At Masamune, the simple tonkatsu is taken to the next level with premium ingredients. The restaurant serves Koshi Ibuki rice from Sado Island in Niigata, and uses Kuwana rice bran oil for frying, which is rich in vitamin E and antioxidants. The house pickles are infused with chili for extra zing. Even the breadcrumbs are produced from bread made just for the purpose.
As for the meat, expect no less than Waton Mochibuta brand pork. You are encouraged to forego the usual tonkatsu sauce and mustard and instead enjoy your pork fillet or loin with rock salt and a squeeze of lemon – simple condiments that will best bring out the meat’s natural flavours.
While dinner sets are priced above ¥2,000, the cheapest set lunch of minced-meat cutlet – served with rice, tonjiru (pork miso soup) and pickles – will only set you back just ¥1,080. Otherwise, go big with the thick cut special pork fillet meal for ¥1,680, especially if you like your meat a little fatty. Do note that Masamune is located in a prime office district, so you’ll need to be prepared to queue.