【Food Review ● Japan】Katsushika Tonkatsu, Nagasaki – Thick-Cut Pork Loin and Signature Kakuni Cutlet at a Local Favorite

When talking about local delicacies in Nagasaki, besides the commonly seen “Champon noodles”, “Kakuni” (braised pork belly) is also a must-try dish for many travelers.

During the Edo period, Nagasaki served as a crucial port for international trade, especially with China. As Chinese merchants and students arrived, they brought with them the dish “Dongpo Pork”, which gradually adapted to Japanese culinary styles over time and evolved into what is now known as “Kakuni”.

Typically, Kakuni is served in a steamed bun, similar to the Taiwanese “Gua Bao”. However, in recent years, some restaurants have tried different approaches to present this traditional dish — one of them being the “Kakuni Cutlet”.

Katsushika Tonkatsu is a relatively well-known tonkatsu specialty shop in Nagasaki. One of their signature dishes is their original creation: the “Kakuni Cutlet (角煮かつ)”.

Katsushika Tonkatsu – Location and Atmosphere

As of the time of writing, Katsushika Tonkatsu has two locations in Nagasaki: one near Shinchi Chinatown and another near Kankodori (Tourist Street).

I visited the Shinchi Chinatown branch. The storefront is clean and well-maintained, with a noticeable signboard that’s easy to spot.

Each seat is equipped with white sesame seeds, alcohol sanitizer, and napkins for self-use. There is also a small stand displaying the shop’s original sandwich menu — feel free to ask the staff if you’re interested.

Once seated, the staff serves a glass of cold barley tea, which helps cleanse the palate, especially when enjoying fried foods.

Katsushika Tonkatsu – Menu

Menu date: April 2, 2025Katsushika Tonkatsu mainly serves set meals (teishoku), along with a few a-la-carte items. The signature “Kakuni Cutlet (角煮かつ)” is only available as a standalone item and must be ordered in addition to a set.

The menu is primarily in Japanese. It’s unclear whether an English version is available, but you can take a photo and use a translation app to assist with ordering if needed.

It’s also worth mentioning that Katsushika Tonkatsu offers a selection of alcoholic beverages. The restaurant is certified under Suntory’s “Premium Foam” program, so beer lovers might want to enjoy a cold glass with their meal.

For more about Suntory’s Premium Foam certification, refer to this article.

Katsushika Tonkatsu – Dishes

Each set meal at Katsushika Tonkatsu includes rice, salad, miso soup, and a small portion of pickles to pair with the rice. You can get one free rice refill; a second refill will cost extra.

The rice was well-cooked with a good balance of stickiness and texture. The accompanying pickles helped cut through the greasiness, making them a refreshing side to the fried dishes.

The salad was seasoned with a sesame dressing, crisp and fresh, serving as a nice and appetizing start to the meal.

The miso soup was fairly basic, with standard seaweed ingredients. It didn’t stand out in flavor and felt more like a formality to complete the meal.

Thick-Cut Premium Loin Set + Kakuni Cutlet ★★★☆☆

I ordered the popular “Thick-Cut Premium Loin Set” from the menu and added the restaurant’s signature “Kakuni Cutlet” as a side.

Notably, Katsushika Tonkatsu uses “Hojuton” pork, a premium brand from Minamishimabara, Nagasaki. This pork is also used by many upscale restaurants, which reflects its high quality.

The tonkatsu came with three condiments: yellow mustard, onion sauce, and salt — offering different ways to enjoy the flavors.

A bowl of tonkatsu sauce was also provided, which you can mix with freshly ground sesame seeds from the table — a common but enjoyable pairing.

The loin cut weighed around 200 grams — thick, meaty, and satisfying, sure to please those with a hearty appetite.

The pork cutlet was crispy on the outside and tender inside. The lean meat wasn’t dry, and the fatty part had a rich aroma without being greasy — overall, it was well executed.

The onion sauce added a light, complementary flavor, while the sesame tonkatsu sauce, although tasty, didn’t particularly impress me.

Unfortunately, the presentation fell short — the cutlet became soggy after plating, which affected the texture and overall experience. This issue significantly lowered my impression of the meal.

As for the Kakuni Cutlet, it was made by deep-frying pre-braised pork belly. Unfortunately, due to overcooking and multiple preparation steps, the meat became tough and dry — far from enjoyable.

Not only was the texture unappealing, but the flavor was also overwhelmingly salty. It didn’t live up to my expectations at all, and I would not recommend this dish.

Dining Review – Katsushika Tonkatsu

Overall, while the “Thick-Cut Premium Loin” was decent, it didn’t stand out compared to other tonkatsu restaurants. The featured “Kakuni Cutlet” was disappointing and did not suit my taste.

That said, taste is subjective, and everyone’s preferences are different. If you’re curious to try a unique style of tonkatsu that’s not commonly found elsewhere, this place might still be worth a visit.

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===Overall Rating===
Food: ★★★☆☆
Service: ★★★☆☆
Ambience: ★★★☆☆

Tabelog: 3.60 (as of April 2, 2025)

Address: 5-25 Kago-machi, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture

Access: About 3 minutes on foot from “Medical Center” Station on the Nagasaki Electric Tramway

Business Hours: 11:30 – 15:00｜17:00 – 21:00

Phone: 095-825-0188