deep-frying A-5 grade beef is being too extravagant.
However, after one taste, it becomes obvious that this is the best cooking method. The moment you take a bite, the beef's rich, succulent flavor becomes apparent.
The meat is cooked to a perfect rare and is so tender it melts in your mouth. With just a few bites you can feel the meat instantly dissolving.
First, we recommend sprinkling some rock salt on top of the beef cutlet. Enjoy the perfect harmony of the ingredients' natural sweetness combined with the crispy texture. As the perfect amount of beef fat spreads throughout your mouth you experience a state of culinary bliss.
After taste testing the salt, please try putting some miso sauce on the cutlet. The fresh flavor of the tender Wagyu beef combined with the harmonious balance of saltiness and sweetness is irresistible. Diners won't be able to stop eating this delectable dish.
It's a real bargain being able to have such a satisfying and happy dining experience at this price point.
Picture courtesy of Yabaton: Kurobuta Black Pork Tonkatsu (Tokyo Ginza Yabaton 2,830 yen after tax, Osaka Shochiku-za Yabaton 2,740 yen after tax―as of August 2024).
Please also try another popular menu item, the Tonkatsu Set Meal that uses Kagoshima Black pork. The taste of this domestically raised high-quality pork is exceptional.
At Osaka Shochiku-za Yabaton you can enjoy comparing the different textures and flavors of beef and pork.
Diners will be happy to hear about the complimentary rice and shredded cabbage refills. By adding new side dishes you can enjoy the rice as many times as you like. So please feel free to ask your waiting staff for another serving of rice or cabbage.
Please remember that during your meal you can also switch over from white rice to sticky barley rice―a healthier alternative that contains plenty of fiber.
The Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi areas where Osaka Shochiku-za is located, are both Osaka sightseeing spots that you don't want to miss out on.
Go for a leisurely stroll through these bustling and vibrant areas, then fully enjoy some beef katsu and tonkatsu which offer the ultimate taste sensation.
Osaka Shochiku-za Theater Yabaton
Location: Osaka, Chuo, Dotonbori 1-9-19, Osaka Shochiku-za Building Basement 1F
Access: Take the Midosuji or Yotsubashi or Sennichimae Subway Line to Namba Station. Leave from the Number 14 Exit and walk for about one minute.
Business Hours: 11:00-22:00
Telephone: 06-6214-8830
Official Homepage: Osaka Shochiku-za Theater Yabaton
Read also
Make a Reservation With KKday and Skip the Wait!
If you're planning to try some of these limited edition menu items, then we highly recommend making use of KKday before visiting the restaurant. If you use KKday, you can choose your meal and make a reservation.
Making a reservation is so easy. Just follow the five simple steps listed below.
1. Click on the reservation link and select your shop location.
2. Select the date, time, menu items, and number of people in your party.
3. Click on "Book Now."
4. Register as a member, then enter your reservation information.
5. Make your payment online and your reservation is complete!
Use a Coupon and Enjoy Yabaton at a Reasonable Price!
We would now like to offer two kinds of discount coupons just for our MATCHA readers.
1. A 10% Off Coupon for diners who'll be paying at the restaurant, and
2. A Drink Discount Coupon to be used in the restaurant for diners who have made prior reservations on KKday.
Diners can use either one of the coupons, but not both.
1. 10% Off Coupon: When you present your coupon at the time of payment, you'll receive a 10% discount. (This coupon cannot be used if you made a reservation beforehand with KKday)
2. Drink Discount Coupon: When you make a reservation online with KKday, you will receive one complimentary soft drink per person, depending on the number of people in your reservation (Applies to soft drinks only. Beer and alcohol are excluded).
Points To Note When Using These Coupons
・Valid until March 31, 2025.
・Cannot be used in combination with other coupons.
・Cannot be used for goods and souvenirs.
・Coupon must be presented at time of payment, and cannot be used after payment.
・Coupon cannot be exchanged for cash.
So please make use of these coupons and enjoy tasty food for a reasonable price.
Which Menu Item Was the Best? The Results Are In!
This writer visited both Tokyo Ginza Yabaton and Osaka Shochiku-za Yabaton, and enjoyed the limited edition menu item at each location. Both items were very tasty. So to be perfectly honest, it was very difficult choosing which one was best.
However, in the end, this writer chose...the Tokachi Royal Mangalica Fillet Tonkatsu served at Tokyo Ginza Yabaton!
The deciding factor was the incredibly delicious and unforgettable taste.
Though it was pork tonkatsu, it was impressive just like Wagyu beef in terms of its sweet flavor and tender texture. It had a refreshing taste that you never get tired of, and it was surprising that it didn't have an odor that is sometimes associated with pork.
Please try this amazing pork dish at least once. If you do, your feelings about tonkatsu will definitely change.
Yabaton is a tonkatsu specialty restaurant. They insist on using the finest of ingredients, and are loved by diners of all ages. The perfect combination of the tonkatsu with the miso sauce, passed down since the restaurant first opened, will put you in culinary bliss.
If you're going to try the limited edition menu items it's best to make a reservation beforehand. We highly recommend using KKday's online site for this. Also please be sure to use their handy coupons!
Sponsored by Yabaton
Written by
Tokyo, Japan
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