tonkatsu
とんかつ
Tonkatsu is a popular Japanese dish consisting of a thick slice of pork loin or fillet that is breaded with panko (coarse breadcrumbs) and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The mental image is of a crunchy, savory exterior giving way to a juicy, tender piece of meat, usually served with a tangy, thick brown sauce. It is considered a staple of "yoshoku" (Western-influenced Japanese cuisine). It is most commonly served as a set meal (teishoku) alongside shredded cabbage, rice, miso soup, and pickles. You will often hear it associated with "katsu," which is a homophone for the word "to win," making it a popular meal for students before big exams.
In conversation
Dinner plans
I'm starving. Should we grab some tonkatsu?
I'm starving. Should we grab some tonkatsu?
Yes! I know a place that serves the best thick-cut loin.
Yes! I know a place that serves the best thick-cut loin.
Tonkatsu is often a go-to comfort food when dining out.
Exam prep
Good luck on your test tomorrow!
Good luck on your test tomorrow!
Thanks, I'm going to have tonkatsu for dinner tonight so I can 'win' the exam.
Thanks, I'm going to have tonkatsu for dinner tonight so I can 'win' the exam.
Referencing the cultural superstition where katsu implies victory.
Examples
I ordered the tonkatsu set meal.
わたしはとんかつていしょくをちゅうもんしました。
I ordered the tonkatsu set meal.
The tonkatsu was perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
とんかつはそとがさくさくで、なかはとてもやわらかかったです。
The tonkatsu was perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Many people enjoy drizzling a generous amount of savory tonkatsu sauce over their fried pork.
おおくのひとは、あげたぶたにくにこくのあるとんかつソースをたっぷりとかけてたのしみます。
Many people enjoy drizzling a generous amount of savory tonkatsu sauce over their fried pork.
