Japanese seems always to serve delicious and beautiful meals!

Me and my friends often travel to Japan for just wanting to taste yummy Japanese food, no matter if it is sushi, lamian, etc. We always can find the best, but still do not hurt you wallet.

This time we went to restaurants which serve curry pork chop: Pork Katsu Curry – Tonkatsu.

Pork Katsu Curry

Katsu Curry is the perfect combination of delicious flavor and delightful crunch! This incredibly simple Japanese meal with curry sauce, fluffy sushi rice and crispy tonkatsu will warm your heart and make you happy.

Tonkatsu

Tonkatsu is a super tasty Japanese dish. A pork cutlet is breaded with panko breading and deep fried – The result is delicious!

It sounds simple, but it’s not boring at all. Sometimes the simplest things in life are the best. 😉

There are two main varieties: Fillet and Loin.

It’s especially delicious when you bite into the crispy breading that surrounds the tender meat and succulent layer of fat, melting in your mouth. The whole thing is then served with a delicious sauce. Often that’s a spicy brown tonkatsu sauce, a drizzle of karashi mustard, or a little salt. It’s accompanied by piles of shredded cabbage, a bowl of rice, and a spicy miso soup – just the perfect meal.

A real treat for the palate! You must try it!

Good to know: A direct phonetic equivalent for “cutlet” in Japanese is “katsuretsu,” which becomes “katsu” when shortened. Add the Chinese-Japanese word for “pig,” “ton,” and you get the delicious “tonkatsu” – crispy fried pork cutlets (not to be confused with the pork-based ramen broth “tonkotsu”).

We looked for restaurants in downtown Osaka. Usually the good ones are always full with people. Actually we had to go to some twice to finally get in because they don’t accept reservations. You need to lint in front of the door, and must be quick and need a bit of patience. People start to gang up around 11AM for lunch!

The meal we focused on is pretty simple, as it’s all about pork chop with dense curry sauce. 

Simple but so yummy! No wonder why many people wait outside and just want to have a bite!

Here are some of our favorite places to eat in Osaka

Curry Restaurant New Daruni

No idea why it’s called ‘New’, as the restaurant New Daruni is for curry lovers a true veteran and has been around since the end of the war. Here you can enjoy the authentic Japanese curry rice with its spicy aromatic and hearty taste.

One of their most popular dishes is Curry Rice with Pork Chops. The juicy pork chops are always freshly fried as soon as the order arrives in the kitchen. The crispy and breaded taste will delight you.

Open: 9:00 – 17:00 (Sundays closed)
Address: New Daruni, 2-12-16, Nippombashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka

Pork Cutlet Curry at New Daruni in Osaka, Japan.
Pork Cutlet Curry at New Daruni in Osaka, Japan.

Tonkatsu Daiki

As you can guess by its name, the restaurant is specializing in tonkatsu. It is located a short walk from Nagahoribashi Station.

This is a relaxed, uncomplicated and inexpensive place to eat.

Here you can enjoy delicious and affordable cutlets that are freshly prepared to order. The crispy exterior is matched only by the juicy and greasy interior, especially if you order the cutlet. However, if you opt for the fillet, you can expect a tender taste experience.

Get delicious, crispy fried pork cutlets at an affordable price. Whether it’s for lunch or dinner, you’ll get your money’s worth at Daiki, even on a budget.

Address: 1 Chome-6-2 Higashishinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka

Tonkatsu Daiki in Osaka, Japan.
Tonkatsu Daiki in Osaka, Japan.

Tazumura Daimaru Umeda

Walk into the Daimaru Umeda store (close to JR Osaka Station) and head up to the 14th floor. There are many great options, but tonkatsu specialist Tazumura is worth a mention. Especially pork lovers will get their money’s worth here!

The secret of the delicious taste lies in the fine pork chops that come from the lucky Berkshire pigs of Kirishima. These are breaded in extra coarse breadcrumbs and slow-roasted in high-quality canola oil.

The result is a crispy yet succulent delicacy that will delight you!

Address: Kita Ward, Umeda, 3 Chome−1−1 14, 530-0001 Osaka

Tazumura Daimaru Umeda in Osaka, Japan.
Tazumura Daimaru Umeda in Osaka, Japan.

Getting around Osaka

We recommend you choose a 1-day or 2-day pass for flexible use and discover the most popular tourist attractions with just one ticket.

This exclusive offer is specially designed for foreign visitors and includes extra discounts at around 30 famous attractions, allowing you to experience the best of Osaka.

For example, you’ll be able to take a fast ride on the OSAKA Metro public transportation system in Osaka. Whether by bus or metro, you can explore the city endlessly.

Price: around €4 per day

With this pass, you don’t have to worry about planning your route and avoid the hassle of changing trains on crowded public transportation.

Choose between a 1-day or 2-day option and explore the most popular tourist destinations without the stress and hassle. OSAKA Metro’s city buses and trains offer comfortable seats and pleasant interiors for maximum comfort.

Osaka Metro includes:

  • Midosuji Line
  • Tanimachi Line
  • Yotsubashi Line
  • Chuo Line
  • Sennichimae Line
  • Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi Line
  • Imazatosuji Line
  • New Tram
  • Osaka City Bus: Imazato Liner

As a special highlight, you’ll also get discounts at about 30 attractions such as the breathtaking Umeda Sky Building, the beautiful Tsutenkaku Tower and the fascinating Osaka Castle Museum, Kuchu Teien Observatory, Osaka Tennoji Zoo, Tempozan Giant Wheel, Shitennoji Temple, Spa World Onsen and more. Pretty good for that price!

It is very easy to use. You can redeem the ticket at any metro station. You just need to show the QR code from the email at the commuter office to redeem the ticket.

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Psst…if you’re looking to explore a more underground side of Osaka, check out our alternative Osaka travel guide.

Here’s how to spend a day in Osaka

Interested in food in Japan? Check out these posts:

Author

  • Travel Dudes

    I'm sure you've had similar experiences I had whilst traveling. You're in a certain place and a fellow traveler, or a local, tip you off on a little-known beach, bar or accommodation. Great travel tips from other travelers or locals always add something special to our travels. That was the inspiration for Travel Dudes.