Tonkatsu, the breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet, has captured hearts far beyond Japan—cementing itself as a global culinary icon. It’s often said to be the next big thing in Japanese cuisine after sushi and tempura.
While the basics are simple—pork (ton in Japanese) coated in breadcrumbs and fried to perfection as a cutlet (katsuretsu, abbreviated as katsu)—there’s endless variety across Japan, with each region offering its own spin on this classic dish.
In Niigata Prefecture, for example, there’s a beloved local take featuring tare (sauce) and served as a don (rice bowl) called tarekatsu-don. Thinly sliced pork cutlets are dipped in a savory sauce before being placed on a bed of white rice.
This lesser-known style of rice bowl isn’t quite like the more standard katsu-don, and it’s a perfect example of how tonkatsu can be reimagined to offer something entirely new.
“二段もりカツ丼,” Double Layer Pork Katsu-don: lunch 1,400 JPY (tax included) / dinner 1,460 JPY (tax included)
Niigata’s local flavor, right in Kichijōji
You don’t have to travel to Niigata to enjoy authentic tare katsu-don. Thanks to “Niigata Katsudon Tarekatsu” which has expanded to Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, this regional delight is always within reach. If you’re in the Tokyo area, you can stop by one of their Kichijōji branches, for example.
Staying true to its Niigata roots, the restaurant uses locally sourced ingredients and follows the traditional cooking methods for tare katsu-don.
The pork cutlets are made from thin slices of Waton Mochibuta (a premium Niigata pork), and they’re deep-fried in pure lard that’s been heated to the perfect temperature—creating an ideal match of flavor and texture.
Deep-frying the pork in pure lard enhances the flavor
Both pork thigh and tenderloin cuts are used at Niigata Katsudon Tarekatsu, but their signature “Double Layer Pork Katsu-don” features six (or five at lunch) thinly sliced pork cutlets stacked generously over rice.
The key to this dish is the sauce—made from organic soy sauce, sugar, and a special broth, it’s carefully simmered and replenished daily to maintain a deep, balanced flavor that’s both sweet and savory.
The cutlets are fully soaked in the sauce, infusing them with sweet-salty flavor
Each piece of pork soaks up the sauce while staying lightly crispy on the outside and tender and juicy within. Though the cutlets are thin, they’re still satisfyingly meaty—offering a richness that pairs perfectly with the sauce’s sweet notes.
The signature thin cutlets of tarekatsu-don
And it’s not just the pork that shines. The rice—Niigata-grown Koshi’ibuki—is cooked just a bit firm to ensure it holds its texture under the sauce-soaked cutlets. It’s one of the many careful details that make each bite so memorable.
Their tonkatsu also holds its own
Niigata Katsudon Tarekatsu isn’t only about tarekatsu-don. The restaurant also serves up other specialties that highlight the versatility of Niigata’s ingredients and cooking techniques.
One standout is the “Pork Katsu Plate,” a set meal featuring thick pork thigh cutlets served alongside rice and miso soup.
“ロースカツ膳,” Pork Katsu Plate 1,740 JPY (tax included)
Since Niigata Katsudon Tarekatsu prides itself on “Niigata quality,” the pork they use, just like the tarekatsu-don, is also Waton Mochibuta from Niigata, offering exceptional tenderness and a gentle sweetness in every bite.
But it’s not just the brand pork that makes it delicious. The restaurant’s frying technique—using a blend of lard and canola oil at a low temperature—ensures a delicate, crisp coating that’s light but flavorful.
The pork is fried slowly at low temperature for maximum juiciness
While you can dip your cutlet in a bit of the included sauce, the staff’s recommendation is to try it with just a pinch of salt—bringing out the pork’s natural sweetness and umami even more.
Adding karashi (spicy Japanese mustard) is another tasty option
Another must-try: “Prawn-don (4 pcs)” with outstanding tartar sauce
In Niigata, most sauce tarekatsu-don shops stick to the basics and serve only the classic dish. What truly sets Niigata Katsudon Tarekatsu apart—especially as it expands across Tokyo—is the variety of menu options they offer.
Of course, there’s the Pork Katsu Plate, but you’ll also find dishes like the “Pork Katsu (2 pcs) & Vegetables-don” and the “Prawn-don (4 pcs),” making for an impressively varied lineup.
“海老丼,” Prawn-don (4 pcs) 1,390 JPY (tax included)
The Prawn-don (4 pcs) features four large, crispy fried prawns placed atop shredded cabbage and white rice—a dish that’s both eye-catching and deeply satisfying.
The prawns have a firm, chewy texture and a rich taste that comes alive when paired with the crunchy breading. Each bite is light but deeply flavorful, thanks to the bright crunch of cabbage beneath.
What takes this dish over the top is the tartar sauce—made simply with onion, pickles, egg, and a creamy base. It’s rich, tangy, and perfectly complements the prawns without overwhelming them.
This is comfort food elevated by careful attention to balance and detail—making it a must-try on any visit.
A sprinkle of sanshō (Japanese pepper) or shichimi tōgarashi (seven-spice blend) from the table can also add an extra kick
Located just a three-minute walk from Kichijōji Station’s north exit, Niigata Katsudon Tarekatsu Kichijoji North Branch has seating on both the first-floor counter and the second-floor tables—perfect for solo diners or groups.
If you’re looking to try a new kind of tonkatsu in Kichijoji, this place is a must-visit.
Information
| Store name | 新潟カツ丼 タレカツ 吉祥寺北口店 Niigata Katsudon Tarekatsu Kichijoji North Branch |
|---|---|
| Address | Shiraishi Building 1F–2F, 1-13-2 Kichijōji Honchō, Musashino-shi, Tokyo |
| Access |
Kichijōji Station 3-minute walk from North Exit
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| Phone number | 0422-27-2790 |
| Reservations | Not accepted |
| Payment |
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| Service charge / Table charge | None |
| Hours | 11:00 AM–10:30 PM（last order 10:00 PM） |
| Closed | None Unscheduled holidays |
| Seating | 25 seats 15 counter seats, 10 table seats |
| Smoking | All seats are non-smoking |
| Website | https://www.tarekatsu.jp/ |
| Other information |
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※Menu contents, prices, store information, etc. are current as of May 2025.
