Spanning oceans and captivating diners of all nationalities, Japan’s tonkatsu is a culinary marvel.
In Japan’s more renowned tonkatsu eateries, it’s not uncommon for the majority of patrons to be international travelers, united in their fascination with this crispy, deep-fried pork cutlet. Among these, “Butagumi Shokudou,” nestled in the cosmopolitan Roppongi district of Tokyo, emerges as a standout destination, earning the adoration of a global fan base.
Every day, a new tonkatsu experience
At Butagumi Shokudou, which prides itself on serving “the ultimate tonkatsu,” the brand of pork you’ll savor changes on a daily basis.
Whether you opt for “Standard,” “Premium,” or “Super Premium” (“Special” in Japanese), you’re in for a treat, choosing from an array of top-tier pork every time you order.
On the day of our visit, we opted for the Premium pork, a hit among international visitors. Moreover, we selected the “Rosukatsu (loin cutlet)” for its perfect fat-to-lean ratio.
The thick slices of pork are generously coated in coarsely ground breadcrumbs and then fried for about 10 minutes, allowing the residual heat to perfectly finish the cooking process.
Using a special blend of sesame oil as the foundation for the frying oil imparts a delightful crispiness to the tonkatsu, ensuring each bite is irresistibly light and free from any heavy aftertaste.
The tonkatsu at Butagumi Shokudou, with its substantial thickness, may take a bit longer to fry, but careful attention to the oil’s temperature ensures the pork remains succulently juicy.
The result is a tonkatsu with a tender texture that locks in the pork’s natural umami. From the moment you savor the freshly fried tonkatsu, the juices gently seep out, promising a mouthwatering experience with every bite.
Savoring the masterpiece: three golden rules
Butagumi Shokudou elevates the tonkatsu experience with three golden rules for your ultimate enjoyment:
First, eat with the cut side up to savor the crunch and juiciness in every bite.
Dive in sauce-free for the first taste, allowing the pure essence of pork to unfold on your palate. This allows you to appreciate the texture and flavor of the pork brands meticulously selected by the restaurant in their natural state.
Second, grace your tonkatsu with the rock salt waiting on your table.
Butagumi Shokudou chooses its pork with an eye not just on texture but on how its flavor unfurls delightfully in your mouth. This exquisite rock salt, with its notes of sweetness and richness, doesn’t overshadow the pork’s natural flavors. Instead, it beautifully harmonizes the taste, making the tonkatsu’s deliciousness shine even brighter.
Rock salt, a tableside staple
Lastly, ladle some of their original sauce into a small dish and dip your tonkatsu in it.
Pouring sauce directly onto the tonkatsu might alter the coating’s texture over time. To avoid this, the restaurant came up with a new method inspired by the way cuts of sashimi are usually enjoyed by dipping them in soy sauce. This method ensures you can enjoy that irresistible crunch without compromise. Delight in the contrast between the crispy exterior and the juicy interior, savoring the best of both worlds till the very last bite.
While Butagumi Shokudou recommends enjoying tonkatsu with a sprinkle of salt, they’re also deeply committed to crafting the perfect sauce.
A Butagumi Shokudou original, their sauce is meticulously blended to achieve the perfect balance between sweetness and tartness. It’s crafted to complement the star of the show, the tonkatsu, enhancing its flavors without overwhelming them with its own, a subtle touch that makes all the difference.
Butagumi Shokudou provides unlimited refills of white rice and shredded cabbage
The bustling scene of a beloved eatery where over 100 meals are served daily
Butagumi Shokudou is a hotspot that sees lines forming out front almost daily. Selling over 100 meals during lunchtime alone hints at its soaring popularity.
Inside, counter seats wrap around the kitchen, offering a front-row view of the chefs at work frying tonkatsu. Additionally, table seating is available, making it perfect for dining in groups.
Butagumi Shokudou’s interior
Nestled in Roppongi, the spot is a magnet for international foodies, complete with English menus and guides on pork cuts. Butagumi Shokudou’s commitment to hospitality makes it the go-to place for those looking to indulge in their first tonkatsu experience in Japan.
English menus are available
Though tonkatsu may be considered a common fare in Japan, Butagumi Shokudou turns it into an exceptional encounter.
The meticulous attention to detail in every slice of tonkatsu served here transforms a simple meal into an exquisite feast, guaranteeing a memorable dining experience.
Information
| Store name | とんかつ 豚組食堂 Butagumi Shokudou |
|---|---|
| Address | Metro Hat / Hollywood Plaza, Roppongi Hills B2F, 6-4-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
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| Access |
Roppongi Station 2-minute walk from Roppongi Station Nishi-Azabu Gate
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| Phone number | 03-3408-6751 |
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Payment |
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| Service charge/Table charge | None |
| Hours | 11:00-16:00（last order 15:15）, 17:30-23:00（last order 21:45） |
| Closed | No holidays excluding Roppongi Hills holidays |
| Seating | 34 seats 9 counter seats, 25 table seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Official website | https://www.butagumi.com/shokudo/index.html |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of February 2024.
